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Post by roverpup on May 18, 2017 15:58:03 GMT
Day 17 -
On the schedule today was a train trip to Bletchley Park. The four of us had a quick breakfast and then headed out to catch the tube first and then the direct train to Bletchley about 9 o'clock.
It was a very fast trip and soon we were in the station with a well marked path to the facility. We really only had to follow a school group of French students because they were headed there too.
After a quick lineup to buy tickets we got the audio devices and were on our way on the self guided tour.
One of the most beautiful buildings (actually THE ONLY beautiful building) was the old Mansion that featured in the film about Alan Turning - The Imitation Game. The approach was up a path and around a small pond that was just picture perfect (even the swan seemed right out of a postcard). Inside the mansion the features of the house (ceilings, paneling etc.) were gorgeous!
They had all the period pieces for props to set the WWII era just right. Actually they weren't "props" - they were the actual artifacts.
We spent quite a lot of time in the mansion and when we were finished we wandered over to Hut 4 which had been converted into a dinning area and had a light lunch.
The rest of the afternoon was spent going through all the many exhibits in the various restored huts. Near the end there was a huge section devoted to Turing and his work on "The Bombe" device which was instrumental in decoding the German's Enigma machine.
All of us took a bundle of pictures.
Finally we were ready to head back to London for a rest and an early bite to eat before getting ready for David Tennant's play tonight.
Very shortly we will be heading out to get on the tube to see the play!
This ought to be quite an experience!!!
:-))
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Post by roverpup on May 20, 2017 10:52:03 GMT
Day 18 -
Last night the four of us went to see that magnificent madman David Tennant act in Don Juan in Soho. And he didn't disappoint in the least.
We had pretty good seats - centre about halfway back in Wyndham's theatre in the heart of the West End. Beautiful venue BTW, not quite as ornate as the Royal Haymarket but close.
The play was done with it's tongue firmly planted in it's literary cheek. It had a very saucy feel - even the fire curtain was done up with a definite witty tone. Looked like a flowery Xmas card from a lady of ill repute. LOL!
Adrian Scarborough was excellent in the role of Don Jaun's man servant "Stan" but the focus of the entire production is of course the "Don" himself and nobody dominates a dominating role like David Tennant! He strutted, he preened, he debaunched.
It was all very showy and flashy. But underneath it all Tennant was able to indicate the basic tragedy in the character. Not quite enough to be as sympathetic as I would have liked the character to be to carry such a production but there were definite elements of the empathy that were needed.
The second half was more surreal and exciting than the first and the humour was fast and furious. Sometimes there was a definite feeling of mocking that I could have done without, but when the production turned biting and real it did it with a lot of heart, which I really enjoyed.
After the play we went out into a pouring London rain and searched for a place to have a late dinner. It was after 11 pm that we settled on a hopping French restaurant called The Colbert (right next to the royal Court Theatre in Sloane Square).
We didn't get into bed until well after 1 am.
And that is significant because we all had to be up at about 6 am the next morning to catch the Eurostar train to Paris.
Turns out that we were right to leave as early as possible because you are crossing an international border of course and it was a lot more complicated than just jumping on a train.
The Eurostar is a great and comfortable ride! HAR had picked our seats and took a foursome with a table in the centre. The trip was all over in about 2 and a half hours and we found ourselves in the heart of Paris mid-morning.
After a bit of confusion we got a day pass for the Metro and searched out the Rodin Museum. We got there about lunch and had a lush and light lunch in the garden restaurant before going through the newly renovated museum. I love Rodin! And I love this museum!
We took lots and lots of pictures of the exhibits (re-visiting old friends and admiring the additions that were made in the recent renovations).
Afterwards we made our way over to the Arc de Triomphe. When we popped out of the Metro it was pouring rain but it didn't last long (just about 10 minutes and it wasn't too long before we were using the underground passageway to avoid the traffic and get up close to the Arch. By the time we left there was intense sunshine and it remained for pretty much the rest of the day.
After that we used our metro cards again and headed off to the Eiffel Tower. The best views are from Trocodaro so we got out at that stop and took lots of pix from the view across the river.
A short ride on the Metro and we ended up in the area of Maria's (our old stomping grounds from the last time the four of us were in Paris. We walked down to Norte Dame C. And sat awhile getting a welcome rest for our feet. It was just a short jog over to the restaurant that we had made reservations for dinner (the same one that we ate at on HAR and Marc's previous anniversary).
Dinner was delicious (although we had to keep an eye on the time unfortunately because we had to make the train back to London by 8-ish). But it was very nicely presented and the server did a bang up job of making sure we were out in plenty of time to make our train).
The trip back was mainly a sleepy blur. All of us were dog tired and when we got back to London and our apartment we went straight to bed.
This morning we got to sleep in. HAR made a great breakfast which usd up a lot of the leftover food and after packing, showers and collecting rubbish we were off to the train station and on our way to the IOW.
If everything stays on schedule we should be there a little after one pm.
Can't wait to see the stone cottage. This part of the vacation promises to be very laid back and relaxing.
See you later!
;-))
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Post by roverpup on May 21, 2017 5:54:34 GMT
Day 19 -
Today was a travel day, but at least we were able to not have to get up early because we didn't have to meet anyone at the cottage - just get the keys from a lock box and let ourselves in.
We had time to have breakfast and shower, then pack and get to the train station to catch a fairly quick train to Southampton. While on riding on the Quayconnect bus to the ferry terminal I talked to a gentleman who was also going over to the IOW on foot and he was very helpful giving us exact directions about how it all worked and even suggested about where the best seats were on the ferry. The weather was extremely sunny in London, then it clouded over and started to rain on the train but by the time we were off the ferry it was brilliant sunshine again and the skies looked like fair weather was in store for the rest of the day.
We bought a seven day rover bus pass for the bus system on the IOW which will make getting around very convenient.
I asked a lady who was sitting behind me on the bus to Brighstone about how we indicated to the driver that we wanted a particular stop and she helped us through the procedure (and in fact other people over heard our conversation and the whole bus more or less took over our care). they all seemed to be older grandmothers on the bus and they just seemed so wanting to help us along! A group of about 4 of them got off with us in the village and walked along with us to our cottage and wished us aa good stay when they parted.
The cottage - the picture don't even come close to showing how absolutely beautiful and charming it is! It looks like we are living in a picture postcard! The cottage was built in the late 1600s and is a Grade II protected building. It has been beautifully renovated inside - the bathroom is very modern and the kitchen is also very modern with cleverly built-in appliances that somehow fit all the modern conveniences into such a small, efficient space. It is amazing how much they can fit into this small stone cottage. The ceilings and doorways are very low (but Dan and I are relatively short people so it fits us just right!). On the ground floor there is a kitchen, bathroom, dinning room and small living room. Up a short staircase are two bedrooms that are actually a good size and have high peaked ceilings. Outside at the back door there is a beautiful patio terrace that is snuggled into a sheltered area and vey private. We have a patio set out there to sit down on and Buddle Brook runs right along behind the patio. Flowers surround the patio and the property. There is also an external laundry building with a full size laundry pair out there and extra chairs in it (and the ironing board and it is nicely decorated too). There is a small wooden footbridge over Buddle Brook to the back garden area which is surrounded by high hedges to give privacy.
All around us are thatched roofed cottages and quaint restored homes and cottages.
After unpacking we strolled down to the local store and bought all of our provisions for the next couple of days (including some lovely wine). Really fresh (not packaged) produce from the local farms and all the people we met were very helpful and very friendly.
By the time we put the groceries away it was half-past 6 so we walked down to the local pub called The Three Bishops and had a great meal. Afterwards we went for a short evening stroll. The ancient church in the centre of the village was ringing out the bells and the evening larks were singing... it was like a storybook!
Tomorrow - we will probably just explore the island and have a late breakfast.
:-))
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Post by roverpup on May 21, 2017 20:52:43 GMT
Day 20 -
Today we got up and made breakfast and then headed out walking towards Mottistone the site of the wedding of BC and Sophie.
It was an absolutely glorious morning - the sun was shinning, the breeze was cool, the air was fresh. We just meandered about wandering about the lanes and walkways taking all sorts of pictures of quaint cottages and gardens. We finally convinced ourselves that we were on the wrong road and then we stopped a car as it rounded a bend in the road and asked directions. They said that Mottistone was just over the next hill - and so it was!! I spotted the church first and knew it was what we we seeing immediately.
We walked around the ground first, examining the grave stones and taking tons of pictures. The door was open so we slipped quietly inside.
Stunning in its simplicity and visually steeped in the years of history, the Norman church stood solidly around us as we explored its every nook and cranny.
We made a small donation for a postcard and signed the guest book and then left to visit the Mottistone Manor Gardens. HAR and Marc decided to catch the bus back to Brighstone and to forgo the Gardens. Dan and I went for the Garden visit and had lunch in the tea garden contained within the walls of the manor's landscaping. After lunch we went up to the lookout point for the view and then descended into the flowers and shrubbery.
We spent nearly 2 hours on the grounds before deciding to walk back to Brighstone. The walk back was a lot quicker and soon we were out on our back patio with our traveling companions sipping wine and eating cheese.
We decided to rest a bit and then we walked into town for a traditional "Sunday Roast" dinner at the Three Bishops. Great meal, tons of drink, struck up a fun and interesting conversation with one of the locals at a table next to us and then it was back home to rest up to tackle tomorrow.
The plan is to visit the Long Stone tomorrow as well as getting to the Needles and even hopefully getting a boat for hire to see them properly from the sea.
The weather is supposed to even be warmer tomorrow so it promises to be even a better day for exploring.
:-))
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Post by roverpup on May 23, 2017 6:21:43 GMT
Day 21 -
We decided today to go to the Needles so after breakfast we caught a bus which took us into Newport and then transferred to one to take us to Yarmouth. We had wanted to go out on a boat but the captain was out on a fishing charter so instead we hopped on the "Needles Breezer" (for no cost because it was included in our bus pass) and it took us on an double-decker, open air ride up to the lookout point for the natural formation called The Needles. This is where the white limestone cliffs of England meet the sea.
The ride was fantastic - we could see for miles. We were far above the hedgerows! Just pure beauty of the surrounding landscapes.
Finally we made the hairpin turns up the hillside to the lookout spot and the bus dropped us off to explore.
As well as the cliffs and thelimestone formations there was also leftover cement bunkers from the Cold War rocket testing to view.
After exploring the area for quite a while we finally caught one of the returning buses back down to the area that had some restaurants to eat lunch.
After lunch we took a bus straight back to Brighstone.
Then we decided to walk to a store that sold freshwater water pearls which are harvested on the IOW and made into jewelry. It took an hour to do the walk but it was worth it. Both HAR and I got some beautiful necklaces and earrings. Spent way too much money!
Afterwards we decided to find the public walking path back into Brighstone. Got a little turned around but finally we made it back and it was mutually agreed upon that we should stop off at The Theee Boshops for a pint. That turned into dinner, which turned into an after dinner drink, which turned into listening to the folk singer who came round to provide entertainment!
Loads of fun and a great evening.
Tomorrow is HAR and Marc's last full day. We are planning to see the Long Stone and visit the Sun Inn for lunch tomorrow.
:-))
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Post by dreamsincolour on May 25, 2017 1:32:25 GMT
How goes?
I love pubs which have entertainment! Too few of them these days, except when associated with the occasional local festival or something. It's a tradition that's hung on more in Scotland and Ireland, I think.
There's a folk festival in a village near me every year, though, and that's lovely!
How did your Marc find Liverpool, out of curiosity? I shouldn't be rude about it, but it's not going to be in many people's list of favourite places.
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Post by roverpup on May 25, 2017 4:12:21 GMT
Sorry I haven't updated recently (a bit busy getting things organized to return home). Will do that in more detail later. 🙂
About Liverpool and Marc... both HAR and Marc LOVED Liverpool. They considered it a highlight of the vacation. Of course Marc being the age he is (like everyone in our group he is over 60) and owing to the fact that he has been a working musician for most of his life and that music is his passion - going to the home of the Beatles was like making a pilgrimage to Mecca for him, so how could he not love it. They had a great time in Liverpool and did all sorts of things Beatles related.
:-))
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Post by roverpup on May 25, 2017 11:23:38 GMT
Day 22 and 23
The day HAR and Marc left I was able to sit with them after they had a quick breakfast at 6:30 am. Said our goodbyes and then when Dan and got up we headed off to the Village Shop to pick up a few essentials that we would need for the next two days.
then back to the cottage and I made breakfast for us. We had our morning teas on the sun-soaked patio listening to the birds and the sounds of Buddle Brook. After breakfast we decided to head off by bus to East Cowes to visit Osborne House which was the offical residence of Queen Victoria during the summer months.
It was surprisingly palatial and the estate was HUGE! We rapidly surmised that we just couldn't see it all in the 3 hours we had before we had to catch the last bus back to Brighstone, so we decided to concentrate on the house itself. The tour was self-guided but the staff in the house was incredibly knowledgeable so we took full advantage of their expertise. Got some fabulous pictures of the beautiful crystal chandeliers and Minton porcelain.
When we got back to Brighstone we got a bottle of wine at the store and had a yummy dinner from the leftovers of the night before plus a salad and the wine. Everything was measured perfectly and we have just the right amount of food left for a small breadkfast tomorrow morning.
We packed most of the bags and got everything organized and went to bed about 11 pm.
This morning we were up at about 6:30 am and I made a quick breakfast before we caught the buses to get to the ferry terminal at East Cowes. Soon we were on the Red Funnel enjoying a coffee making the crossing to Southampton.
When we got into port wee looked for a cab but couldn't find one so the lady at the booth suggested we get the bus to the coach terminal. The bus was really crowded so the driver let us on even without a ticket. As a result we were in the coach terminal really early and were able to amend the time of our ticket so that we had less than an hour to wait before boarding the bus to Gatwick airport terminal.
Now we are on the coach and expected to arrive about the time we were originally supposed to depart for the airport! That means we will have tons of time to get baths and rest before going for dinner at the hotel (which is right in the terminal).
Signing off for now.
:-))
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Post by roverpup on May 26, 2017 7:02:15 GMT
Had an uneventful day of travel yesterday and then checked into the airport hotel. Had a lovely meal and waaaay too much alcohol and then went to bed.
Today is another day of travel but by around 10:30 PM we should be opening up the back door on our own porch.
So. In about 4 hours it will be goodbye England and we will be winging our way back home!!
Hope everyone who stuck with me in this thread enjoyed my journal.
Cheers!
:-))
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Post by queenzod on May 30, 2017 14:52:40 GMT
Thanks, Roverpup, for such a great travelogue! It sounds like you had an amazing time, lots of good food, good company, and lovely things to look at. It was nice to be able to travel along with you, virtually. I hope you're not too tired. 😃👍🏼😘
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