https://www.overthehillandacrossthepond.com/blog daily 0.75 2026-03-25 https://www.overthehillandacrossthepond.com/blog/lecce monthly 0.5 2026-01-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0ef7241c-e358-45cc-828b-b18574fc929b/tempImageqjbson.jpg Blog - Lecce & Home - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/61fbb126-cc45-47ae-820a-bf21f46c9172/Screenshot+2026-01-23+at+14.45.43.png Blog - Lecce & Home - Make it stand out We spent our final full day in Italy deep in the heel of Italy’s boot, touring Lecce. After a 1.5 hour train ride, we enjoyed pastries and cappuccinos at Pinti Patisserie (umbrellas to the right) overlooking the impressive Porta San Biagio, a historic city gate. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/10a7ab50-0e7d-4de1-b1f1-3ec9055f7633/tempImagezZfGIv.jpg Blog - Lecce & Home - Make it stand out This was a food tour and our first stop was on the other side of the piazza at Bar Astoria where we were served Friselle, a type of twice-baked bread from Puglia. The smallish ring shaped dough is baked until almost done. It’s then taken out, split in half, and baked again until rock hard. The friselle are briefly soaked in water, drained, and then served with fresh tomatoes, olive oil, and salt. Deliziosa!! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6c6f9943-fe7f-4682-aac9-d58ca0905892/tempImagepOdv58.jpg Blog - Lecce & Home - Make it stand out Inside the city walls, along Via dei Perroni, we passed homes of the wealthy. While the homes were immodest, the owners tried to show their piety, such as this house that includes an angel descending from heaven with a roll of bread. In the Catholic tradition, St Francis was hungry and knocked on doors for food. When no one answered, the angel fed him bread. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/34b9c939-41e8-464f-9784-28251a491575/tempImageSnBqKW.jpg Blog - Lecce & Home - Make it stand out The partially excavated Roman Amphitheater of Lecce from the 2nd century CE. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/708103d0-5f5f-4ec0-bcb3-5d4707f21040/tempImageCAFlox.jpg Blog - Lecce & Home - Make it stand out The Church of Saint Irene, built between 1591 and 1639, is heavily influenced by Spanish Baroque. The columns are "Solomonic," a style featuring twisted, helical shafts similar to those traditionally thought to have been in the Temple of Solomon in Jerusalem. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4aea0074-77af-49c9-911d-7cbe0ee7fc11/tempImageUTfQ5m.jpg Blog - Lecce & Home - Make it stand out A reclining baby Jesus is sleeping and the angel on the left is reminding us to not disturb his rest. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d1f65bb1-4ccb-4163-b61e-2db3569b13ac/tempImageder7YG.jpg Blog - Lecce & Home - Make it stand out The internet says the main altar in the apse is generally considered to be in the Baroque style; however, our tour guide claimed it was Rococo—not sure which is correct. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9b5d3124-216f-4441-b1a1-2124e011fc4a/tempImage0ludr5.jpg Blog - Lecce & Home - Make it stand out Always look up in old cities; you never know what you’ll see. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/566a828f-771a-4a72-81ff-971b82ed83f3/tempImager4KMnn.jpg Blog - Lecce & Home - Make it stand out Our next food stop was in a pasta shop. This maritati pasta translates to "married" in Italian, symbolizing the union of two distinct pasta shapes—orecchiette and maccheroni—the orecchiette symbolizing the "female" shape and the maccheroni symbolizing the "male" shape. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b56d74dc-73e1-4514-8059-ba9f6737949e/tempImageGfbaub.jpg Blog - Lecce & Home - Make it stand out Sagne 'ncannulate is a traditional, hand-twisted pasta from the Salento region of Puglia, Italy. It is a quintessential dish of southern Italian cucina povera (peasant cooking), typically made without eggs using only durum wheat semolina and water. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2450bd6a-a916-453d-8810-b325c28ea6d5/tempImagelRJgif.jpg Blog - Lecce & Home - Make it stand out Finally, Tria is the name for a local ribbon-shaped pasta, much less known than orecchiette or cavatelli but equally treasured by the Pugliesi. Made from semolina flour and water, tria is often translated as “tagliatelle,” but they are actually quite different. You make them without eggs and cut them into ribbons rather thicker, wider, and shorter than tagliatelle. In a word, tria is more “rustic”, with a chewier and more substantial mouthfeel and a pleasantly nutty flavor. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b4ca758c-7f09-4fd1-b57e-abcd8e9e9f9f/tempImagenk68QG.jpg Blog - Lecce & Home - Make it stand out Ciceri e tria (Pasta and Chickpeas) is a pasta dish unique to Salento, Puglia, and one I wish I could have tried. The tria pasta is split. The first portion is fried in oil until crisp, tan, and crunchy. The remaining half is simmered in a pot, along with the starchy liquid from the can of chickpeas, some water, and a little salt and pepper to create the sauce. Then the chickpeas are added along with a couple of bay leaves. Once the second portion is softened, the crispy pasta returns to the pot, and everything simmers together until the sauce lightly clings. Looks and sounds amazing! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5360c7ef-684f-43bd-8093-6ec5c851f65a/tempImageZrs73r.jpg Blog - Lecce & Home - Make it stand out Next stop was Lecce Food Market to try rustici leccesi. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0c8def46-fc6c-4d20-b7ce-18a0c4536379/tempImageUeOgjb.jpg Blog - Lecce & Home - Make it stand out Rustici leccesi are savory Apulian puff pastry discs filled with creamy béchamel, tomato purée, mozzarella, and white pepper. Not a very vegan-proud moment, but “when in Lecce…” and you don’t want to offend your host. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f1bceeac-feab-4f4e-807e-ca5d4832085d/tempImageSBWdHZ.jpg Blog - Lecce & Home - Make it stand out The façade of Basilica di Santa Croce (Church of the Holy Cross) is considered a triumph of Lecce Baroque. The original church was built in the 14th century to house the relics of the True Cross, near the Castle of Lecce. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f3943f1c-cceb-4a39-bf88-abf22c542c38/tempImageq0hc9d.jpg Blog - Lecce & Home - Make it stand out Our final food stop was thankfully vegan-friendly—a single origin dark chocolate from Ecuador gelato from the artisan Galateria la Romana dal 1947. Best gelato ever! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d9cd31e0-61c8-46ee-ab69-5cfa3b8367b1/tempImagezj3dmx.jpg Blog - Lecce & Home - Make it stand out After the tour, we returned to the Piazza del Duomo, surrounded by the cathedral, Bishop's Palace, Seminary Palace, and the campanile del duomo (bell tower). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ca3988fc-8357-4825-8023-9ad0fd8dd833/tempImageNmkbBX.jpg Blog - Lecce & Home - Make it stand out An elevator took us near the top of the tower (the final bit of stairway was closed) for a rather uninspiring view of Lecce. As it was such a clear day, we should have been able to see Albania across the Adriatic Sea. We may have, but we couldn’t really be sure if it was land or dark clouds we were seeing. Oh well! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/862706ab-8417-42c8-be77-9ec6355e1ede/tempImageU9FR2n.jpg Blog - Lecce & Home - Make it stand out A quintessentially Italian mode of transportation on a quintessentially Italian street. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/515a855f-1598-4f76-85cd-de83517fe80c/tempImageZYokk5.jpg Blog - Lecce & Home - Make it stand out With our train not departing for over an hour, we were drawn into Caffè della Lupa by their promise of Aperol Spritz and cicchetti. Cicchetti (chi-KET-tee) are small, savory snacks to balance the cocktail's bittersweet flavor. These included olives, savory corn crackers, and taralli crackers—traditional, ring-shaped snacks from Puglia. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/623c0b94-ca57-44fc-948d-2f3c320a8b0a/tempImagebzFD68.jpg Blog - Lecce & Home - Make it stand out Somehow Dave had booked Business Class tickets on a Frecciarossa (Red Arrow) 1000 high-speed train back to Bari, which shortened our travel time nicely and we did so in style. We shared a final pizza at Pizzeria de Cosimo, then packed our bags for an early-morning departure. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/29148a16-8c67-4425-8f25-90833bca573e/tempImage0LVP7T.jpg Blog - Lecce & Home - Make it stand out The taxi ordered by our Airbnb host was on Italian Time, so we ordered an Uber to Bari Airport instead, where we caught our 6:20 am ITA Airways flight to Rome. This is the view of the sun rising over a layer of billowy clouds as we begin our descent into Rome. Perhaps that is Croatia on the distant horizon. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1c217a79-2094-4b8d-9dd5-d6c0514cba55/tempImage7gYNLx.jpg Blog - Lecce & Home - Make it stand out One last time standing at a cappuccino bar in Rome’s international terminal. Our 9:10 am ITA Airways flight left an hour late but still managed to arrive at LAX 30 minutes early—go figure! Thanks for inviting me Dave—it was a wonderful trip that has filled us with many great memories! https://www.overthehillandacrossthepond.com/blog/bari-vecchia monthly 0.5 2026-01-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/74f2ab7b-651d-4532-9f3d-25b8fefdac84/tempImageP98E4g.jpg Blog - Bari Vecchia - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/dbb9915d-bca5-489f-95ec-107e4a28b233/tempImagehPNof2.jpg Blog - Bari Vecchia - Make it stand out On Monday morning we returned to Il Caffettaio for our morning pastries and cappuccinos (we also stopped in before our bus left for Alberobello and Matera on Saturday morning). The shop name translates roughly to The Little Coffee Maker or The Coffee Guy. That guy happened to be quite friendly, and he and Dave agreed that Dave could practice his Italian, so long as the owner could practice his English. In a rather surprising coincidence, there was a Talisker distillery poster in the shop’s bathroom. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ca7b26ee-429a-4143-84e6-11ea7c9a7de2/tempImageUWyiA2.jpg Blog - Bari Vecchia - Make it stand out When Dave and Christa visited with Amanda and me in Scotland, we purchased this bottle of whisky to celebrate my retirement. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8f24737d-1fa5-45de-9853-77c19ea13a26/tempImageyJuUKw.jpg Blog - Bari Vecchia - Make it stand out Here we are at Talisker Distillery on Isle of Skye on July 24, 2023—such a crazy coincidence! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ff7c3957-c590-4f5a-971a-c52f172ca3a5/tempImageq0fSBz.jpg Blog - Bari Vecchia - Make it stand out Though we had been living in Bari for three days, we booked a formal walking tour of Bari Vecchia (old Bari) for Monday morning. The tour stared at Castello Svevo di Bari (Bari Swabian Castle). Roger the Norman originally built this castle in the 12th century over the ruins of a Byzantine structure. Later, Frederick Il of Swabia (Germany) built over the existing castle—the castle’s name owing to its most recent builder. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c335a55a-2ce0-489b-9fdd-b18521d45578/tempImageE80Fyr.jpg Blog - Bari Vecchia - Make it stand out The tour then entered the old city traveling down what is sometimes informally referred to as “Orecchiette Street” because of its high concentration of pasta grannies literally rolling out fresh orecchiette for sale each day. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/35206238-fa76-4579-a595-c5b3dbbd9338/tempImageiaTl7W.jpg Blog - Bari Vecchia - Make it stand out Black street stones (or pavers) in Bari Vecchia, known locally as chianche, are historically significant for guiding visitors and merchants unfamiliar with the often confusing, maze-like layout of the old town toward the exit. While the main paving stones are white or cream-colored, these black, contrasting stones once served as a navigation tool. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/cc734d58-8d18-45af-a94d-17c676b604b8/tempImagewTmvEj.jpg Blog - Bari Vecchia - Make it stand out Our tour guide showing the restoration of the 13th century Romanesque Cathedral of Saint Sabinus (Basilica Cattedrale Metropolitana Primaziale San Sabino). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f84f7817-efb7-496a-a863-3e2e9a3c3b37/tempImageE0Hoek.jpg Blog - Bari Vecchia - Make it stand out According to legend, when the Church of St Nicholas (adjacent our apartment) was being built to house St Nicholas’s relics after they were brought to Bari in 1087, the construction lacked one final column. The legend tells that on the night between September 30 and October 1, 1089, St Nicholas himself appeared, escorted by two angels, and placed this reddish column into the crypt. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/df086eea-e4c0-4782-94a7-5cace2a79458/tempImagefGHIFs.jpg Blog - Bari Vecchia - Make it stand out For centuries, the pillar has been considered miraculous. Traditionally, young unmarried women (nubili) would walk around the pillar three times, touching or praying to it, and would quickly find a husband.. The column was originally part of the colonnade surrounding the tomb but was moved to this corner in the 19th century. Because of its popularity and the damage caused by pilgrims touching it—as well as some small pieces breaking off—the pillar is now protected by a grate. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a66bef0f-dd46-4f48-b19e-6e017718060a/tempImagePCfpPx.jpg Blog - Bari Vecchia - Make it stand out This beautiful paved walkway on top of the old city wall was valuable ocean-front property. However, all the doors and windows are small and simple because of the constant exposure to the sea. Interestingly, the servants lived on this side while the wealthy owners lived opposite, on the protected side of the building. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/bd3a4db4-def5-41f6-9e51-4f952b1a3e1a/tempImagegUTQOK.jpg Blog - Bari Vecchia - Make it stand out The Colonnadella Giustizia (Column of Justice), also known as the Colonna Infame (Column of Shame), located in the bustling Piazza Mercantile, was erected in the 16th century so that debtors and minor offenders could be publicly humiliated. The white marble column features a crouching stone lion at its base. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/964571bf-59d3-45ab-8b8b-d923950c1130/tempImageMEcfKm.jpg Blog - Bari Vecchia - Make it stand out This beautiful, small Romanesque basilica of Chiesa della Vallisa was built in the 11th century. It sits in Piazza Del Ferrarese⁩ next to an exposed section of Via Appia Traiana, completed around 109 CE. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a86cd883-afb3-4518-8aa2-7ec26720a5ba/tempImagenmGxmw.jpg Blog - Bari Vecchia - Make it stand out Dave purchasing freshly-handmade orecchiette from pasta granny Angela in Bari Vecchia. Angela is just out of view in the doorway here, but we watched her earlier roll out dough, cut off small bits, and then roll the knife blade over the cut bits to produce the orecchiette, which are then dried on these racks. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2a8dd84d-811b-446d-9e72-dc0c396b849e/tempImage9LXpyh.jpg Blog - Bari Vecchia - Make it stand out We learned on our tour that Peroni beer is bottled in Rome, Padua, and right here in Bari. That was enough inspiration to return to our rental and enjoy the Peroni beers the owner had placed in the refrigerator for us. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/eef9e3d3-aed1-42ab-b317-a192c029292f/tempImageCXlWgI.jpg Blog - Bari Vecchia - Make it stand out Meanwhile, Dave made a lunch booking at the popular Urban Assassineria restaurant in Bari. Instead of traditional boiling, spaghetti all'assassina (assassin's spaghetti) or spaghetti bruciati (burnt spaghetti) is cooked directly in the pan—traditionally cast iron. A broth typically made of tomato sauce diluted with water is gradually added to the pan and the pasta absorbs it, similar to a risotto. As the spaghetti absorbs the sauce, it cooks directly on the pan surface, developing significant browning and a distinctive and uniquely crispy texture. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/191dea34-314f-42fa-bd27-780cdb65ceb4/tempImagea7tmkd.jpg Blog - Bari Vecchia - Make it stand out Dave had the La Crusca version—Spaghetti Assassina, garlic, chili pepper with creamy broccoli rabe, smoked red pepper sauce, hard canestrato cheese fondue, and peperone crusco https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/35862f61-47e3-4d33-bb8b-0d9515e15a5b/tempImageXMSzDN.jpg Blog - Bari Vecchia - Make it stand out I had the Classici—Granoro spaghettone Urban-approved, tomato puree, garlic, & chilli pepper. It was so exceptional, my mouth is watering again just writing about it! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e9201580-8a13-46a3-a5d8-b29cc6872afe/tempImageXcryxq.jpg Blog - Bari Vecchia - Make it stand out As the sunset, we walked over to the Episcopio and the Museo Diocesano di Bari to view the Exultet parchment scrolls. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/bd30f714-0fda-449a-b55c-bed5b8c2a855/tempImageP5AMuv.jpg Blog - Bari Vecchia - Make it stand out The Golden Hour settles on Bari as we make our way to the museum. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/edb564c7-28f7-419c-a21e-63a20bcb8b9d/tempImagelIXB0K.jpg Blog - Bari Vecchia - Make it stand out Parchment is the untanned skins of sheep, calves, or goats. The longest Exultet scroll in Bari came from the Monastery of San Benedetto and measures about 17 feet in length. You can see the stitching where the eight rectangular sheepskin folios were sewn together. It is thought that just 28 Exultet still exist today, and 3 of these are preserved in Bari. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/86ea7c0f-ffab-4feb-bb3a-7df2bc17dfa4/tempImageKPmspK.jpg Blog - Bari Vecchia - Make it stand out The scrolls are referred to as “illuminated” because they are decorated with hand-drawn embellishments. These images are inverted to allow the congregation to view them as the deacon reads the music and intones the liturgical chant during the Easter Vigil. Each liturgical scroll is an exquisitely detailed work of Southern Italian Medieval art, made between the 10th and 12th century CE. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7b1af7ff-10d2-4564-8407-9cd98e83e3c7/tempImageurJfMR.jpg Blog - Bari Vecchia - Make it stand out Under the museum is an archeological stroll through history that includes remains from a 5th- to 6th-century paleo-Christian basilica (which includes this impressive "Timoteo's mosaic"), a 9th-century church, tombs from different periods, and a section of Roman road surface. That night we made our fresh orecchiette for dinner in our apartment. https://www.overthehillandacrossthepond.com/blog/polignano-a-mare monthly 0.5 2026-01-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ebaa7320-768d-4831-b46c-4ae557930633/tempImageAR3MiH.jpg Blog - Polignano a Mare - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b2f79f56-55cb-4bae-9171-ab7f7d38c67c/tempImageD4QyVj.jpg Blog - Polignano a Mare - Make it stand out On Sunday, we made a 35-minute train ride south along the coast to the town of Polignano a Mare. Perched on the Adriatic, it’s famed for its white-pebble beaches—though they shine a lot more on a warm summer day than they did today, with a chilly wind whipping in off the water. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ecf581b3-b919-4f50-8cab-5b2a5a368312/tempImagewXvRPj.jpg Blog - Polignano a Mare - Make it stand out Polignano is also well known for its many sea caves. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9ab3d4a4-5e77-430e-b5c7-f8235609dd99/tempImageK0VFON.jpg Blog - Polignano a Mare - Make it stand out Polignano a Mare's iconic "Roman bridge" is actually the Ponte Borbonico (Bourbon Bridge). While it looks ancient, this bridge was built in the 1800s, but it stands directly over the original Roman bridge that was part of the Via Traiana, an ancient Roman road built by Emperor Trajan (109 CE). We ate lunch in the low, covered patio near the top right of the image. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6f07e47d-d7dc-492c-b32c-f8f33056cc80/tempImaged7lNkN.jpg Blog - Polignano a Mare - Make it stand out Standing on the bridge with the famous Lama Monachile (aka Cala Porto) beach below. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0978b76c-f258-43dd-9e8a-2e5c38368485/tempImageXTaOFJ.jpg Blog - Polignano a Mare - Make it stand out The deeply romantic old town buildings rise high above the cove. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/301bb270-2146-48b6-a8e6-d4142ebf963c/tempImageQsLI0f.jpg Blog - Polignano a Mare - Make it stand out As mentioned above, we ate lunch at Via Terrazzo. Their pizza was delicious, but… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0d9258e1-2866-4e77-934c-4c62437caeb7/tempImage2VksB7.jpg Blog - Polignano a Mare - Make it stand out …I must say, the roasted potatoes stole the show! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ac24e2f6-ec2d-48f5-a9d1-fbab394bece1/tempImagegNVbGj.jpg Blog - Polignano a Mare - Make it stand out Pendma Chiatt, also known as Pietra Piatta (flat stone), offers stunning panoramic views of the old town perched on limestone cliffs and Cala Porto (beach). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e0c97624-1f0a-4c41-906e-16cab72194b9/tempImagexd5jhR.jpg Blog - Polignano a Mare - Make it stand out The wind whipped up some big waves and I managed to capture a pretty dramatic one crashing into the cliffside while taking Dave’s picture. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9387045f-e240-40b7-8bd7-11d9c004e972/tempImagezR82Ok.jpg Blog - Polignano a Mare - Make it stand out Quite the atmospheric spot! I can only imagine it at sunset! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2bba6089-7d61-479e-a194-fc0c5031ae32/tempImagekjeX1w.jpg Blog - Polignano a Mare - Make it stand out Monument to Domenico Modugno who was an Italian singer, actor, and, later in life, a member of the Italian Parliament. He is known for his 1958 international hit song “Volare (Nel blu dipinto di blu)," for which he received the first Grammy Awards for Record of the Year and Song of the Year. Modugno was born in Polignano a Mare on January 9, 1928. Turns out we were two days late for his 98th birthday anniversary. Time to escape the wind and head back to Bari. https://www.overthehillandacrossthepond.com/blog/alberobello-amp-matera monthly 0.5 2026-01-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/660ee235-d9ca-403e-8b03-cc635c97a0e9/tempImagecLVJLB.jpg Blog - Alberobello & Matera - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4dd07e6b-474f-4513-af66-e54dc829c383/tempImageKAI7Wn.jpg Blog - Alberobello & Matera - Make it stand out Dave booked us a bus tour that took us from Bari to Alberobello and then Matera. These distinctive whitewashed stone huts featuring conical, dry-stack stone roofs are a hallmark of rural Puglia (Apulia), in southern Italy, particularly in the countryside between Bari, Brindisi, and Taranto. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a27f1a7c-ef0f-4688-b260-549368ad5f20/tempImageNHxn3V.jpg Blog - Alberobello & Matera - Make it stand out The name “trullo” (plural “trulli”) comes from a mix of Latin and local dialect roots, most commonly traced to the Latin word turris, meaning “tower.” The name essentially refers to their tower-like form, even though trulli are small rural dwellings rather than actual towers. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/68b6d98e-6c78-4e9a-abaf-c414f6fb229a/tempImageaV19j0.jpg Blog - Alberobello & Matera - Make it stand out Alberobello is the most famous trulli town and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0d41aaa8-5beb-4fd1-8924-a97bd1a03800/tempImagenkGxvD.jpg Blog - Alberobello & Matera - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/153d8f2c-ca3d-4b81-a488-762fccf2c811/tempImagedIOrmI.jpg Blog - Alberobello & Matera - Make it stand out A trullo mailbox. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a1ddd73f-e776-41fb-b879-6e26c4c71812/tempImagedEklR7.jpg Blog - Alberobello & Matera - Make it stand out The Trulli Brothers https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1cd24efe-49f0-4327-a49f-46de2ae94542/tempImage4wzyFy.jpg Blog - Alberobello & Matera - Make it stand out A ladder provides access to an upper level of most trulli, where supplies may be kept and children often slept. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/aff793df-60d2-4d39-b3e0-a967ca2a54e2/tempImageSnShHM.jpg Blog - Alberobello & Matera - Make it stand out The view up into a trullo loft. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6fd4972d-bc12-4867-9451-8affb1731504/tempImageSPwbtq.jpg Blog - Alberobello & Matera - Make it stand out I absolutely loved this all-stone mailbox! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4f2cec86-42a2-469f-9c63-012828cc26de/tempImageU8heTC.jpg Blog - Alberobello & Matera - Make it stand out A bedroom inside a trullo. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0bb86ba5-2c89-466a-969d-37076f95b49a/tempImageTmn5eE.jpg Blog - Alberobello & Matera - Make it stand out Our tour focused on the more residential northern side of town. Afterward, we wandered over to the more touristy southern side, seen here in the distance. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ca7e7d6e-1d1c-4352-b84a-afdb57551155/tempImageRhFUG7.jpg Blog - Alberobello & Matera - Make it stand out A trullo-inspired Catholic church. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c88ff625-90eb-42f5-bcca-9ef8c007ccdd/tempImagePf9j3r.jpg Blog - Alberobello & Matera - Make it stand out Dave having just purchased a trullo-inspired creche for Christa. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d7c66490-1248-453c-9a74-06dcb3e3576e/tempImageCisETW.jpg Blog - Alberobello & Matera - Make it stand out On Via Monte Pertica, the main tourist street. Now, back to the bus and on to Matera. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f357a628-c0bf-4bba-afde-25b8e1776b81/Screenshot+2026-01-21+at+16.00.24.png Blog - Alberobello & Matera - Make it stand out Matera was the spectacular backdrop for the opening pre-credit sequence of the 2021 James Bond movie, No Time to Die. Unlike Bond’s Aston Martin DB5, driving into Matera for us was like entering any other modern Italian city. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/218093a2-c475-4219-a786-124884f7c9de/tempImagePuaEBG.jpg Blog - Alberobello & Matera - Make it stand out From our bus parked in the modern center of town, a half mile walk took us to the eastern edge and the historic medieval district. Stairs led below street level where we entered the remains of Chiesa rupestre dello Spirito Santo (Cave Church of the Holy Spirit). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d0c01bb6-8272-4195-b265-55c994d2468e/tempImage5qEXBQ.jpg Blog - Alberobello & Matera - Make it stand out The church remains included this Byzantine-style, medieval fresco of St Sofia—the legendary early Christian mother of three daughters named Faith, Hope, and Charity (Love). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3d4d0792-0826-449b-b3ac-5c5643b97317/tempImageHlvJYT.jpg Blog - Alberobello & Matera - Make it stand out Walking through the back of the church ruins, we caught our first sight of the Sasso Barisano district where medieval façades hide deep prehistoric caves, and modern life hums inside ancient rock. Sasso means stone and Barisano describes how the canyon opens in the direction of the old trade routes to the important coastal town of Bari. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7db6d134-ebed-4024-92bf-8d42a5d55347/tempImage8GaX79.jpg Blog - Alberobello & Matera - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/97e74f9b-5a33-4638-82e2-a35858b6c361/tempImagexPvTra.jpg Blog - Alberobello & Matera - Make it stand out Homes, churches, cisterns, and streets were carved directly into the soft tufa rock, creating a dense, vertical city that developed continuously from prehistoric times through the Middle Ages. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e2d849a9-4f01-437f-b795-c3173d16d50a/tempImageoRJZQC.jpg Blog - Alberobello & Matera - Make it stand out Matera’s Sasso Barisano is one of Europe’s oldest continuously inhabited settlements with cave habitation going back to approximately 7000 BCE! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/99fee46e-8b57-4d33-a19c-c0fabd8d0db2/tempImage6Vz91j.jpg Blog - Alberobello & Matera - Make it stand out Some of the many naturally-occurring caves are visible in the distance. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6b3ddb10-f840-4572-a557-9ff79ce9b838/tempImageSctFpV.jpg Blog - Alberobello & Matera - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6ac281e2-d910-4ec8-b97b-6bfc8a5b77d3/tempImagefaj4Eu.jpg Blog - Alberobello & Matera - Make it stand out Cathedral of Maria Santissima of the Bruna & Sant'Eustachio, built in the 1200s, includes a beautiful rose window and a skyline-dominating bell tower. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/59462413-9775-4d74-8b43-cb9d8857f2f2/tempImagey5j9KQ.jpg Blog - Alberobello & Matera - Make it stand out In the movie, James Bond rode a motorcycle up the cobbled street below and jumped this wall in spectacular fashion, landing in the courtyard of the church behind Dave. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/bd1316a8-393f-44af-84a0-6a21ce55564b/tempImage6b8PWb.jpg Blog - Alberobello & Matera - Make it stand out Also facing the church courtyard is this hotel, where Bond and girlfriend Dr. Madeleine Swann spent the night https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b618ccdc-aad8-4482-b968-eb0a75a91945/tempImage4DONMu.jpg Blog - Alberobello & Matera - Make it stand out Chiesa di San Pietro Caveoso (St Peter & St Paul Church) perched atop the rocky outcrop, high above the ravine. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1b9b0fed-10e9-4f61-b565-31273a77abf8/tempImageCqLMEr.jpg Blog - Alberobello & Matera - Make it stand out Perched on Monterrone, the cliff that rises from within the middle of Sassi, is one of the most scenic rock churches: Church of Saint Mary of Idris. Spectacular! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/88c7729d-c486-4aa2-bad5-2cf009f2d048/tempImageCi1VG2.jpg Blog - Alberobello & Matera - Make it stand out The hilltop on the other side of the ravine was used as Golgotha (the hill outside Roman Jerusalem where Jesus Christ was crucified, also known as Calvary) in the 2004 film The Passion of the Christ. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/42cc9a18-8cd7-4083-bb2d-4f676e49b510/tempImage2pKeSo.jpg Blog - Alberobello & Matera - Make it stand out The older buildings behind Dave were used as “Jerusalem” for the filming of The Passion of the Christ. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d5deee27-8e0c-47e5-b18a-f543191a18aa/tempImageJ9zvB0.jpg Blog - Alberobello & Matera - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8b7ccc08-8510-4e68-824a-d89f94852d39/tempImageXTuDrJ.jpg Blog - Alberobello & Matera - Make it stand out The Matera cistern, primarily known as Palombaro Lungo, is a vast, cathedral-like underground reservoir beneath Piazza Vittorio Bento, showcasing Matera’s ancient ingenuity for water management. Only the Basilica Cistern (Yerebatan Sarnıcı) in Istanbul, Turkey, is larger. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/46f0425c-1e5a-41f5-b981-d9623dcadada/tempImagebSpFFX.jpg Blog - Alberobello & Matera - Make it stand out Carved into the rock, this colossal structure collected spring and rainwater, holding millions of liters and serving the city until modern aqueducts arrived. Today, walkways allow visitors to explore its cool, vaulted chambers, a key part of Matera's UNESCO World Heritage site. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/36b2514a-5930-4061-b0d9-6ba7b47a4693/tempImageFbGTRa.jpg Blog - Alberobello & Matera - Make it stand out That evening, back in Bari, we had a great dinner at La Cantina dello Zio (Uncle’s Wine Cellar). This is our amazing bruschetta. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9f4ec876-7321-4bf0-b4e2-27283f9452a6/tempImage8JEXYD.jpg Blog - Alberobello & Matera - Make it stand out Given that orecchiette ("little ears" in Italian) is deeply associated with Bari and the Puglia region, what choice did I have but to order it for dinner. While the exact origin is debated, Bari and Puglia are recognized as the heartland of this pasta. In Bari Vecchia (Old Bari), women known as pasta grannies still make orecchiette by hand on the streets, a tradition passed down through generations. It was delicious! Good night Bari! https://www.overthehillandacrossthepond.com/blog/en-route-bari monthly 0.5 2026-01-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ed554134-2133-4e7b-a621-a32cc0bf4a72/tempImageRn65vU.jpg Blog - Bari - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/33181ef6-de64-4729-8161-f1b560b7f6e2/tempImageSYq4lp.jpg Blog - Bari - Make it stand out We had only one night in Caserta, but our train to Bari did not depart until 2:24 pm, so we left our bags at the hotel and wandered the streets and shops of Caserta. On our way to mail postcards at the Poste Italiane, we encountered a funeral at Duomo di San Michele Arcangelo. We found the name of the funeral transportation company quite humorous. Not sure why there were two vehicles, but the other vehicle was a hurst and it was a Maserati! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e89ca7b3-c6da-4814-8d98-c149f2b8462e/Screenshot+2026-01-20+at+19.18.22.png Blog - Bari - Make it stand out After ten days of exploring southern Italy and savoring nearly two dozen cappuccinos, the one at Pasticceria Benefico in Caserta was easily the best. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d59e2ec2-984c-4ce3-96d6-478ef6790e01/tempImagePpxypS.jpg Blog - Bari - Make it stand out The largest train operator in Italy is Trenitalia, which is a division of the Italian government. The company has been in existence since 1905—the year my grandfather was born in San Vittore del Lazio! The fastest trains operated by Trenitalia are the Alta Velocità (AV) series, named in descending order of speed: Frecciarossa (“Red Arrow”), Frecciargento (“Silver Arrow”), and Frecciabianca (“White Arrow”). This was the “Silver Arrow” train that took us to Bari in a little less than four hours. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7f97b078-9f5f-4799-817c-dc0eb9b5c2d3/tempImage4Xs9Gw.jpg Blog - Bari - Make it stand out Dave walking through Giardini di Piazza Umberto I (The Gardens of Umberto I Square) after departing the Bari Centrale train station. Umberto I was King of Italy from 1878 to 1900. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/902bd9d2-d938-419b-98ca-0ed63fcd6384/tempImagemHZzDW.jpg Blog - Bari - Make it stand out The garden square gave way to Via Sparano da Bari, a lengthy, decorated pedestrian walkway lined with every imaginable shop. It reminded me of wealthy beach towns in California, like Del Mar or Encinitas—only chillier. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/96fa4de4-a521-4190-a8d0-8bc8f8d5ede5/tempImageuqkIxv.jpg Blog - Bari - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8d565ef4-2052-402b-859c-c96fa762ce9a/tempImagezRRy9a.jpg Blog - Bari - Make it stand out On this map you can see the Bari Centrale train station, the park, and then the developed urban areas in yellow. Much like Lower Manhattan, the original portions of Bari—Bari Vecchia (old Bari)—are quite noticeable because the street grid disappears and becomes irregular and winding. Our Airbnb is marked with a red heart. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d57e7011-d710-4f3e-ab68-6ce6e03ac1ee/Screenshot+2026-01-20+at+16.17.28.png Blog - Bari - Make it stand out Our Airbnb—Dimora Riccardi San Nicola (Riccardi St Nicholas Residence)—was part of a larger building that began as an ancient monastery in the 1500s. The bas relief over the entryway depicts the Madonna and Child and includes the Latin inscription Sub tuum praesidium confugimus, Sancta Dei Genetrix, meaning “Under your protection we take refuge, Holy Mother of God,” which is the opening line of an ancient Christian prayer to the Virgin Mary. Oral tradition hold that Pope Sixtus V stayed here during a pilgrimage to venerate the relics of St Nicola. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/91087d7c-e0c7-40e1-9c28-f4722711d01b/Screenshot+2026-01-20+at+16.33.08.png Blog - Bari - Make it stand out The convent was eventually abandoned until it was acquired by the noble Nitti-Valentini family who, in 1785, transformed it into an elegant aristocratic residential palace. With the construction of the Murat district in the 19th century, many noble families left Bari Vecchia. The palace, too, was gradually converted into a popular apartment building. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/751068cf-1acb-4b3b-a23c-03186c476ad9/Screenshot+2026-01-20+at+16.32.38.png Blog - Bari - Make it stand out The building still retains valuable architectural elements: a rusticated stone portal, Doric columns, a courtyard with rings for tying horses (two are seen on the right wall in the previous image), a stone staircase, and a loggia with Tuscan columns. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3a6112cd-275b-400a-9aa8-5c6fafb91b5e/tempImageIaogHi.jpg Blog - Bari - Make it stand out Our apartment was immediately adjacent to and had exceptional views of the Basilica San Nicola (Church of St Nicholas). The church is said to house the relics of St Nicholas of Myra—the 4th-century bishop who inspired the figure of Santa Claus. These were brought from Myra (in present-day Turkey) to Bari in 1087 by sailors, to protect them from Muslim invasion. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5845d1ba-d1bc-4ac8-bcca-4a30a68e1f60/Tomb-Saint-Nicholas-Basilica-di-San-Nicola-Italy.jpg.webp Blog - Bari - Make it stand out The relics are kept in this marble tomb in the crypt beneath the main altar. Every May 9—the day the relics arrived in Bari in 1087—clergy open the saint’s marble tomb and a priest lowers a small container and collects a clear, fragrant liquid that has seeped from the relics. This “manna” (often described as myrrh-like) is mixed with holy water, increasing the quantity so it can be shared with the faithful. The solemn, ceremonial moment is attended by both Catholic and Orthodox clergy. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6b0b513c-de7c-4779-9367-3afbb36c46e4/tempImageJbLjt1.jpg Blog - Bari - Make it stand out Our apartment (the 6 arched windows and the first Juliette balcony) as seen from the Basilica. Because of St Nicholas’s relics, the basilica is an important pilgrimage site for Roman Catholics, as well as for Eastern Orthodox Christians. The statue of St Nicholas seen here is controversial because it was personally gifted to the church by Vladimir Putin. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3e3e779d-239d-4867-b5fa-e80ec43beca5/tempImagesre7xv.jpg Blog - Bari - Make it stand out After dropping off bags in our amazing rental, was ate dinner in this striking piazza in Bari Vecchia known as Lovers’ Square. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/793058e0-c386-4b5a-8b9d-a3f3d9c64568/tempImageRflnYa.jpg Blog - Bari - Make it stand out Dave preparing to order our pizzas at Pizzeria dei Cosimo (Cosimo is a traditional Italian male given name). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a9f32fa1-a6c5-48a7-86e3-ad704bd8db8b/tempImage9Vz6iL.jpg Blog - Bari - Make it stand out With an amazing pizza oven made by Pavesi Ovens of Rimini (Rimini is a region of Italy near San Marino), your pizza just has to be good! https://www.overthehillandacrossthepond.com/blog/caserta monthly 0.5 2026-01-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0cfd7c97-7c28-4564-946c-36311afecb8c/tempImageJwLnfl.jpg Blog - Caserta - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/fc1f8b05-03fc-40f5-a632-7d444aed896d/tempImageWvN5mH.jpg Blog - Caserta - Make it stand out After two overcast and rainy days, we awoke to a clear, crisp, and cold morning in Cassino. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8b438703-8855-4ca8-9cba-7a7aa61542ef/tempImage5rk5Kb.jpg Blog - Caserta - Make it stand out From our (unused) balcony, we could now see a dusting of snow on the mountains to the northeast. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7791858a-6aee-43c4-b9cf-64e9f009218a/tempImage3pqJNx.jpg Blog - Caserta - Make it stand out As the sun peaked over the hills south toward San Vittore del Lazio, we swung our backpacks over our shoulders and walked into Cassino’s downtown, quietly grateful for the simple ritual of pastries and cappuccinos that now grounded our mornings. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1e06ba03-f042-483f-9809-402b4567ad01/tempImagePSSobA.jpg Blog - Caserta - Make it stand out Enlivened by another visit to Naples Coffee Bar, we walked to the train station with time to spare before our 10:05 train to Caserta. The Abbey of Montecassino perched high on the hilltop never failed to impress. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/502b6df1-d2ce-44f0-b884-d18c85e711f8/tempImagedTNBqs.jpg Blog - Caserta - Make it stand out Ready for our train to Caserta. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/19a07df2-a255-4d50-a8fd-812e734a982a/tempImagetDMMEO.jpg Blog - Caserta - Make it stand out As our train rolled south, we caught a final, distant glimpse of San Vittore del Lazio, the hills behind it graced with an overnight fresh powdering of snow. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/bf0d75f8-afe0-49ca-b684-8d5a233e8806/tempImagerd3hr5.jpg Blog - Caserta - Make it stand out The trip to Caserta was a quick 1:15. A short walk later we found ourselves checking in at Hotel dei Cavalieri Caserta—La Reggie (Knights of the Royal Palace Hotel). Afterward we crossed Piazza Luigi Vanvitelli and walked into Caffè Italia for this rather uninspired focaccia pizza. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f4c01844-54a4-49fe-a5f5-d70d414471aa/tempImageRGEiyl.jpg Blog - Caserta - Make it stand out At least they offered these pudding-like chocolate desserts. I had Extra Fondente (extra dark chocolate) and Dave had Nocciola (hazelnut). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b1cf4df7-4549-4b01-b979-3ab8b925b1f5/tempImageKJELki.jpg Blog - Caserta - Make it stand out Next it was off to tour of Reggia di Caserta (Royal Palace of Caserta). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/03d783d3-a937-4344-b822-508b7d320c8b/tempImageEbMynR.jpg Blog - Caserta - Make it stand out The Palace of Versailles near Paris, France, was built first, and the Bourbon kings of Naples explicitly desired to rival it. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/04dbf7d2-e29d-4583-a0a3-76707f5b15cc/tempImagesDrzff.jpg Blog - Caserta - Make it stand out Caserta feels like it should be Versailles’ equal, but when you actually walk it, it comes off underwhelming by comparison. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b0e55bfb-fd6e-4693-a8ab-0abaf341a3c8/tempImageFhz5sa.jpg Blog - Caserta - Make it stand out Luigi Vanvitelli was the architect of Royal Palace of Caserta. This statue was in the Piazza Luigi Vanvitelli outside our hotel. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4a4e7b69-1dd8-41d0-8bf2-14d057afd2aa/tempImageEAVJYS.jpg Blog - Caserta - Make it stand out Then it was out to the grounds of the 18th century landscaped park and water gardens. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/bc2faeb5-b012-471e-902a-cce4a190e13d/tempImageKhcGq5.jpg Blog - Caserta - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/00bf8acc-c95f-449b-b339-a0d599fd5700/tempImageoDBH16.jpg Blog - Caserta - Make it stand out At the far end of the water gardens with the palace along the horizon. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5668e11f-3331-4900-934b-7d01d5b530aa/tempImage0z3zi9.jpg Blog - Caserta - Make it stand out Heading back. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/dd303d5d-eac6-4834-9812-57db7fe1347a/tempImageMYxsPb.jpg Blog - Caserta - Make it stand out Nearly back. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2c9b150f-51fe-438f-b51d-51507448a8c4/tempImagea5pFxh.jpg Blog - Caserta - Make it stand out After 23,600+ steps and 11 miles, we deserved a great dinner at Osteria Nunziatina. For our antipasti we had "half a mozzarella and eggplant pizza" - bread crust with fennel seeds, with mozzarella, San Marzano tomatoes, and fried eggplant. A real treat! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ae077516-81c7-4164-b638-681f26f70dec/tempImageGEaEFK.jpg Blog - Caserta - Make it stand out For dinner I had Linguine Di Martino, Salina capers, Gaeta black olives, oregano, and cherry tomatoes from Mount Vesuvius. Deliziosa! https://www.overthehillandacrossthepond.com/blog/san-vittore-del-lazio monthly 0.5 2026-02-04 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7a63c32b-a25a-4c7c-9849-b4898c9e80cc/tempImagem7E50E.jpg Blog - San Vittore del Lazio - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/770d438d-7d64-49b9-a166-af92f9ce7e11/tempImageIpNCGh.jpg Blog - San Vittore del Lazio - Make it stand out Today, Wednesday, January 7, 2026, was the big day—time to visit the birthplace of our maternal grandfather Patrick Verdone (b. 11/3/1905; d. 1/16/1994). But first things first! We walked down the hill from La Residenza di Carolina to Naples Coffee Bar. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ed23392f-8583-48a4-8fcf-6700f47078de/tempImageL08Xf4.jpg Blog - San Vittore del Lazio - Make it stand out Pastries and cappuccinos—the absolute essential morning ritual. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/cbcdd6e4-019a-4320-980b-cb16470fdc33/tempImageh9vwsh.jpg Blog - San Vittore del Lazio - Make it stand out Unable to figure out a satisfactory bus route, Carolina decided to drive us the 20-minutes to San Vittore del Lazio. This is looking out of the traffic circle—with the proper direction arrow—looking toward the town perched on the hill in the distance. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2e137104-43a0-48ae-ad7c-9d66c2f6c432/tempImagez4GLj8.jpg Blog - San Vittore del Lazio - Make it stand out At our request, Carolina dropped us off at the town’s only church with an existing graveyard, which was labeled Church of Our Lady of Grace and the attached Cemetery of Saint Victor. Both are seen here from town. They are just outside town and connected by car over a winding road, or by an old footpath that was once likely the only link between the two. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/38331991-db17-4c86-9234-486b2ee8d01d/tempImage5WNqmP.jpg Blog - San Vittore del Lazio - Make it stand out The view of San Vittore from the church and cemetery. From here it’s easy to imagine its historical hilltop position as a medieval walled city. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8d91fb16-47d9-4f40-af26-829b816d8d99/tempImagez9RuIx.jpg Blog - San Vittore del Lazio - Make it stand out Caught between Nazis forces repelling Allied forces advancing from the south, parts of San Vittore, including the previous church and cemetery here, were destroyed during WWII. The plaque on the left says, “The restoration of the exterior façade of the church was carried out with the contribution of the people of San Vittore and fellow townspeople residing in Detroit and Canada. A.D. 1975.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5acb693a-de99-4dc2-82d1-c48c9f96ebd1/tempImagewEkJ7x.jpg Blog - San Vittore del Lazio - Make it stand out What became obvious rather quickly touring the graveyard was that all the dates on the graves were too recent. Relatives like Pat’s maternal grandmother Diodato Maliza were born around 1855; however, the oldest birth dates we found were from the turn of the century. A brochure for Chiesa di San Nicola (below) said there was once a graveyard at that church, but it no longer exists. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b4242343-e784-456a-ad3f-665a1165b21c/01+Pasquale+Birth+Cert.png Blog - San Vittore del Lazio - Make it stand out It was not until we discovered our grandfather’s given name at birth was Pasquale—not his adopted Anglicized name of Patrick—that we found his birth certificate. It was from this that we learned he was born in San Vittore del Lazio on November 3, 1905. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/19d7080f-cacf-4644-9172-19137015eafb/Regions.png Blog - San Vittore del Lazio - Make it stand out Italy is divided into five geographical areas: North-West, North-East, Centre, South, and Islands. Italy is further divided into 20 regions, with the Lazio Region being in Central Italy—thus San Vittore del Lazio. roughly translates as “Saint Victor of the Lazio Region.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ae1623ff-475c-49d9-913a-cc793c1df792/Screenshot+2026-01-18+at+08.24.58.png Blog - San Vittore del Lazio - Make it stand out The Lazio Region currently has five provinces: Frosinone, Latina, Rieti, Viterbo, and the Metropolitan City of Rome Capital. However, the top of Pat’s birth certificate says Province of Caserta and the District of Sora. This is because in 1927 the town was transferred from the province of Caserta to the newly formed province of Frosinone under Fascist reforms, reflecting Italy's centralization efforts. This explains the change in province following Pat’s birth in 1905.. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a1201540-c1d4-4bd3-a74d-e81a714c572e/2025-07-09-21-11-0001.jpg Blog - San Vittore del Lazio - Make it stand out From the birth certificate we learned that Pat’s parents were Angelo Verdone and Elvira nee Bonaventura. Elvira died in America aged 49 in roughly 1922, and this may be a photo memorializing that sober occasion. If so, then Pat (Pasqule) is about 17 years old and Victoria (Vittoria) is about 15 years old. Pat is dressed as a “man,” while his younger brothers Eugene (Eugenio) (13) and Frank (Franco?) (6-7) are dressed as “boys.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e319b1d7-7d40-46b2-bf2a-989acc1bd7ec/02+Elvira+Passport+03+Pages+4-5-1.png Blog - San Vittore del Lazio - Make it stand out As was often the case, Angelo moved to America first to establish financial security. Elvira followed with the three oldest children in tow, each occupying an entry on Elvira’s passport, their places of birth all listed as San Vittore del Lazio. The arrival date stamped upon entry is September 20, 1913. Frank was born in the US on January 1, 1916. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/bf6bc6c7-ec19-47f8-b3ab-cce55cff2566/tempImagetQPdVY.jpg Blog - San Vittore del Lazio - Make it stand out We did find one grave for an Elvira Bonaventura. While Pat’s mother died in America, it may have been a relative. This photo is on the footpath back to the city (looking back toward the graveyard). The stone enclosure was built to house a Madonna. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/566189df-0540-4d17-848f-f9e60368ddbd/tempImageIHqvAE.jpg Blog - San Vittore del Lazio - Make it stand out Dave on a clearly more modern bridge that crosses the ravine before climbing up into San Vittore. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/444ba427-1fa7-47c5-ba89-75208b14a2c1/tempImageN33Slc.jpg Blog - San Vittore del Lazio - Make it stand out This was the town hall where we apparently had missed the record keeper who had left earlier in the morning. Dave continues to work with them online attempting to secure familial records. Although we were not able to gather the records we had hoped, we did learn that the name Verdone was definitely not from San Vittore, but Bonaventura (Pat’s mother’s maiden name) most decidedly was! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/99a4b316-a70a-48c1-977f-b50b43f8399b/tempImage3DXPTo.jpg Blog - San Vittore del Lazio - Make it stand out The blue clouds show clusters of the name Verdone in relation to the town of San Vittore del Lazio, shown as a red dot. From this it seems likely Angelo Verdone was a neighbor to Elvira Bonaventura, who lived in San Vittore del Lazio. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6d147e56-5609-4d2e-a168-ff7ac0f9da7f/i-sanniti-e-larcheologia-foto-di-comunesanvittoredellazio.fr_.it-2.jpg.webp Blog - San Vittore del Lazio - Make it stand out On a historical note: an important fortified city preceded San Vittore. High on the first peak northeast of town are the remains of a mighty defensive system formed by gigantic boulders surrounding the first two ridges of the mountain. This is believed to be ancient Aquilonia, a Samnite city destroyed by the Romans in 293 BCE. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/71f535d8-0831-47df-822f-b7e97f85641a/Screenshot+2026-01-31+at+19.44.31.png Blog - San Vittore del Lazio - Make it stand out The red arrow marks the hilltop position of the ancient city of Aquilonia above San Vittore del Lazio. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/192e809c-c97a-4b28-abe2-07173eba0312/tempImagexhI5Sn.jpg Blog - San Vittore del Lazio - Make it stand out The ruined walls of the ancient city of Aquilonia still crown the hilltop above San Vittore (right). After Aquilonia’s destruction, in the early medieval period, a monastic cell dedicated to San Vittore (St Victor) was established on this lower hilltop. By the tenth century, repeated Saracen raids prompted the cell’s fortification, and it gradually evolved into a defensive stronghold—shaping the medieval street plan that remains visible in parts of San Vittore today. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7bf403e3-b404-4b39-a180-e0bb606b09cc/tempImagem41rX2.jpg Blog - San Vittore del Lazio - Make it stand out Situated near the Via Latina—a major Roman consular road linking Rome with Campania (including Pompeii and Naples)—the existing fortifications were subsequently consolidated into the “castle” of San Vittore del Lazio, known locally as the “castle with twenty-three towers.” The formal fortification was first documented in a 1057 charter. Remnants of its once formidable walls and towers remain visible throughout the village and are illustrated on this map displayed inside the town hall. Notes on the church (“A”) and gate (red arrow) follow. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/861310d8-9dcf-4f1c-aad7-5ef8cb9565d8/tempImageOQjaWu.jpg Blog - San Vittore del Lazio - Make it stand out Two of the original churches in town are still extant. This is Chiesa di San Nicola (Church of St Nicholas) and one option of where Pasquale may have been baptized. The distinctive two-tone belfry is seen in later photos. Allegedly there was once a Church of San Croce (Holy Cross), but I can find no evidence of it. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/eb0ded95-7927-4998-95dc-0a18a543331a/tempImageayju7s.jpg Blog - San Vittore del Lazio - Make it stand out The 10th-century church stands in the place formally known as the “Greek Village,” which was outside the walls of the castrum (fortified Roman fortress). It was probably built to support a large colony of Greeks who settled near the Abbey of Montecasino. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3eac211f-1f13-4c65-a3ec-d3e7a728daee/4KMACEDONIAN.png Blog - San Vittore del Lazio - Make it stand out I found it helpful to understand that Rome may have conquered Greece in the 2nd century BCE, but when Emperor Constantine moved the capital east to Constantinople in 330 CE, he placed Roman political power in a Greek-speaking world. Thus, the Byzantines were the medieval continuation of Greek civilization, living under the name and political framework of Rome. In fact, Byzantine is a relatively modern term. At the time the church was built, the people would have called themselves Romans—though in daily life, religion, education, and art, they were unmistakably Greek. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9a77a128-cdaf-4bbb-afbd-041054f8cae9/tempImageco8oBt.jpg Blog - San Vittore del Lazio - Make it stand out Dave and I standing outside Chiesa di St Nicola (Church of St Nicholas). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7ce11baa-1fc8-4eba-8a97-9ab5e3e91593/tempImageA3FQc9.jpg Blog - San Vittore del Lazio - Make it stand out Dave surveying the exterior of the north side of the church. Nicholas of Myra (c. 270–343 CE), also called Nicholas of Bari after his relics were buried there in 1089, was Bishop of Myra, a city in Lycia (modern-day Demre, Turkey). He operated fully within Greek Christian culture, further evidence of the church’s Greek origins. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7fa08055-e068-430a-8055-910c13e3246a/tempImageMuuDDn.jpg Blog - San Vittore del Lazio - Make it stand out The original entrance had an atrium that has now disappeared. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7561e323-3aa2-4345-8938-7249d14531d5/Chiesa-san-Nicola-a-San-Vittorw-del-Lazio-foto-%40cdsconlus.it_-1.jpg.webp Blog - San Vittore del Lazio - Make it stand out The original structure consisted of a single nave, with the right (north) aisle added in the 13th century. Adjacent to the church was once a cemetery, presumably to the left (south). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/138581eb-9877-4d46-8424-bedb90d3c1d7/tempImageLs8Jqd.jpg Blog - San Vittore del Lazio - Make it stand out The right (north) aisle remains and contains many beautiful frescoes. Evidence suggests there was once a left (south) aisle that must have been reached by a door; however, neither the aisle nor the door are traceable. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5d29095d-8355-42d5-8efa-628bf8243b79/tempImageK6LBNl.jpg Blog - San Vittore del Lazio - Make it stand out The left (south) wall of the nave included the figures of St Peter and St Nicholas. An Orsini family crest dated 1360 means these frescos likely predate the application of the crest, speaking to the rich history of the church. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f0c22b62-3989-4af7-8628-175daf37442f/tempImagezvKMTf.jpg Blog - San Vittore del Lazio - Make it stand out The church contains frescos from the Middle Ages (5th to the late 15th centuries) and the Renaissance (14th-17th centuries). This is looking into the expanded right side aisle that contains the 16-panel paintings of St Margaret (left). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/71cbf105-5b0b-4e48-846f-f5968a86e4eb/tempImageXBjF4e.jpg Blog - San Vittore del Lazio - Make it stand out The full 16 panels depicting the life and martyrdom of St Margaret of Antioch, attributed to the disciples of the Roman painter Pietro Cavallini (c. 1240-1330). Margaret was a young Christian woman who refused to renounce her faith or marry the Roman official Olybrius (Ollario). Enraged by her refusal, he had her imprisoned and tortured. She was then swallowed by a dragon‍, but emerged alive when the sign of the cross caused the dragon to burst. When she still would not submit, Olybrius ordered her execution. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7352ed14-476c-4ffe-ad20-2c747f8aedac/2008.321.018_1.jpg Blog - San Vittore del Lazio - Make it stand out WWII profoundly impacted San Vittore del Lazio due to its position on the Gustav Line, a key German defensive front near Cassino. From late 1943, the area endured intense fighting as part of the broader, brutal Battle for Cassino, with San Vittore serving as a critical, heavily damaged outpost before the main abbey battle in February. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/eef02687-8476-461e-b109-6a7283ef407c/2002.337.075_1.jpg Blog - San Vittore del Lazio - Make it stand out Allied forces, including the US 135th Infantry Regiment, advanced toward the town in early January 1944. Heavy Allied bombings and fierce house-to-house combat to dislodge German forces lead to high civilian casualties and the town’s near-total ruin—roughly 91% of buildings were destroyed. Here a child plays with debris on a San Vittore street. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0dc1f689-d4db-47c0-8ce1-885843609cc4/2002.337.384_1.jpg Blog - San Vittore del Lazio - Make it stand out San Vittore was liberated on January 6. Here, on January 9, weary American infantrymen enter San Vittore, now quiet with desolation and death after three nightmarish days of ceaseless shelling and bombing preceding its capture. The two-tone spire of Chiesa di San Nicola is visible in the distance. For its wartime ordeal, San Vittore received the Silver Medal for Civil Valor in 2004. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d430f167-6ac5-497a-807f-707259490e78/tempImageFGe80n.jpg Blog - San Vittore del Lazio - Make it stand out Dave and the two town hall personnel who accompanied us to Chiesa di San Nicola, walking back toward the center of town. The St Mary of the Rose Church belfry is in the distance. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/336c80b9-f4b9-42b4-8340-589165b539d0/tempImageOoUsho.jpg Blog - San Vittore del Lazio - Make it stand out We grabbed some snacks at an unnamed bar through the white doors located on the small Court of the Saints piazza adjacent to St Mary of the Rose Church. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6b1b6f79-fb6a-4006-95ca-661d931f8587/tempImageATrSYU.jpg Blog - San Vittore del Lazio - Make it stand out Enjoying our snacks. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/bdf71b03-2e05-497c-ac75-94875b4de980/tempImageawlS21.jpg Blog - San Vittore del Lazio - Make it stand out Looking southeast from the Court of the Saints piazza between the bar and St Mary of the Rose Church. I can’t help but imagine these buildings remain very much the same as when Pat and his family lived here (albeit probably repaired following WWII). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c8cea80b-052b-4e62-8428-b2f58ad0d216/tempImageBldAtQ.jpg Blog - San Vittore del Lazio - Make it stand out The town’s second church, St Mary of the Rose Church. If you scroll back to the top and find the map of the town, this church was marked as “A” and the belfry end once formed the wall of the Castle of San Vittore del Lazio during its medieval period. It was also possible that Pat was baptized in this church. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/48b51a6d-73fa-44ac-a603-e06a8e679622/2002.337.380_1.jpg Blog - San Vittore del Lazio - Make it stand out WWII damage to St Mary of the Rose Church. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/851c1e9e-d3cf-413e-9333-61b3d1537361/tempImagecEkt3g.jpg Blog - San Vittore del Lazio - Make it stand out Following the cobbled streets that were once inside the medieval walled portion of San Vittore del Lazio. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e09d1d70-1058-4f99-aa41-79bf3e5e3ca4/tempImage6k83fM.jpg Blog - San Vittore del Lazio - Make it stand out Likely a prominent family in the town’s history. I can’t quite decipher the inscriptions. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/40ca56df-dd66-49c7-9c94-6f35eab8f83e/tempImagey0Ngiz.jpg Blog - San Vittore del Lazio - Make it stand out The streets inside what was once the walled city. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/04f7b78f-2d16-4b9c-973a-75d268789af0/tempImageJpkQpk.jpg Blog - San Vittore del Lazio - Make it stand out Walking the old town streets. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/cf25cf44-9c71-4176-a325-1a3a21c97f25/tempImagebXQ679.jpg Blog - San Vittore del Lazio - Make it stand out The only remaining gateway from the old walled city (the red arrow from the map above). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/fbb679dc-89ab-4a3c-8f86-c6aa47f58c23/tempImagepgQ6s0.jpg Blog - San Vittore del Lazio - Make it stand out In front of the municipal water fountain in Town Hall Square. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/49132c9d-7fb0-42dc-ae6a-e0a785266445/tempImageU2eSgY.jpg Blog - San Vittore del Lazio - Make it stand out As we depart town on foot, looking back at the belfry on St Mary of the Rose Church and a second unnamed square belfry near Town Hall Square. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ceb70e3a-2e4c-4753-92bd-354cc37f6139/tempImageOtk18r.jpg Blog - San Vittore del Lazio - Make it stand out Looking back on San Vittore. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/43420ce2-0b51-4aef-8994-2a5165a2f008/tempImageartprT.jpg Blog - San Vittore del Lazio - Make it stand out It was a tremendous privilege to visit this significant place of family history; farewell San Vittore del Lazio! We hope to learn more once we access the town records. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/626562d6-f539-4843-b685-f492f1ade9ba/tempImageL4pLRN.jpg Blog - San Vittore del Lazio - Make it stand out We successfully boarded a Cotral (Compagnia Trasporti Lazio) bus from the traffic circle below San Vittore del Lazio and rode it back into Cassino, where we ate an early dinner at Trattoria Locanda D’amore del 2011 (Inn/Restaurant of Love, Since 2011). We started with red wine (Dave), an Abbey of Montecassino golden ale (alba) beer (Steve), acqua frizzante (fizzy water), and fresh olives. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/89717e33-5ca8-4d17-ab23-2fbbf4179d2d/tempImageg3WOqb.jpg Blog - San Vittore del Lazio - Make it stand out For dinner I had cime di rape (turnip greens), hummus, bread with olive oil, bruschetta, and grilled zucchini. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d4394113-9447-4895-bb57-0453f129ef2d/tempImage3xIlmi.jpg Blog - San Vittore del Lazio - Make it stand out After dinner we had an espresso, which—at 3:20 pm—was a regrettable choice for me! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c24a4536-eeb8-4a4c-86e5-4dfb3e9ef42c/tempImageVkqag9.jpg Blog - San Vittore del Lazio - Make it stand out Walking back through downtown Cassino we caught a glimpse of the Abbey of Montecassio on the hilltop and Carolina’s peach condominium complex just visible on the hillside. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5ffdf49e-837a-4cd7-8b9e-29823783befb/tempImage48N12F.jpg Blog - San Vittore del Lazio - Make it stand out A closer look at the Abbey of Montecassio and Carolina’s home. What an absolutely amazing day and one we shall cherish forever! https://www.overthehillandacrossthepond.com/blog/montecasino monthly 0.5 2026-01-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/be4a5a28-eccd-4a42-9dfd-c48a78e8048d/tempImagezsXRO5.jpg Blog - Montecassino - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5bdcd91a-8663-4790-890d-e2f572375ac1/tempImageuEvt63.jpg Blog - Montecassino - Make it stand out On Tuesday morning we checked out of our hotel and walked back to the Roma Termini train station. As would become our pattern, we began our day at the cappuccino bar, normale for Dave and soia for me. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ff27a6d5-fb94-4f12-acdd-0aee20e18c9c/tempImagedLh4U8.jpg Blog - Montecassino - Make it stand out Dave walking toward our Trenitalia regional train to Cassino. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1e02a6c1-a751-43d2-acd1-940e390dc72c/tempImagegNSJiD.jpg Blog - Montecassino - Make it stand out I contemplate the meaning of life as our train rolls south toward Cassino. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/bdb2cd55-f763-4f62-b410-d345749a430a/tempImagefb2QNv.jpg Blog - Montecassino - Make it stand out An hour and a half later, we arrived in Cassino, where we were met by our Airbnb host Carolina who most graciously offered to pick us up and drive us to her house. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/796e17d1-eca4-4543-8945-6dbba91585fe/tempImageAsWK8l.jpg Blog - Montecassino - Make it stand out Dave had been studying Italian for some time and did an exceptional job communicating with Carolina. She inquired if we needed food for dinner and drove us to a local Conad, the largest supermarket chain in Italy. Dave made me carry out the groceries! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c9197a9a-3379-415d-a178-f2e28bd0d087/tempImagewKfcQ1.jpg Blog - Montecassino - Make it stand out After the grocery store, Carolina started toward the house and then inquired about lunch. We had to admit we had failed to purchase food for lunch. She immediately changed course and drove us to Forno Lanni where we purchased slices of pizza (pictured). A Lanni oven (forno Lanni) is a traditional wood-fired brick oven for pizza and bread. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b152c5c6-404e-46ea-ab11-e59be0fb5450/tempImagecN7UyH.jpg Blog - Montecassino - Make it stand out As if she had not been helpful enough, Carolina told us to eat our lunch and then she would drive us up the zig-zag road to the Abbey of Montecassino, high on the hilltop above her house. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/70c559d2-01d0-4192-b1cf-5c31e892a93a/tempImageLKNCoQ.jpg Blog - Montecassino - Make it stand out Located on the site of the ancient Roman town of Casinum, the abbey is the first house of the Benedictine Order, having been established by Benedict of Nursia himself around 529 CE. It was for the community of Monte Cassino that the Rule of Saint Benedict was composed. Under this alter are the sacred relics of its founder St Benedict and his sister St Scholastica. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c9e7f7ed-8cf2-464e-b8e5-1ec787fcaef8/tempImageYulIyy.jpg Blog - Montecassino - Make it stand out The monastery was sacked, abandoned, and then rebuilt in 570 and 883, before entering its golden age in the 11th and 12th centuries. The buildings were later destroyed by an earthquake in 1349, rebuilt in 1454, and sacked by the French in 1799. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2e500661-acbf-4e9b-9e21-50bbf414f732/tempImageKxwmsj.jpg Blog - Montecassino - Make it stand out On February 15, 1944, it was nearly destroyed in a series of heavy, American-led air raids during the Battle of Monte Cassino, under the mistaken believe that Nazis were occupying the monastery and its high ground. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/948cc40e-ae8d-4b75-9ea9-4f8f3e615d62/1-montecassino-visita-guidata-qm9rgh4ny7f2dgam71fizj3s304gj5z3mp1qllv1xk.jpg Blog - Montecassino - Make it stand out What we see today was largely rebuilt in the 1950s and 60s. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/67f0f62e-00e8-4f6d-abba-51fe18648d3c/tempImageVDqIqF.jpg Blog - Montecassino - Make it stand out Lovely detailed mosaic tiles line the ceiling as we depart the crypt. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3ddc5994-9d90-43c6-a656-1519dbce39db/tempImageP4HlQF.jpg Blog - Montecassino - Make it stand out “Mawage. Mawage is what brings us togethah today. Mawage, that bwessed awwangement, that dweam within a dweam!” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/50d9cd54-0f01-4958-8cfb-f3c0ce3f89d5/tempImageKCYYnV.jpg Blog - Montecassino - Make it stand out Desperate not put out Carolina further, we walked from the abbey back to her Airbnb. Our path occasionally followed the Cammino di Sa Benedetto (St. Benedict’s Way), a long-distance pilgrimage route in central Italy. Despite the long walk, it was overall a light day with only 14,500 steps and 6.8 miles recorded. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a62c28dc-2bcb-4155-a03a-419b710f0339/tempImageuzxTB8.jpg Blog - Montecassino - Make it stand out After a solid first day, here we are back in our kitchen with gnocchi in pesto, minestrone soup, fresh bread, and a bottle of red. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9d272360-c4f0-440d-a4a7-8a978573b8d3/tempImagemtiCLH.jpg Blog - Montecassino - Make it stand out For dessert, Dave picked up this little bottle of Amaro—a popular Italian liqueur—from the Abbey gift shop (those saucy monks). Amaro is Italian for “bitter” (Amaretto means "a little bitter") and refers to the sweet but subtly bitter, nutty flavor from apricot kernels or almonds steeped in alcohol. https://www.overthehillandacrossthepond.com/blog/rome monthly 0.5 2026-01-29 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/474bc5f6-9c63-4a56-887b-892412ae9987/IMG_5599.jpeg Blog - Rome - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/efd31224-5388-4f61-8add-c82e39f130d9/IMG_5546.jpeg Blog - Rome - Make it stand out Boarding ITA Airways flight AZ621 at LAX on Sunday, January 4. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9d9ac93d-d955-4d46-a1ff-bed25f3ec446/IMG_5549.jpeg Blog - Rome - Make it stand out Riding the Leonardo Express from Leonardo da Vinci Rome Fiumicino Airport to the Roma Termini train station. Domus Aurea by Exe Hotels was a three-block walk from there. Domus Aurea is Latin for Golden Home and a reference to Emperor Nero's lavish residence in ancient Rome. Our hotel was decidedly not lavish, but very pleasant all the same. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e153fcc9-d8b9-472c-ba95-44d7058dac3f/IMG_5552.jpeg Blog - Rome - Make it stand out Across the street we ate at Rifugio Romano. We were both surprised to learn it was a popular all-vegan restaurant. My cacio e pepe was creamy deliciousness! Because we were in Italy, after dinner we were obliged to have an espresso to power us through the remainder of the long day. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/594f5eef-4494-4a21-a678-b39f291a19c1/IMG_5555.jpeg Blog - Rome - Make it stand out A city bus dropped us near Trevi Fountain. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/78327dfa-2d46-42ef-acd0-fc18eaf4d6f0/IMG_5560.jpeg Blog - Rome - Make it stand out We then walked to the Spanish Steps. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f1257a0e-86ff-4a96-896d-841177ebabb6/IMG_5564.jpeg Blog - Rome - Make it stand out On the portico of Trinità dei Monti (Church of the Most Holy Trinity on the Hill) looking down the Spanish Steps. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7de9d366-1678-4505-861d-3c988c36a430/IMG_5565.jpeg Blog - Rome - Make it stand out As this was Twelfth Night, it was the final day for Christmas Decorations on the Steps and down Via delle Carrozze (carriage street). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/115856a2-8519-4691-b391-8f8bebd52682/IMG_5566.jpeg Blog - Rome - Make it stand out The dome of Famiglia Valtellinese Di Roma (Family from Valtellina in Rome) in the distance. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/374fac1b-c6e7-452f-ae65-b6f49a698cac/IMG_5569.jpeg Blog - Rome - Make it stand out Dave booked us a great nighttime walking tour that began here at the Largo de Torre Argentina sunken square, which includes the ruins of the Curia of Pompey, marked by the tall columns. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a92487e1-907d-43b4-af06-80b3bc49cc7c/IMG_5570.jpeg Blog - Rome - Make it stand out Beware the Ides of March - The Curia of Pompey, which served as the temporary Senate house, was a large hall within the Theatre of Pompey. It was here on March 15, 44 BCE, that Julius Caesar was murdered by a group of senators. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6042a697-91ea-4218-927e-d1a775ef7603/IMG_5571.jpeg Blog - Rome - Make it stand out The tour guide pointed out that SPQR is a famous Latin initialism for Senatus PopulusQue Romanus, meaning The Senate and the People of Rome, emphasizing the dual authority of the aristocratic Senate and the Roman citizens in the government of their Republic. It still appears today on public buildings, official emblems, and even this utility cover—a sign of continuity in Roman identity. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/496e73e7-26a1-49a1-80e7-08a94cd96c08/IMG_5577.jpeg Blog - Rome - Make it stand out The rain coming down as the group surveys the Monument to Victor Emmanuel II (left) and Santa Maria in Aracoeli Basilica (right). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e94de4a3-8e53-4162-bbfe-88d5eab22729/IMG_5581.jpeg Blog - Rome - Make it stand out Overlooking the Roman Forum, a vast field of ancient temples and civic buildings, and the Palatine Hill, once the site of imperial palaces. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/36e70a2a-974b-46e9-aac6-b9a1ea925f5f/IMG_5593.jpeg Blog - Rome - Make it stand out Statue of Julius Caesar with the bell tower of the Senatorial Palace in the distance. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/65b53233-6ec6-4d32-885d-7c2e75679f13/IMG_5594.jpeg Blog - Rome - Make it stand out The tour ended at the Colosseum. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f27a367d-7a51-47a0-9a7d-ed8042f989bb/IMG_5598.jpeg Blog - Rome - Make it stand out Illuminated after dark, the Colosseum takes on a dramatic presence. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5a3878e5-97c6-483d-bf81-154e7715edbe/IMG_5601.jpeg Blog - Rome - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/62800cd2-7cba-4067-93e8-63b943a0430f/IMG_5602.jpeg Blog - Rome - Make it stand out We took a short ride on the Metro back to Roma Termini and our hotel for some well-earned rest. This red metro sign shows up at the end of the Rome sequence of the 2023 film Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One. https://www.overthehillandacrossthepond.com/blog/our-last-day monthly 0.5 2025-12-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/cd74e7f2-39a4-4e5b-8d66-5e0e969dfef4/IMG_5405.jpeg Blog - Final Day - Make it stand out After breakfast at the Union Square Tompkins Square Bagels shop, the subway delivered us inside The Oculus at the World Trade Center. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4fde421a-4c24-432b-8e75-86e41fb9dfb3/IMG_5406.jpeg Blog - Final Day - Make it stand out Outside The Oculus. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d64f28c7-807d-4640-b8e8-7ca320627fc7/IMG_5408.jpeg Blog - Final Day - Make it stand out In front of the North Tower Pool. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/51db299a-b3bd-49f4-bce7-86deb3e9623f/IMG_5409.jpeg Blog - Final Day - Make it stand out Pointing out Dora Marie Menchaca on the South Tower Pool, a victim of Flight 77 and friend of Elizabeth Brockett (the pool was undergoing maintenance). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b8dd0f09-fd4b-425e-b2fd-bc5d4b304637/IMG_5413.jpeg Blog - Final Day - Make it stand out After touring the 9/11 Museum, we returned to our hotel for our bags, took the LIRR from Penn Station back to Jamaica Station, and the JFK AirTrain to Terminal 4 for our 8:20 p.m. flight. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/efe00b12-ba99-4529-b749-226b1207dd94/IMG_5416.jpeg Blog - Final Day - Make it stand out Will was picking up his bag from the TSA conveyor belt when he found a dime on the floor. This was Will’s third dime and our fifth for the trip. Amanda and Will each also found quarters from Grandma Nini. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/329671e4-d5d9-4785-aefd-5715d39185dc/IMG_5417.jpeg Blog - Final Day - Make it stand out 70K steps and 32 miles of walking later, on board Delta 685 bound for San Diego. https://www.overthehillandacrossthepond.com/blog/ice-skating monthly 0.5 2025-12-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a151a14e-88d6-4238-b57c-3796752bbf8a/IMG_5296.jpeg Blog - Ice Skating - Make it stand out On Thursday morning we returned to the friendly staff at the Upper East Side Tompkins Square Bagels. This time Steve had the Beyond Delight—Just egg, Beyond meat, Stockeld cheddar & drizzled Sriracha on an everything bagel. This became Steve and Karina’s absolute favorite! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5a560696-0844-4ee8-a851-26671ac75869/IMG_5298.jpeg Blog - Ice Skating - Make it stand out Descending back into the subway on our way to the East 90th St ferry terminal. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/44f81e02-89ed-4236-b2fa-90fa6fb08c51/IMG_5300.jpeg Blog - Ice Skating - Make it stand out The ferry is a true bargain at only $4.50 to ride from 90th to Lower Manhattan. Here is Karina nearing the south end of Roosevelt Island and the Queensboro Bridge, inspiring me to sing the opening theme to The King of Queens. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e43e8627-d5a9-4860-8684-b16783ed68f3/IMG_5302.jpeg Blog - Ice Skating - Make it stand out The Eagle + West apartments in Brooklyn look like stacks of moving boxes, haphazardly jumbled in two big piles. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8564b16b-d224-4f88-8631-b3a94845cb6b/IMG_5304.jpeg Blog - Ice Skating - Make it stand out The Empire State Building from East River. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9fc3180b-1b4e-47c5-a2c5-295369227cf2/IMG_5308.jpeg Blog - Ice Skating - Make it stand out Unfazed by the freezing wind, Karina was the only person on the boat’s deck who was not bundled under layers of clothing. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/008b59e0-8048-44f5-b5fb-e0963bf347b4/IMG_5313.jpeg Blog - Ice Skating - Make it stand out After passing under the famous Brooklyn Bridge. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/72195109-b315-40cc-a2a6-c6650603a38a/IMG_5314.jpeg Blog - Ice Skating - Make it stand out Amanda and the Brooklyn Bridge https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/319326ec-0b11-41e8-96e5-ab0899f605f6/IMG_5317.jpeg Blog - Ice Skating - Make it stand out Steve and the Brooklyn Bridge https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b997ec9f-e1ba-47fa-b309-33fc485a3ce1/IMG_5319.jpeg Blog - Ice Skating - Make it stand out Nearing the end of our journey at Pier 11/Wall St. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2718307e-a697-46b0-a20c-4f0082bcdfd3/IMG_5323.jpeg Blog - Ice Skating - Make it stand out The waterside promenade was closed for construction, so views of the Statue of Liberty were limited. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5ebd1a5f-14d3-4c38-86e8-4a44f77f2436/IMG_5327.jpeg Blog - Ice Skating - Make it stand out Lady Liberty in the distance. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/779e7ca0-13b8-41a9-a445-6333f9471e50/IMG_8987.jpeg Blog - Ice Skating - Make it stand out From the southern tip of the island, we took the subway north to 66 Perry St in the West Village, better known as Carrie Bradshaw's Upper East Side apartment in Sex and the City. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d0801bed-27cb-4336-847b-064449802598/IMG_5331.jpeg Blog - Ice Skating - Make it stand out Carrie wasn’t home, so we walked to Washington Square Park in nearby Greenwich Village—a favorite filming location from Karina’s favorite Law & Order: SVU. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d62c3ac4-f409-455a-83f8-e7a46d5133ea/IMG_5336.jpeg Blog - Ice Skating - Make it stand out City workers were busy putting up a Christmas tree in front of Washington Arch. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/17e9bb3f-caa3-4ceb-8142-3c4e40c2bf49/IMG_5338.jpeg Blog - Ice Skating - Make it stand out Will watching skateboarders inside the empty Washington Square Fountain. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/eea97558-a9f9-43e3-8d4f-9968e1c17b01/IMG_5342.jpeg Blog - Ice Skating - Make it stand out From the park we walked two blocks to Third Rail Coffee for a yummy afternoon pick-me-up. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ac15948c-d7f1-4bea-a010-053962c6a3c5/IMG_5343.jpeg Blog - Ice Skating - Make it stand out An evening view of World Trade Center (aka Freedom Tower)—the main building of the rebuilt World Trade Center complex and the tallest building in the Western Hemisphere. We happened to pass REI on Lafayette St, so we had to pop in. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d133e7a9-de2e-4f9f-90a0-f263d71b0ad1/IMG_5344.jpeg Blog - Ice Skating - Make it stand out Instagram influencer Remy from Veggiekins and owner of Frauth Matcha recommended Matchaful on Mulberry St, so this was high on Amanda’s list of places to visit. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d51cc58a-da7b-4652-ac2c-12d5747c46b3/IMG_5348.jpeg Blog - Ice Skating - Make it stand out Our two iced matcha lattes were delicious, but Karina tried the Winter Special Mindful Mint and that ended up being the real hit. (4g Hikari Ceremonial Matcha, peppermint extract, coconut butter, Madagascar vanilla bean, housemade oat milk, & maple syrup) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/399a808a-239e-48f2-b1a0-ced32bc0b489/IMG_3080.jpeg Blog - Ice Skating - Make it stand out Amanda was craving her own warm Winter Special Mindful Mint matcha. Here she is inside the Spring St subway station on our way to dinner. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/eeb2d972-c793-4ccd-b678-85abfcdfb4ff/IMG_5361.jpeg Blog - Ice Skating - Make it stand out John Pucciatti, an immigrant from Umbria, Italy, opened John’s of 12th Street. in 1908, making it the oldest Italian restaurant in the East Village. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4c7a304e-e675-4d48-8c52-3adb89e5914d/IMG_5350.jpeg Blog - Ice Skating - Make it stand out These famous candles were used to alert customers of police presence when the restaurant served as a prohibition-era speakeasy. Those candles are still lit every night at John’s and have burned up almost a century’s worth of wax—a metaphor for the long history of John’s. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5db2f4eb-5197-4bb9-b20d-757be209fbdb/IMG_5352.jpeg Blog - Ice Skating - Make it stand out Ready to tuck in! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/435221d5-36a1-4417-b927-0281c358d71a/IMG_5359.jpeg Blog - Ice Skating - Make it stand out Will had homemade lasagna. Karina had this vegan ravioli with fire-roasted tomatoes, spinach & tofu in a vegan alfredo sauce. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/065a2507-a3d4-4d29-9561-3b2d7fde8078/IMG_5358.jpeg Blog - Ice Skating - Make it stand out Amanda had seitan parmigiana with vegan cheese. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6d1917f2-23b2-4e4e-8512-6d37ac53c015/IMG_5357.jpeg Blog - Ice Skating - Make it stand out Steve had John’s Vegan Ragu over housemade vegan pappardelle. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6fe7fb0c-e6ca-4d6b-bb58-ef6de480583c/IMG_5360.jpeg Blog - Ice Skating - Make it stand out The vegan tiramisu!, served in the traditional non-baked style, was phenomenal! After dinner we took the 6 Train north to Bryant Park. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/90cf03a5-636c-4aea-a54b-a41cb9ee8276/IMG_5365.jpeg Blog - Ice Skating - Make it stand out The blue-lit spire of One Bryant Park—better known as the Bank of America Tower—soars above the entrance to Bryant Park. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ca1e5c6c-7344-441d-9437-fd87930251c0/IMG_5370.jpeg Blog - Ice Skating - Make it stand out Will enjoying a hot chocolate with Baileys at the Winter Village at Bryant Park. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/afb8d0e1-6724-497c-9e22-0da9e3eb9fd7/IMG_8995.jpeg Blog - Ice Skating - Make it stand out With almost an hour to spare before our ice-skating reservation, escaping the cold at Connolly’s Irish Pub (121 W 45th St) was irresistible. Here’s Will showing off his new Yankees cap and a Christmas present for Lauren. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2b264528-36cc-481e-ac24-4eb18855fce6/IMG_5377.jpeg Blog - Ice Skating - Make it stand out Nearing 11 p.m., we arrived at Rockefeller Center and the astonishing Christmas tree. Amanda found a Loft just outside a subway station and bought a sparkly sweater. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/53ea45f3-ee01-4ead-9a4e-4f33d623dccc/IMG_5382.jpeg Blog - Ice Skating - Make it stand out Half way around The Rink At Rockefeller Center in front of Prometheus. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6f682cb9-96a2-4ee0-8d05-1ed96ae56e05/IMG_5386.jpeg Blog - Ice Skating - Make it stand out On the ice under the gorgeous Christmas tree. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7a19c40c-a29c-45c3-80b0-ed1008461d2d/IMG_5395.jpeg Blog - Ice Skating - Make it stand out Looking up from The Rink. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5b093a23-8a1d-43ba-8edc-5583e5e1d351/IMG_5393.jpeg Blog - Ice Skating - Make it stand out Bucket List ✅ https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b643fd31-70da-4c39-856b-a2fef2bbe565/IMG_5391.jpeg Blog - Ice Skating - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/101dadd3-e5aa-4ab4-a9b5-f1b088b30fd5/IMG_5397.jpeg Blog - Ice Skating - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/299d1d5d-c89c-46f4-9707-6849244f53c8/IMG_5399.jpeg Blog - Ice Skating - Make it stand out The wide-angle lens distorts things a bit, but the perspective is fantastic. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4b5f430e-0548-486f-b58f-082e3da71d7c/IMG_5401.jpeg Blog - Ice Skating - Make it stand out Walking past Macy’s on 34th St on our way back to our hotel after a wonderful day filled with delicious bagels, beautiful sites, & lovely matcha and an evening filled with tasty food, warming drinks, and an amazing night of ice skating under the world’s most magnificent Christmas tree! ❤️ U NYC! https://www.overthehillandacrossthepond.com/blog/hp-night monthly 0.5 2025-12-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/787cb875-fb02-44fb-901b-497023aabf18/IMG_5184.jpeg Blog - HP Night - Make it stand out We started Wednesday by taking the subway to the Upper East Side store of the famous bagel shop. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6e55b7b3-479d-448f-a106-fc38e8b4e466/IMG_5177.jpeg Blog - HP Night - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/32a5c6ad-e09b-4a14-8839-66ec235345a9/IMG_5182.jpeg Blog - HP Night - Make it stand out Steve had The Salino—Beyond meat, avocado, tofu scallion spread & sprouts on an everything bagel. Amazing! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8584ae64-4433-4a56-a1b6-492111fd4449/IMG_5183.jpeg Blog - HP Night - Make it stand out Will had the Chuck D—Sirloin, egg & American cheese on a plain bagel. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/822261dc-4363-480f-a3ac-ff0e929aa062/IMG_5179.jpeg Blog - HP Night - Make it stand out Amen! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/153eed43-8066-4055-be52-bafa0a576ad8/IMG_5185.jpeg Blog - HP Night - Make it stand out Will being Will as we walk from Tompkins toward Central Park. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ccbc5d76-3881-4ebc-bac1-2fc940015674/IMG_5191.jpeg Blog - HP Night - Make it stand out In Central Park standing on Bethesda Terrace with the Bethesda Fountain behind us. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6c13b92c-e71d-495a-add1-38efdb252567/IMG_5194.jpeg Blog - HP Night - Make it stand out Squinting in front of the angel sculpture at the Bethesda Fountain. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a3cc4293-141f-40bd-9bf3-74259f0efa71/IMG_5203.jpeg Blog - HP Night - Make it stand out Standing on Bow Bridge in Central Park. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b75161b2-c608-426b-9799-2aed01554809/IMG_5208.jpeg Blog - HP Night - Make it stand out Will standing on Cherry Hill in Central Park with The San Remo apartment building as a backdrop. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2db095cb-65ba-4318-8033-fca2692b81dd/IMG_5210.jpeg Blog - HP Night - Make it stand out Lovely autumn colors in Central Park https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/830df559-83a4-4cc5-b685-000a18d36a94/IMG_3046.jpeg Blog - HP Night - Make it stand out More autumn color https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/259e7391-c0a4-4976-a837-cb6fbe444a95/IMG_8957.jpeg Blog - HP Night - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2097a3fb-1e1e-4cbd-84d8-185117142240/IMG_8970.jpeg Blog - HP Night - Make it stand out Autumn gold in Central Park https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/43604fb6-b157-406d-a5e5-a85118f25b27/IMG_5217.jpeg Blog - HP Night - Make it stand out Overlooking Wollman Rink in Central Park https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d6845ef1-0c48-4b24-816d-682ddebda408/IMG_5218.jpeg Blog - HP Night - Make it stand out Overlooking Wollman Rink in Central Park https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/cd1b2af2-40d7-4e4d-aa9c-dfddc6401592/IMG_5221.jpeg Blog - HP Night - Make it stand out Standing on Pinebank Arch, the bridge from which Michael and Buddy the Elf were pelted with snowballs. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2b381e4a-a54b-4c3a-a3d5-e263c44cf8b1/IMG_8967.jpeg Blog - HP Night - Make it stand out In front of Pinebank Arch https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e033f7a9-33d0-45b9-886a-7e77126e89ce/IMG_8963.jpeg Blog - HP Night - Make it stand out In front of Pinebank Arch https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f985b3f0-145d-45fb-a409-74a363a7800b/IMG_5225.jpeg Blog - HP Night - Make it stand out From Central Park, we rode the subway for Will to visit the Yankees Clubhouse at 745 7th Ave. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f2d8032f-2c14-42be-9a57-6dbf59f72b2e/IMG_5227.jpeg Blog - HP Night - Make it stand out Christmas lights outside Grand Central Terminal https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4d3a53b8-e71c-4cf2-8157-670c46b9ee77/IMG_5231.jpeg Blog - HP Night - Make it stand out On the south landing overlooking the iconic Main Concourse inside Grand Central Terminal. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/92337cfa-21dd-4a62-868d-bc684c02c3ef/IMG_0703.jpeg Blog - HP Night - Make it stand out Downstairs we found some phenomenal vegan options at the famous Van Leeuwen Ice Cream. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/03e51dfa-3571-4469-b466-95f9cd93fd9e/IMG_8978.jpeg Blog - HP Night - Make it stand out A gorgeous Christmas tree outside Grand Central Terminal. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c67c9e04-bfa0-428b-9ec8-e94053771e91/IMG_5241.jpeg Blog - HP Night - Make it stand out From Grand Central Terminal, we walked to The North Face store to get Steve a NYC shirt. On display was the same jacket Amanda had purchased earlier in the year for our trip to Netherlands. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4e5a509d-428f-4f9c-87b4-72f540d08eb6/IMG_5251.jpeg Blog - HP Night - Make it stand out In front of Radio City Music Hall while Will shops inside the MLB Flagship Store. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5d37d3a7-2c9a-4296-862d-330df3e15f5c/IMG_5243.jpeg Blog - HP Night - Make it stand out An American architectural icon, 30 Rockefeller Center https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0668d513-5008-4bb4-b02a-93a8a687a673/IMG_5257.jpeg Blog - HP Night - Make it stand out We had an amazing dinner at Valla Table, 641 10th Ave. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/db5cc2c9-0551-4cc1-a40a-b5958a2e538e/IMG_5435.jpeg Blog - HP Night - Make it stand out Our fashionista outside Valla Table. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d1a1bf99-8d06-4378-9500-adb029388ec6/IMG_5259.jpeg Blog - HP Night - Make it stand out Karina had curry with charred cauliflower, crispy tofu & peanuts. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c99798d4-fc74-4c30-8fb9-d7cbc9bd3e31/IMG_5261.jpeg Blog - HP Night - Make it stand out Will had beef noodle soup https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5ecfb599-5f44-4ccb-bfe5-84b5af9f039f/IMG_5258.jpeg Blog - HP Night - Make it stand out Amanda had Pad See Ew with mock duck https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/692d907c-6779-43e1-a09d-cb4f5117823f/IMG_5262.jpeg Blog - HP Night - Make it stand out Steve had mock duck, green curry & Thai eggplant. We were all incredibly pleased with our dinners—10 out of 10! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7a6f357b-a6de-4f4d-9865-163e844c86bf/IMG_5264.jpeg Blog - HP Night - Make it stand out Approaching the Lyric Theatre. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9ffa612e-d8bf-4e80-9d02-d5f5d6be3663/IMG_5263.jpeg Blog - HP Night - Make it stand out Outside Lyric Theatre https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0913702a-300f-431a-b07b-5d4b1e8fb07e/IMG_5267.jpeg Blog - HP Night - Make it stand out Next to our amazing seats at the front, center of the Dress Circle. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/89a5cc7c-48be-4961-806d-12deddd28235/Screenshot+2025-12-11+at+21.06.55.png Blog - HP Night - Make it stand out The idea for this trip began when we learned Tom Felton would be reprising his role as Draco Malfoy on Broadway. Thanks for the wonderful Christmas inspiration Tom! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/278c7e41-36d8-484b-82d9-95ec452342ac/IMG_5269.jpeg Blog - HP Night - Make it stand out The opening stage set as Platform 9¾ https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/fe784cb3-f0bd-45f8-8c9c-ef4ace311137/IMG_5270.jpeg Blog - HP Night - Make it stand out Will after purchasing a Scorpius Malfoy wand and finding a dime (#2) on the bespoke Harry Potter carpet. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/aac81413-043b-4abd-b6f3-f5cf29c8278d/IMG_5278.jpeg Blog - HP Night - Make it stand out The Lyric Theatre underwent a massive renovation for the play including bespoke carpets, wallpaper, ceiling, etc. The carpets feature a H motif for Hogwarts, surrounded by a Gryffindor sword, Ravenclaw quill, Syltherin venom or pure blood, and Hufflepuff leaf. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1854f5dd-8182-4b37-b750-82991ae0f759/IMG_8982.jpeg Blog - HP Night - Make it stand out Ready for the show to begin! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/30567407-521d-4d1e-bd6e-1be9d8dd8ace/IMG_5272.jpeg Blog - HP Night - Make it stand out The stage following the very dramatic end of Act 1. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5ce8d56e-5544-4aff-b104-f97d2f5edb2f/IMG_5274.jpeg Blog - HP Night - Make it stand out The Voldemort Day banner hung in the lobby during the intermission. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/99f22d0f-1790-4bf9-8c31-bbb734fb5675/IMG_5276.jpeg Blog - HP Night - Make it stand out The stage set for Voldemort Day, ready for the beginning of Act 2. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2c416c73-5b90-4e23-bd59-f6795d2a6558/IMG_5280.jpeg Blog - HP Night - Make it stand out Lyric Theatre is two blocks from Times Square. After the amazing show, we enjoyed the neon lights! (Or are they LED now?) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d5f193bc-5bc0-4874-a9db-08d194d0034d/IMG_5282+%281%29.jpeg Blog - HP Night - Make it stand out Will found a dime #3 here on the Times Square Red Stairs and Amanda found #4 at the Grandslam store just off camera to the right. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1eab38a3-c1d6-43b1-ba9f-23087fb98ee5/IMG_5283.jpeg Blog - HP Night - Make it stand out One night before the December full moon known as the Cold Moon. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4916a160-f53d-41da-a16f-c809a0efdbb1/IMG_5289.jpeg Blog - HP Night - Make it stand out The Times Square Ball above the Kia sign behind us. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/97dc5a51-4e1e-4535-9af8-cb7dd58405d7/IMG_5294.jpeg Blog - HP Night - Make it stand out We had so much fun the night before, we decided to take the subway from Times Square back to Mustang Harry’s to enjoy the music and festive atmosphere before calling it a night. The Tonight Show Staring Jimmy Fallon was live on TV with guest Noah Schnapp (Will from Stranger Things). https://www.overthehillandacrossthepond.com/blog/nyc-bound monthly 0.5 2025-12-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d1bc26e1-00c9-47d7-a84f-e3fbca3c9639/IMG_5137.jpeg Blog - NYC Bound - Make it stand out Steve found his first ever dime while charging the car in Irvine. After Karina got off work, we drove to San Diego and spent the night with the Sianis. We rolled out of bed early on Tuesday to catch our 7:10 a.m. flight to JFK, arriving at 3:40 p.m. ET. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/755776e3-3a8a-45cf-b251-10a4b4ace54f/IMG_5140.jpeg Blog - NYC Bound - Make it stand out We took the JFK AirTrain to Jamaica Station and then the LIRR to Penn Station. This is our first proper view of NYC, after exiting Penn Station with the Empire State Building just visible. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6092c68a-392c-4c89-81e0-1911036360b6/IMG_5141.jpeg Blog - NYC Bound - Make it stand out After walking to Fairfield by Marriott, 338 W 36th St and dropping off our bags, we walked to NY Pizza Supreme at 413 8th Ave for dinner. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2461bb0d-389f-4ccf-abd1-5ae08c2c29a9/IMG_8946.jpeg Blog - NYC Bound - Make it stand out After dinner, with time to kill before our 8:45 p.m. entrance slot at the Empire State Building, we dropped in for drinks at Mustang Harry’s, 352 7th Ave. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c3fdfaf6-39fc-430e-ae2b-768ad7785c54/IMG_8950.jpeg Blog - NYC Bound - Make it stand out Such a great find! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/572f32b3-0b4e-4a45-b13f-c3ae9212245e/IMG_5146.jpeg Blog - NYC Bound - Make it stand out The atmosphere was vibrant and festive, making for a truly enjoyable time. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/bce94c0b-fdc0-4b30-a896-2d4de660e664/IMG_5150.jpeg Blog - NYC Bound - Make it stand out Walking toward the Empire State Building, the top rising into the clouds. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/61b94476-ac65-47eb-987c-c2603e385655/IMG_5155.jpeg Blog - NYC Bound - Make it stand out A very Instagram moment. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5037ef5c-da04-46c0-9457-9e648fcdaf18/IMG_8952.jpeg Blog - NYC Bound - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/be32033a-7c8d-4ab0-a90e-9ed569d58299/IMG_3005.jpeg Blog - NYC Bound - Make it stand out Sadly, the summit was shrouded in clouds with bitterly cold winds whipping around the viewing platform, not a very Sleepless in Seattle moment. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2600f492-d473-475b-9369-85c2eb5ec684/IMG_5157.jpeg Blog - NYC Bound - Make it stand out This is the view we could have had, if the summit hadn’t been socked in clouds. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/032142f6-934d-474a-bb35-8ad92dbcaefa/IMG_5162.jpeg Blog - NYC Bound - Make it stand out The good thing was the building was empty, so we were able to take photos In front of the iconic relief in the lobby. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9b7f5ffe-d0e4-4dc5-9df8-5a8e85f8215d/IMG_5173.jpeg Blog - NYC Bound - Make it stand out Christmas—such a magical time to visit! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9e6951b1-347d-4201-8a47-1abc97cba1d9/IMG_3008.jpeg Blog - NYC Bound - Make it stand out Of course, after leaving the building, we looked back and the summit was mostly clear! Good night New York! https://www.overthehillandacrossthepond.com/blog/au-revoir-paris monthly 0.5 2025-04-29 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6b16435c-a4cb-4a2c-a181-719de61383fc/tempImageLWmcor.jpg Blog - Au Revoir Paris - Make it stand out After lugging our bags down the stairs, we took the Métro to Gard du Nord and dropped off our bags at a Radical Storage drop-off business. We then made our way to our favorite breakfast spot: Cloud Cakes on the lovely Place St. George. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8f241dfb-9330-4f28-a366-a4dacf801b6c/tempImage3QUefo.jpg Blog - Au Revoir Paris - Make it stand out Breakfast was amazing as always and we will sorely miss their flaky croissants and pain au chocolat. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/afbb001a-80a1-4c0b-83ac-7fe8e8475ff9/tempImageWvAdRi.jpg Blog - Au Revoir Paris - Make it stand out One final hot chocolate for Amanda. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d1014989-c11a-40b5-8551-246bfcc224ec/tempImagehBNL6a.jpg Blog - Au Revoir Paris - Make it stand out Amanda bought a mug so we can always remember our go-to breakfast place. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d7ba7a7e-c0b9-4b44-b2f5-6159e562629c/tempImagewIrK1g.jpg Blog - Au Revoir Paris - Make it stand out After breakfast we went to the hilltop views of Montmartre and the gorgeous Basilique du Sacré-Cœur (Sacred Heart) de Montmartre. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/fe335937-185f-4cbd-8c1f-93e589cd81d3/tempImageAPXpBJ.jpg Blog - Au Revoir Paris - Make it stand out I made my way up the stairs while Amanda took the funicular service. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/242a21a6-65c3-4926-8b39-eb7c4f196407/tempImagecCtnB7.jpg Blog - Au Revoir Paris - Make it stand out As mentioned in the last previous post, people have found plenty of other places to secure their Parisian love locks. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ec96d9f9-1d51-4a77-b29c-b0337306c103/tempImageY9jvDe.jpg Blog - Au Revoir Paris - Make it stand out Reunited at the top of the steps. The Eiffel Tower is just out of view to the right. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2ee25724-dc6a-4a0f-977a-754c3a3dd376/tempImageRdUbnq.jpg Blog - Au Revoir Paris - Make it stand out Montmartre was positively teaming with people. The line to enter the beautiful basilica wrapped around two sides of the building, so we quickly abandoned the idea of going inside. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5b396896-0d8b-4ba8-8510-0e581312eafd/tempImagefnOuOU.jpg Blog - Au Revoir Paris - Make it stand out Le Consulat is an iconic French restaurant located in the heart of Montmartre. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f3a34eb9-7adc-445c-82a9-d04211ebf526/tempImageSKoMzR.jpg Blog - Au Revoir Paris - Make it stand out Once frequented by famous artists like Van Gogh, Renoir, Picasso, Monet, Toulouse Lautrec, and Utrillo, the restaurant exudes history and charm. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/06f2c8ca-430d-45ab-be0f-d050af5b60cc/tempImagepM1AFr.jpg Blog - Au Revoir Paris - Make it stand out We sat inside and made a toast to the ghosts of artists gone but not forgotten. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/193f034e-1807-4cdf-8ee2-c6b2acbde8ee/tempImageuzZGPc.jpg Blog - Au Revoir Paris - Make it stand out The name of this restaurant translates as “Feeling Peckish.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/93c61cc6-9f35-480a-b4de-70a96b9b1164/tempImageuXBfy6.jpg Blog - Au Revoir Paris - Make it stand out Street artist in Montmartre’s famous Place de Tertre. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/86dd6f87-f5f3-47d9-a711-5a78b1bcff0a/tempImageFROV8W.jpg Blog - Au Revoir Paris - Make it stand out It is believed that La Maison Rose became famous because of Utrillo paintings. But Élisée Maclet (sadly forgotten) painted La Maison Rose and Montmartre long before Utrillo. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f8bd9bc2-f17c-4432-9864-c6059eaa5231/tempImage1gRGvr.jpg Blog - Au Revoir Paris - Make it stand out This iconic spot was frequented by a multitude of artists, including singers who performed in Pigalle and Montmartre cabarets. In the 60s and 70s, film artists, writers, and singers such as Albert Camus, Alain Delon, and Dalida, were clients. Mindy and Emily enjoy a drink and dinner here in S1:E5 of Emily in Paris. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b9ec6e40-2b77-490b-83ac-ac20c57018b6/tempImage9bQtJK.jpg Blog - Au Revoir Paris - Make it stand out Our final stop in Montmartre was Le mur des je t'aime (Wall of I Love You). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d932bb4c-e947-49ba-ac73-158e788b20f2/tempImageDKbxju.jpg Blog - Au Revoir Paris - Make it stand out I love you in English above our heads. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5e5aa8b6-fea1-47f1-8a3f-00acd693928b/tempImageWakfGL.jpg Blog - Au Revoir Paris - Make it stand out The phrase “I love you” is featured 311 times in 250 languages. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d10fef5c-7fd4-41bb-b0d3-914b20aed6f0/tempImageOM2zHG.jpg Blog - Au Revoir Paris - Make it stand out Amanda noticed Parisians who had their Métro Navigo cards in their purse and simply touched their bags to the sensor. It was a very proud moment when she successfully mimicked this small Parisian life hack. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/51a6de20-8910-4f00-9374-b98dccc7dbd6/tempImagegTKU3K.jpg Blog - Au Revoir Paris - Make it stand out Raspberry and dark chocolate sorbet at Berthillon, the iconic tea shop on the quaint Île Saint-Louis, the smaller of the two islands in the middle of the Seine. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ef1566dd-7b86-4cc4-b27a-03845a8ce388/tempImageluAvfH.jpg Blog - Au Revoir Paris - Make it stand out La Chaumière and Le Flore en l'Île are two iconic restaurants on the west end of Île Saint-Louis. Luc chats with Emily about Paris life while seated at Le Flore en l'Île in S1:E1 of Emily in Paris. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/be760717-b6c2-49dd-b667-25903da737b6/tempImageATYVWf.jpg Blog - Au Revoir Paris - Make it stand out Standing on Pont Saint-Louis, the bridge that connects the two islands in the Seine—our parting shot of the incomparable Paris. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7ce697c8-9fe3-4af1-be47-efe0a3bcb8b6/tempImageQh19ki.jpg Blog - Au Revoir Paris - Make it stand out At Gare du Nord on the travelator down to the Eurostar train that will take us from Paris to London at speeds up to 186 mph and will make the journey in a little over two hours. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d2d4b840-d44b-4268-a471-e81e2d7d4881/tempImageGFqjgW.jpg Blog - Au Revoir Paris - Make it stand out Even when you make great use of the Paris Métro, which we did, it is still an enormous city and getting around requires a lot of walking. For our five days in Paris we walked just shy of 36 miles (80K+ steps) for an average of 7+ miles a day (16K+ steps). This is why we are traveling internationally now. Keeping up this pace is a younger-person’s game! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1f7b662e-00f7-4165-8659-39ece3ae8b07/tempImagexrCpSq.jpg Blog - Au Revoir Paris - Make it stand out All aboard and headed back to London. In London Eurostar arrives at King’s Cross Station, though sadly not at Platform 9¾. We took our luggage to another Radical Storage so we could enjoy a final dinner at Dishoom, the same place we ate when we arrived in London nearly a month ago. As always, it was a glorious dinner! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5c6e168f-3f16-4cf0-8caa-e14f49a1ec66/tempImageLHzaCk.jpg Blog - Au Revoir Paris - Make it stand out After dinner, we retrieved our bags and took a final ride on the London Underground from King’s Cross to Paddington Station. From there, we took the Heathrow Express to Heathrow Terminals 2 & 3. There was no shuttle to our hotel, so we took a famous London black cab. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9e3fa54e-1026-4861-8e83-136ed08b4471/tempImage3wSIFH.jpg Blog - Au Revoir Paris - Make it stand out In our many trips to London, this was our first time in a black cab. It was actually pretty fun. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b88911a8-651c-4d12-a6e0-391806049db6/tempImagekHZlKY.jpg Blog - Au Revoir Paris - Make it stand out Our driver may not have been a great photographer, but he delivered us safe and sound to our hotel. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/fb6f4c8d-aab6-41cc-808b-98aa4dcacf38/tempImageGcOCiN.jpg Blog - Au Revoir Paris - Make it stand out On Friday morning British Airways Flight 265 departed promptly at 11:35 a.m. The Boeing 777-300 landed in San Diego just before 3 p.m. We spent the night with Matt and Erica and the Sianis, and then flew Alaska Airlines to SLO on Saturday morning. It was wonderful to be home, our hearts and minds filled with so many great memories of our adventures in England, Belgium, Netherlands, and Paris! https://www.overthehillandacrossthepond.com/blog/une-dame-et-un-homme monthly 0.5 2025-04-29 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/61287956-6367-4414-b1ad-d9ba6326faaa/tempImageyAUcT6.jpg Blog - Notre-Dame & l’Orangerie - Make it stand out After the day of mourning messed up our plans to visit Notre-Dame on Tuesday, Wednesday was our final shot at getting inside. It was a bit like the Walking in Memphis song as we made our way there “in the middle of a pouring rain.” Gratefully, between being earlier in the morning and the rain, there was no queue. However, they still had us run through the full maze of back-and-forth queuing barriers like lab rats, just to ensure we were good and soaked through by the time we made it inside. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/fc731b2b-7a39-4e44-a470-f04856a3a914/tempImageYsjnKG.jpg Blog - Notre-Dame & l’Orangerie - Make it stand out Notre-Dame is a French phrase meaning Our Lady. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3984969b-ce51-40ad-9997-366d9a95739f/tempImagekX4bpX.jpg Blog - Notre-Dame & l’Orangerie - Make it stand out It will come as no surprise that Catholics place tremendous importance on Mary, a fact that is reflected throughout the cathedral. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/fbb0fbe4-f329-45ad-b38c-7efdec720957/tempImage4UZBf5.jpg Blog - Notre-Dame & l’Orangerie - Make it stand out The large memorial for Pope Francis. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/323fe4fa-d131-446b-960a-8f298e054f89/tempImageiOyBph.jpg Blog - Notre-Dame & l’Orangerie - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f7f80279-97fb-4e78-be62-a9841679c077/tempImagePhbwga.jpg Blog - Notre-Dame & l’Orangerie - Make it stand out Notre-Dame Cathedral boasts three magnificent rose windows over its main portals. This is the South Window, also known as the “south rose” or the “midday rose.” It was given to Notre-Dame Cathedral by the King of France Saint Louis IX in 1260. Its theme is the Last Judgment. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/33419081-b37a-416a-9e7c-86e3a9994a07/tempImageOlYeFp.jpg Blog - Notre-Dame & l’Orangerie - Make it stand out The North Rose Window was crafted around 1250. It is the only rose window to retain its original glass, with most of the 13th century glasswork still intact. It depicts Mary enthroned holding the Christ Child. Surrounding them are images of kings and prophets of the Old Testament, with 16 prophets in the inner circle of medallions and 32 kings and judges in the outer circle. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1ebeb7e9-74d8-4b40-93a1-70dd79e6bfd6/tempImagekccKeF.jpg Blog - Notre-Dame & l’Orangerie - Make it stand out The reverse of both sides of the choir are covered in detailed screens of various Bible stories. The partial relief on the left is the wedding in Cana, followed by the entry of Jesus into Jerusalem on a donkey, and the Last Supper. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d391be34-562d-4f53-908c-56b19dabf2a4/tempImageodHXtk.jpg Blog - Notre-Dame & l’Orangerie - Make it stand out Mary, pregnant with Jesus, visiting her cousin Elizabeth, herself pregnant with John the Baptist. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/84d07020-5e88-4bcf-84ca-5eb6e7ae0f52/tempImageTNPD0M.jpg Blog - Notre-Dame & l’Orangerie - Make it stand out The risen Christ (holding a shovel?) appears to Mary Magdalene. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5610cfab-882c-4865-a9d4-6fc173cbd676/tempImage3ysN7Z.jpg Blog - Notre-Dame & l’Orangerie - Make it stand out The high alter features a sculpture of the Blessed Virgin Mary holding her crucified son with angels attending. A gold cross, which does not have the figure of Christ hanging on it, stands above. Out of devotion to the Virgin Mary, King Louis XIII wished to have a new high altar constructed for Notre-Dame. This vow was realized by Louis XIV in the 18th century. To honor both kings, the statue on the right is of Louis XIII, kneeling, offering his royal crown to the Virgin. Just barely visible on the left is Louis XIV in coronation attire imploring the Virgin, with his right hand on his chest. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d7200019-a41f-4c3c-b627-78a0db506247/000_1fp2s4.jpg.png Blog - Notre-Dame & l’Orangerie - Make it stand out Though blacked with soot, miraculously the high alter survived the ravages of the massive 2019 fire. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/254f30bd-0251-4a41-b523-1501fc87ae66/tempImageyk6Tqi.jpg Blog - Notre-Dame & l’Orangerie - Make it stand out Notre-Dame Cathedral claims to hold relics that include Jesus’ crown of thorns, a nail from the True Cross, and a sliver of the True Cross. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d09a1ad9-eb77-454c-8608-718c25f96e61/tempImage4OKNgp.jpg Blog - Notre-Dame & l’Orangerie - Make it stand out The relics are held inside this reliquary, an altarpiece of marble and cedar wood. The radiant halo symbolizes Notre-Dame’s rebirth as a cathedral of light. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3bafcbf6-f278-49a3-8e05-a73559014490/190418071542-01-notre-dame-relics-rescue-intl.jpg Blog - Notre-Dame & l’Orangerie - Make it stand out On December 13, 2024, the crown of thorns was returned to Notre-Dame, marking a deeply moving moment for Parisians and pilgrims alike. The relic, which survived the devastating 2019 fire, had been stored at the Louvre since the blaze. The return procession, attended by over 400 members of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulcher, saw the crown—held by a knight in full regalia—walk from the Louvre to Notre-Dame, drawing crowds of onlookers. Surrounding the crown are intricately designed gilded bronze thorns, evoking the crown’s Byzantine roots. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/652b8e12-82e5-4eb8-84c0-908727811127/90.png Blog - Notre-Dame & l’Orangerie - Make it stand out The crown, acquired by King Louis IX in 1239, was originally housed at Sainte-Chapelle before being moved to Notre-Dame in 1806. Beginning on January 10 of this year, the crown is displayed every Friday (as shown above). We were not in Paris on a Friday, and so could not have seen it on display. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2dd505af-f1e9-4c5b-86a4-b530cd288391/tempImagefDaurj.jpg Blog - Notre-Dame & l’Orangerie - Make it stand out I found The Count and Countess of Harcourt sculpture strangely captivating. Henri-Claude d’Harcourt was the sixth son of Henri, Duke of Harcourt, Marshal of France, who passed away in 1718. A count and lieutenant-general of the king’s armies. Upon his death in 1769, his widow, Marie-Magdeleine Thibert des Martrais, Countess of Chiverny, wished to honor him. Her wealth allowed her to commission a renowned artist: the sculptor Jean-Baptiste Pigalle. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/df9223c2-7bf0-4651-9b5f-07bb274a6495/Notre-Dame_mausolee-comte-harcourt_vue-ensemble.jpg Blog - Notre-Dame & l’Orangerie - Make it stand out Her instructions to Pigalle: “At one end of the sarcophagus will be the guardian angel of the said Lord Count of Harcourt who, seeing the said Lady Countess of Harcourt approaching, will lift the stone of the tomb with one hand and hold the torch of Hymen [wedding torch] with the other; Mr. the Count, who, after appearing to come back to life for a moment by the warmth of his torch, will free himself from his shroud and extend his languishing arms to his wife… Behind Mr. the Count will be Death holding a hourglass to show Mrs. the Countess that her time has come. Mrs. the Countess, at the foot of the sarcophagus, will express through her posture the impatience she has to reunite with her husband; at the sight of this reunion, the guardian angel will extinguish the torch of Hymen [wedding torch].” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/abd870ad-36c3-4157-b332-d0b70f7fca5a/tempImage40BSgN.jpg Blog - Notre-Dame & l’Orangerie - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1dd61512-5199-489e-ab30-91291a5666a2/tempImagee4EWGy.jpg Blog - Notre-Dame & l’Orangerie - Make it stand out The cathedral has been beautifully restored following the fire and I’m so glad we were able to visit. I’m sure many will be upset by my next comment, but my overall impression was ho-hum. Of the many cathedrals we have visited, this was one of the least interesting, I’m sorry to say. Perhaps on such a drab and dreary day there was no light streaming in through the many stained-glass windows. Whatever the cause, my overall impression was underwhelm. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7239b777-938a-417d-a589-3b4b48e650de/tempImager8NmeH.jpg Blog - Notre-Dame & l’Orangerie - Make it stand out Just outside of Notre-Dame Cathedral embedded in the concrete of the public square is a small geographic marker known as Kilometer Zero. It is the starting point from which distances are measured to other cities in France. The marker reads, “Point zero for the roads of Paris.” This point was established by King Louis XV in 1769. The brass plaque from the center was likely removed while heavy construction was underway on the cathedral and replaced with this metal plate. Presumably, the brass plaque will be returned soon, as construction is winding down. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ef81dff5-5de0-4e17-8d33-42ae2f89dd4c/tempImage2jXoaF.jpg Blog - Notre-Dame & l’Orangerie - Make it stand out About 1/10 of a kilometer from Kilometer Zero on the Left Bank of the Seine is the Shakespeare and Company Bookstore, which routinely advertises its location within the radius of Kilometer Zero Paris. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ae31f4c9-b7c4-4627-a356-5c54e4780cee/tempImagerLKJwe.jpg Blog - Notre-Dame & l’Orangerie - Make it stand out After the locks were removed from Pont des Arts (bridge), people have found many other places to leave their Parisian love locks. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/66357b31-b2f0-46e6-acd3-03614806be7a/tempImageyFHIa4.jpg Blog - Notre-Dame & l’Orangerie - Make it stand out One more thing on our list: see Monet’s Water Lilies. We were less fortunate when queuing to get inside the Musée de l'Orangerie. After an hour standing in the rain, we finally made it inside. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d622c2ae-5089-473d-91be-c798c1657aad/tempImageHRLtMi.jpg Blog - Notre-Dame & l’Orangerie - Make it stand out Though while standing in line we questioned several times whether it was worth it or not, we were very glad we stuck it out. To see the murals in person is an exceptional experience. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/09949d4c-85cd-449a-8356-938f4379e75a/tempImagejOkjly.jpg Blog - Notre-Dame & l’Orangerie - Make it stand out From the very beginnings of his great project, Monet imagined a panoramic arrangement "enveloping the whole interior in its unity.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e926835c-f104-4f5f-b8da-ff646ff95032/tempImageCYQKtk.jpg Blog - Notre-Dame & l’Orangerie - Make it stand out The Musée de l'Orangerie houses eight of the great Nymphéas (Water Lilies) compositions, created from panels assembled side by side. These compositions are all the same height (6.5 feet) and are hung across the curved walls of the two elliptical rooms, enhanced by the east-west alignment of the museum and natural light filtering in through the ceiling. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d261d3b4-aa22-434a-9949-58363f0effe2/tempImageO1piGd.jpg Blog - Notre-Dame & l’Orangerie - Make it stand out In the end, by drawing up successive plans for the space that would accommodate the Water Lilies, he was able to clarify and refine his ideas, moving "from a circle to an oval, and finally to a double ellipse [two adjoining rooms] forming the symbol for infinity.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/55e3fae7-bd97-4af1-89e9-bfa959135a07/tempImagej462H5.jpg Blog - Notre-Dame & l’Orangerie - Make it stand out We particularly enjoyed the panels with trees. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a07b49d7-681e-47df-a445-7e5db31b5738/tempImagen0RFJ4.jpg Blog - Notre-Dame & l’Orangerie - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0da39599-775a-4ebb-a825-2a2d2ae88f98/tempImagehKTvdo.jpg Blog - Notre-Dame & l’Orangerie - Make it stand out After the museum we finally had breakfast, and then returned to our apartment to pack and get ready for our Thursday departure from Paris and return to London. https://www.overthehillandacrossthepond.com/blog/triomphe-amp-tribulation monthly 0.5 2025-05-05 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/aa931440-3afd-45eb-bc49-569ba51f8f58/tempImageKX6Sb9.jpg Blog - Triomphe & Tribulation - Make it stand out Tuesday was dedicated to the simple purpose of waiting in the long line to get inside the newly reopened Notre-Dame Cathedral. As you probably know, Pope Francis died on Easter Sunday, and Easter Monday is a public holiday in France. So what do you suppose the country’s most significant Catholic Church did all day Tuesday? Yep! We got up early and made the journey down to the cathedral only to find a person with a bullhorn telling everyone the cathedral was closed for a day of mourning and mass. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f04311e5-c33f-4b32-97ac-9332ab230354/tempImageNLBBDx.jpg Blog - Triomphe & Tribulation - Make it stand out We quickly switched over to our Wednesday agenda and headed for the Arc de Triomphe. Amanda agreed to go up only if there was a lift. The website said there was, so she agreed. Here are some of the 284 steps up to the terrace. Turns out the lift was reserved for people with limited mobility only. As you can see, my lovely bride was less than thrilled with the climb. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/86ded9a5-4f91-4461-9703-e6d125ba2d20/tempImage7B0HuM.jpg Blog - Triomphe & Tribulation - Make it stand out Once on top, Amanda had to reluctantly agree that this is probably the best viewpoint in all of Paris. This is looking down Avenue des Champs-Élysées. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/de3fabf7-6a8e-4a0b-a713-94d880326c11/tempImageIWPI6K.jpg Blog - Triomphe & Tribulation - Make it stand out The Eiffel Tower is much higher, but there is something about the Arc’s central position with all the grand boulevards like radiating spokes that really makes the view extra special. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5b3389eb-14ee-48c2-87b0-1025ff9a0d5e/tempImage9DGD0E.jpg Blog - Triomphe & Tribulation - Make it stand out With rain forecasted for Wednesday, the cathedral being closed was a blessing in disguise, as we had gorgeous weather today. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b5719a93-2944-47d9-82a2-f64c34e00974/tempImageTHM36c.jpg Blog - Triomphe & Tribulation - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f140f6d7-0099-4274-a038-fe5174bafe0d/tempImageXEJ29F.jpg Blog - Triomphe & Tribulation - Make it stand out Montmartre and Basilica of the Sacré-Cœur on the hill in the distance. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/736750c0-4a7e-416c-8edf-ffa5bf37e5e0/tempImagejUzDCD.jpg Blog - Triomphe & Tribulation - Make it stand out Beneath the Arc de Triomphe, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier holds an unidentified member of the French armed forces killed during the First World War to symbolically commemorate all soldiers who have died for France throughout history. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/619053e7-c611-42ab-9abd-e255e5d4d7f3/tempImageudQltG.jpg Blog - Triomphe & Tribulation - Make it stand out Afterward we strolled down Champs-Élysées. Here we saw they were doing a complete make over on the Yves Saint Laurent store. Checkout how they covered the façade while they work! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/bcce8ff6-c9f3-44cc-883c-b898cd8c604b/tempImageuYiX6V.jpg Blog - Triomphe & Tribulation - Make it stand out From the triumph of the Arc to the sadness of the Place de la Concorde. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/af5487e6-844a-48dd-8bd0-4094920eb1b3/tempImagep9f2WT.jpg Blog - Triomphe & Tribulation - Make it stand out These days the country and city prefer to emphasize the artistic obelisk and twin fountains, but this was the square was one of three spaces where people were executed by the guillotine during the French Revolution. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/189a403b-e682-4c72-ab8c-66760feaa4be/tempImagedPrYyA.jpg Blog - Triomphe & Tribulation - Make it stand out The Luxor Obelisks are a pair of ancient Egyptian obelisks over 3,000 years old carved to stand either side of the portal of the Luxor Temple in the reign of Ramesses II (c. 1250 BC). We were shocked to learn that the right-hand (western) stone was moved in 1836 to the Place de la Concorde in Paris, while the left-hand (eastern) obelisk remains in its original location in Egypt. So this obelisk, covered with hieroglyphs celebrating the reign of Pharaoh Ramses II, is the genuine article! The bronze plaques on the base illustrate the techniques used for its transport from Egypt to Paris. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e521b09a-179f-4e81-a9e0-d36859edbdad/tempImage5DUM4h.jpg Blog - Triomphe & Tribulation - Make it stand out Of the 2,498 persons guillotined in Paris during the Revolution, 1,119 were executed on the Place de la Concorde. This is the plaque commemorating where Louis XVI and Marie Antoinette were executed. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0dff2648-e348-482e-ae55-2d69ddc894cf/tempImagemmCstp.jpg Blog - Triomphe & Tribulation - Make it stand out Cool halo around the sun. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/aab348dc-24df-49b9-9862-98ccb7c67bb2/tempImage04uHEm.jpg Blog - Triomphe & Tribulation - Make it stand out Arc de Triomphe du Carrousel in front of the Louvre. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7445d787-8ced-4ea4-9a11-ce882c11eeb4/tempImageUnDJJt.jpg Blog - Triomphe & Tribulation - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0da43409-5cd7-4c77-83cf-ab23028706f0/tempImageRoaucx.jpg Blog - Triomphe & Tribulation - Make it stand out On the Pont des Artes—the bridge that once had thousands of padlocks attached to it. In 2015, the city removed the locks from the bridge's railings due to safety concerns and structural damage caused by their weight. The locks were replaced with glass panels to (mostly but not entirely) prevent them from being reattached. Behind us is Île de la Cité and Pont Neuf. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/116f7688-d9ca-421b-9539-3a81c8ef3d4c/tempImage43xRP5.jpg Blog - Triomphe & Tribulation - Make it stand out Some of the many Bouquinistes of Paris (booksellers of Paris) along the banks of the Seine. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/85b83e22-e629-4904-9198-4ce60a99f6b1/tempImageAuSkJP.jpg Blog - Triomphe & Tribulation - Make it stand out One more quick stop in Shakespeare and Company. I love all the things that are not allowed inside and the one thing that is! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/64f4809f-5513-4ba8-afa1-a54acd1957aa/tempImageGjARXD.jpg Blog - Triomphe & Tribulation - Make it stand out The great western towers of Notre-Dame as seen from Square René Viviani across the Left Bank. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/372a7b6e-827c-4901-84c2-b5d2d114ee57/tempImageZiK3nj.jpg Blog - Triomphe & Tribulation - Make it stand out A little afternoon snack. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/76f4fa66-45ba-437f-9024-8a6a95cd6a67/tempImagemKpJ66.jpg Blog - Triomphe & Tribulation - Make it stand out We had dinner at MESA de HOY restaurant, which was conveniently close to our apartment. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/52410982-bcca-4032-9e8e-8b7d164c33f2/tempImageyEJcTP.jpg Blog - Triomphe & Tribulation - Make it stand out The front is half café, half flower shop. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d083c44c-470b-4abc-993a-fe59c24d4354/tempImageEP5cAh.jpg Blog - Triomphe & Tribulation - Make it stand out Broccolini tempura with "Romesco" sauce. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e94c3386-9cd8-484c-aaa7-10d85753b49c/tempImageGEmYV4.jpg Blog - Triomphe & Tribulation - Make it stand out Pasta "cacio e pepe" shiitake. Amanda liked it, but thought it was a bit on the bland side (and that’s coming from Amanda!). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3ae98970-f25a-4bf6-b6e0-bf02d28b5dc1/tempImageSTktCZ.jpg Blog - Triomphe & Tribulation - Make it stand out Oyster mushroom tacos with "salsa macha.” Oh man, were these good! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5d5b1395-af0a-46a3-b827-e6640b90ef3a/tempImage0rdiDY.jpg Blog - Triomphe & Tribulation - Make it stand out Chocolate cake, vanilla sauce, and whipped cream—phenomenal! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/11c758b9-39b8-4469-b195-1e62fb160c26/tempImageQkFfdc.jpg Blog - Triomphe & Tribulation - Make it stand out It occurred to us that one of you may want to visit us and not know how to get to our apartment. When you exit the Pigalle Métro station, look for the bright orange Pharmacie with the Trigra Man pills advertised in the front window, with the caution broken bed warning sign. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d7e61067-14f3-4599-a1a7-91ed56f727db/tempImagepd1zLF.jpg Blog - Triomphe & Tribulation - Make it stand out Continue passed the pharmacie until you see the large red and yellow flashing Sex Shop sign. Turn right, and we’re halfway up the block on the right. We love and miss you all and will see you soon! https://www.overthehillandacrossthepond.com/blog/claude-monets-house monthly 0.5 2025-04-29 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b4d32538-06e3-472a-972e-69d698b178ac/tempImagevqGOaD.jpg Blog - Claude Monet’s House - Make it stand out Monday was dedicated to visiting Claude Monet’s house in Giverny. However, our bus did not leave until the afternoon. So, our first stop was Cloud Cakes for breakfast. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8c5c6118-cdf6-4f04-8b12-87b8630f1b2d/tempImage6NNYCZ.jpg Blog - Claude Monet’s House - Make it stand out Only one Métro stop away from our apartment, this became our favorite breakfast spot. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9130976f-5ffd-4c43-b5c9-cbc3ca574fc2/tempImageiWUYLq.jpg Blog - Claude Monet’s House - Make it stand out When I first read Tofu Scramble Pancakes on the menu I was skeptical. I decided to go for it anyway and ended up enjoying it so much, I ordered it again on Wednesday. Like my mother always asked, “How do you know you don’t like it if you haven’t even tried it?” Thanks for the nudge mom! ❤️ https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4250c294-13c1-4874-acaa-40d70e743757/tempImagea9uktr.jpg Blog - Claude Monet’s House - Make it stand out Amanda had their Cloud Breakfast, which came with a hot chocolate, freshly squeezed OJ, fresh baguettes served with butter and jam, and a croissant. I don’t know how they make their croissants, but they have perfected the art. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b35fb75b-2bc8-4bf1-9ebf-fdb273923d85/tempImagebl0Vpg.jpg Blog - Claude Monet’s House - Make it stand out After breakfast, we visited the Galeries Lafayette Haussmann to see its famous dome. Along the way we found Will’s idea of Paris fashion. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a91b26e6-564f-4c0a-879d-32f14fc679c7/tempImage0RDCt4.jpg Blog - Claude Monet’s House - Make it stand out The steel-frame art nouveau glass dome ringed by loggias (archways) makes this mall popular in movies and TV series (of course it was featured in Emily in Paris). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0f129cb2-c13b-4858-a1bd-fe7aca9e0637/tempImageU37w0I.jpg Blog - Claude Monet’s House - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4f1460ea-85c7-49f8-b0dd-df5b0774b48e/tempImageg4gd6X.jpg Blog - Claude Monet’s House - Make it stand out By accident, we took one too many escalators up, which was how we discovered the mall also has a terrace viewpoint we somehow had never heard about. (Apparently my mom had told me about it, but I wasn’t listening. Sorry mom!) The building behind us is the Palais Garnier, the Italian-style opera house. Enjoy this view, because the stunning façade was completely covered up while they do construction. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f0f4d21f-0f0a-4fbf-8242-cf6c5131c102/tempImagefXd9rJ.jpg Blog - Claude Monet’s House - Make it stand out There is also an all-vegetarian rooftop restaurant here called Créatures, but it does not open each year until May. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ebf00260-fd0f-4340-8563-d84f12434f34/tempImageraDNPA.jpg Blog - Claude Monet’s House - Make it stand out We think it was in London that I lost my North Face Paris T-shirt. It just so happened that we were in Paris, so we were able to get a new one. (Footnote: I had never taken the shirt in the first place; now I have two!) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0c45275c-4e3b-4983-b325-6b6fc7722492/tempImagehTu119.jpg Blog - Claude Monet’s House - Make it stand out The Champ de Mars is the large park on the opposite (east) side of the Eiffel Tower, and this was where we took all our night photos during our last visit—the ones with all the massive rats! On this trip, we wanted to view it across the way from the Jardins du Trocadéro. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5afa834d-7ce5-4d30-b66a-f6a737e67793/tempImageSVZDMm.jpg Blog - Claude Monet’s House - Make it stand out While you do have a nice elevated viewpoint, it looks pretty much the same from the west side. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/13561074-e24a-40d8-a1e2-0edebceb7005/tempImageXlfRFK.jpg Blog - Claude Monet’s House - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1106dca5-b902-45f7-b9df-739e80ff6de5/tempImageLFgqqz.jpg Blog - Claude Monet’s House - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/19e612e4-1ed1-48f2-add3-070e91dcae44/tempImagel7emCW.jpg Blog - Claude Monet’s House - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0df37eb9-b7a3-4bae-8fe3-ae52a1ff8bf9/tempImage9ZOvPC.jpg Blog - Claude Monet’s House - Make it stand out Our double-decker bus left right on time at 2:30 p.m. for the hour-plus ride to Giverny. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e26513a4-117d-4c97-b359-5c6d98e21262/tempImageG36PLb.jpg Blog - Claude Monet’s House - Make it stand out “I must have flowers, always, and always.” —Claude Monet https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6d605d58-482f-46d3-bae3-4b5e03809f69/tempImageIfFfiR.jpg Blog - Claude Monet’s House - Make it stand out For thirty years, from 1895 until his death in 1926, Claude Monet (the most famous of the Impressionist painters), found inspiration in the "water garden" of his Giverny estate in Normandy, in his famous water lily pond, and the white water lily. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0d51f76d-bb38-4af2-af7b-bd00c0fd6c0a/tempImageeUnsxV.jpg Blog - Claude Monet’s House - Make it stand out Monet was always fascinated by the light interplays and cloud reflections on water. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/cdbb06f7-a953-487d-8fa2-50997dae7f9d/tempImageXc4GEp.jpg Blog - Claude Monet’s House - Make it stand out In 1893, he acquired land at the bottom of Clos Normand, on the other side of the train tracks, and diverted the Ru, a small branch of the River Epte. The pond created by this diversion would become the water garden that features on the picture rails of the world’s greatest museums. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/cfb2b912-b64b-4e1f-85b1-c3076faf3776/tempImageff2Wpg.jpg Blog - Claude Monet’s House - Make it stand out Toward the end of April, the water lilies remained dormant at the bottom of the pond and will sprout again once the temperature of the water rises. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/006a5ba0-e65a-428a-b556-56310574ab56/tempImageEIcNyQ.jpg Blog - Claude Monet’s House - Make it stand out In S2:E4 "Love Is on the Run" of Emily in Paris, Emily joins Camille in a boat from the dock across the pond. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f240f487-85f8-44c1-8aed-7f272e1c32f7/tempImageJIzjLZ.jpg Blog - Claude Monet’s House - Make it stand out Monet planted water lilies at the bottom of the pond: “I love water but I also love flowers. That’s why, once the pond was filled, I thought about adorning it with plants. I got a catalogue and simply chose at random.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f9090a29-e2ec-49f1-970a-03f742e1f1d2/tempImageWZUu2g.jpg Blog - Claude Monet’s House - Make it stand out The famous bridge in the distance. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/31132d20-1804-46ea-a993-7fa18a2ecc19/tempImageuPHrkV.jpg Blog - Claude Monet’s House - Make it stand out Oh, the vibrancy of spring! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/648b4f3c-11eb-44f3-b4b5-8b304fa017bd/tempImagePk9rva.jpg Blog - Claude Monet’s House - Make it stand out “A flower blossoms for its own joy.” ―Oscar Wilde https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/75b7df01-05d2-4ac1-869c-f8c10bc6b0b7/tempImage2aJO1K.jpg Blog - Claude Monet’s House - Make it stand out Monet produced more than 250 paintings, over 40 of which were large format. Designed entirely by Monet, starting in 1893, the Japanese-style water garden on his Giverny estate was a constantly evolving creation, changing in appearance according to the time of day and the season, and offering new perspectives to visitors as they move around. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1b138df3-2b21-45e0-b9f2-534b66b62ad7/tempImageVWArL2.jpg Blog - Claude Monet’s House - Make it stand out Amanda standing on the bridge. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/15c6e708-4ed3-424e-b23d-7a1cec2716ba/tempImage84PfEQ.jpg Blog - Claude Monet’s House - Make it stand out The artist's main themes are to be found here: his love of the infinite, the passage of time, the interplay of reflections on water. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/459ff055-368e-411c-9d43-bae7b336eddd/tempImageWtdxfw.jpg Blog - Claude Monet’s House - Make it stand out “The earth laughs in flowers.” ―Ralph Waldo Emerson https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a53e8fed-96b7-4ac8-af01-524f2d5625e7/tempImageSXpVna.jpg Blog - Claude Monet’s House - Make it stand out The Monet family home. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0a87ab61-3c33-46c1-a18a-ec237913893f/tempImagenaGf3d.jpg Blog - Claude Monet’s House - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/40f0155e-c595-460b-9cb7-41f2893765f0/tempImage69aTFT.jpg Blog - Claude Monet’s House - Make it stand out “Flowers always make people better, happier, and more helpful; they are sunshine, food, and medicine to the mind.” ―Luther Burbank https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/55faab53-07d0-4d17-879b-1ca302b9450a/tempImagesG17Up.jpg Blog - Claude Monet’s House - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8aac954b-dcbb-4563-aaec-0862a289ef04/tempImageY5CqUY.jpg Blog - Claude Monet’s House - Make it stand out A portrait of Monet in the huge studio that he had specially built at the Giverny house. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e374eb96-88cc-44ca-8ab4-ed40e01481e9/tempImageHZsGzX.jpg Blog - Claude Monet’s House - Make it stand out Me in that same studio. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1296be1d-e1ac-4e42-9764-73d43a9245f6/tempImageB8NAOt.jpg Blog - Claude Monet’s House - Make it stand out Looking out Claude and his wife’s 2nd floor bedroom window. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/73a7b6cd-38d5-4bdc-8a19-b27c3b05a536/tempImagenmL4cP.jpg Blog - Claude Monet’s House - Make it stand out The lovely blue tiled kitchen also appears in the same Emily in Paris episode. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e1fd4621-dc9c-41c3-8559-d0e3c331e831/tempImageheh2zh.jpg Blog - Claude Monet’s House - Make it stand out There may not have been any water lilies on the pond yet, but the front garden was bursting with gorgeous color. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e27396d6-474b-406b-977e-3d1f4e821707/tempImageVSwKJd.jpg Blog - Claude Monet’s House - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/45802610-1c65-40f4-b7e1-fceaf386f558/tempImagekhYeyw.jpg Blog - Claude Monet’s House - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c3c68814-f4e2-49e9-bbbb-6604199bcffa/tempImageKcm8el.jpg Blog - Claude Monet’s House - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/bdd91871-5c9d-46f9-93e6-6ab8ce3916e7/tempImage6uy32o.jpg Blog - Claude Monet’s House - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/aaf8c1fd-cca4-49e4-9b65-3033383cb947/tempImagezMIF7i.jpg Blog - Claude Monet’s House - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/eefbce19-d873-4734-ac09-beffb975cfbf/tempImageAxwj4q.jpg Blog - Claude Monet’s House - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7d91574e-849e-4ff7-ae83-b7ee3628e2b1/tempImageqluDIY.jpg Blog - Claude Monet’s House - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e991bf10-b1c5-434d-b276-8bd37cd32441/tempImageoAbhkx.jpg Blog - Claude Monet’s House - Make it stand out This seems like as good a picture as any to end on. Amanda said Claude Monet’s house was the most beautiful place she had ever been. It’s hard to disagree. https://www.overthehillandacrossthepond.com/blog/trianon monthly 0.5 2025-04-29 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/35438989-6f4f-45a5-9b5f-0f07d76660ae/tempImagejh1287.jpg Blog - Trianon - Make it stand out By the morning the rain had passed. This is the Pigalle Métro station near our apartment. Between 1900 and 1913, Hector Guimard was responsible for the first generation of entrances to the underground stations of the Paris Métro. His Art Nouveau designs in cast iron and glass dating mostly to 1900, and the associated lettering that he also designed, created what became known as the Métro style (style Métro) and popularized Art Nouveau. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8f54377c-e897-412a-9228-d26231df28ee/tempImagef49pYA.jpg Blog - Trianon - Make it stand out It was Easter morning and a service in French and Latin at Nortre-Dame was out of the question. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/710624b2-155f-4e2b-9191-b3cec7f5ecb1/tempImageTCeRgi.jpg Blog - Trianon - Make it stand out Seeing as our primary goal for today was to visit the Estate of Trianon at the Palace of Versailles, and this did not open until noon, there was plenty of time to travel over to the 11th Arrondissement and try a vegan pâtisserie (pastry shop). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/37ec2e7b-4a88-4a7f-a4b7-fe79f53b285d/tempImagedN2LgJ.jpg Blog - Trianon - Make it stand out We had wanted to visit VG Pâtisserie on our last trip but ran out of time. It’s easy to understand why there was always a line and why they were just given an award in 2025. Such a great start to the day, with some snacks for the road. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/fb9fd311-5dc5-49c8-8dec-634b7a1fb873/tempImagelGrse9.jpg Blog - Trianon - Make it stand out The RER is the regional train service that takes you outside the metropolitan area. When we exited the Métro station to walk to the RER station, this was our path—the view somehow never gets old! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/fa9d4783-8b7e-4ba3-a098-fb8f2175fcee/tempImage58WkZN.jpg Blog - Trianon - Make it stand out At the entrance to Château de Versailles. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c4279132-0779-40d4-81d1-d79a1b303ce4/tempImageAH32ib.jpg Blog - Trianon - Make it stand out The Grand Trianon (in the background above) was first built at the request of Louis XIV as a retreat for himself and his official mistress. The mistress later requested the Petit Trianon be built as a charming setting that could “amuse the king.” A get-a-way from your get-a-way, so to speak. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/100d67a5-9c7d-4cb6-bade-a78439274435/tempImage2yzlJ1.jpg Blog - Trianon - Make it stand out After Louis XIV died, and after his son Louis XV died, the new King Louis XVI presented the Petit Trianon as a gift to his wife Marie Antoinette. The young queen (married at 14 years old) renovated the space, notably having an English-style garden planted to replace the old greenhouses. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e3ce6b5f-506a-4ccf-b2f6-94ebf681b5e8/tempImagelmopG0.jpg Blog - Trianon - Make it stand out Marie often took refuge at the Petit Trianon to escape the pomp and etiquette of the Court of Versailles, which sometimes weighed on her. She surrounded herself with close friends and organized intimate soirées, without always taking the prerogatives of her time and rank into account. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d8cf8d7f-8dee-4ef3-a73c-2113f0a971de/tempImagegmzmG9.jpg Blog - Trianon - Make it stand out A visit to the Petit Trianon is a moving immersion in the everyday life of Marie Antoinette, a deeply human queen. Inside the Petite Trianon, a portrait of Marie when she was still eating cake and had her head. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/61bcbac6-6a4a-4212-b9a9-14649ab8b6d9/tempImageCCIyDM.jpg Blog - Trianon - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1f8f14f9-3832-460f-8382-487194d512bc/tempImage8dmZZB.jpg Blog - Trianon - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/759c8092-8165-4943-809c-685cd80ebb9e/tempImagevLjkyN.jpg Blog - Trianon - Make it stand out The real treasures at the Estate of Trianon were in the gardens behind the Petit Trianon. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d627a0ea-981b-4e55-92f6-03d541e46168/tempImage1Mepki.jpg Blog - Trianon - Make it stand out This is the bridge to the Temple of Love. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1d91c6b4-72bc-4354-a838-685a3664193b/tempImage9KbOXc.jpg Blog - Trianon - Make it stand out Marie-Antoinette could see the Temple of Love and Cupid from her room in the Petit Trianon. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4bcc474c-4e42-4da5-8385-4f451d4704c2/tempImage3o4B7B.jpg Blog - Trianon - Make it stand out When you live in one of the world’s grandest palaces, sometimes you just need a little space for relaxing walks, or to host small gatherings away from the hustle and bustle of palace life. Which is why Marie Antoinette had the Queen’s Hamlet constructed between 1777 and 1783. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1834c586-74ca-4db6-acf0-9cbbf26dcbfc/tempImageQ1pv6p.jpg Blog - Trianon - Make it stand out This place was next-level cool. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ef0ba902-18d8-4c0c-b618-03a8d5f604bd/tempImagenK1xcp.jpg Blog - Trianon - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1e1a47ea-e7ba-42b2-afad-041bc4536f84/tempImagetOiGAG.jpg Blog - Trianon - Make it stand out The model village was built around an artificial lake. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1a9c3a80-fa62-454b-a9f7-b2c51bd3ee3e/tempImageqnhEce.jpg Blog - Trianon - Make it stand out The rustic exteriors concealed interiors which were carefully-decorated and often richly furnished, where the queen could host small parties for invited guests. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/23d3d46b-b346-40b6-989b-7483deb5d541/tempImage4wodR3.jpg Blog - Trianon - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/24dc6032-17e1-4394-8183-94a6cb0f3fb1/tempImageeBFcf9.jpg Blog - Trianon - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2cfd1828-b211-4ab5-bc6f-c950f58a2b7f/tempImagekUrcJm.jpg Blog - Trianon - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4163a220-67d2-47a6-aa12-3a5f66c439fd/tempImagefEg96H.jpg Blog - Trianon - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/072990ac-d91b-47d6-9c06-b3731f22fa15/tempImageRpTV2P.jpg Blog - Trianon - Make it stand out The Hamlet also included a functioning farm, as the queen insisted it be included to serve an educational role for the royal children. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/41e23c4f-9ba1-4f85-86a9-ad417f69f4ca/tempImagevJzjBm.jpg Blog - Trianon - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a58647d6-8b2a-4daa-b0e0-0c3f948923dc/tempImagezFb3Si.jpg Blog - Trianon - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2d2647ed-31a0-492a-adfe-9f0a11c497c0/tempImageMXIoOJ.jpg Blog - Trianon - Make it stand out The Queen’s Hamlet was built at great expense while many in her country where poor and starving. She was accused of emptying the royal coffers. With all the hype, it’s difficult to make an informed assessment of her. In the end, every attempt to win back public opinion failed, and when the Revolution broke out, the Queen was a truly hated figure—for which she paid the ultimate price. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/064eb1f0-2be9-48b2-bec1-bae4f5bc1821/tempImageoPrjKM.jpg Blog - Trianon - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c32da445-d985-431f-8ee9-7c1573e91ec5/tempImagey28hxQ.jpg Blog - Trianon - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7d660d59-56bd-49f3-bb9b-23c459cc35ad/tempImages2cVz0.jpg Blog - Trianon - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2ffa9934-f12d-440e-9297-7716a3aa305a/tempImageIAmeXj.jpg Blog - Trianon - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/fa508193-43ca-4678-b060-4485aaa67bcc/tempImageb7UzB4.jpg Blog - Trianon - Make it stand out To enter the Versailles Palace Gardens, you must purchase a “Passport” ticket for €32 per person. However, it is possible to do what we did and walk to Trianon and only pay €12 to visit the Estate of Trianon. We then payed €5 each for a tram ticket that took us inside the Palace Gardens. It was a total life hack that got us inside the Palace Gardens for only €15 rather than €32. Right as we jumped on the tram, it started raining. We made it just in the nick of time. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2430660c-a1f3-40f2-961b-6f9c238d882d/tempImagenlOdvP.jpg Blog - Trianon - Make it stand out During our last visit, we were simply too exhausted to visit the gardens and groves. On this trip we made it a point to wander the many garden spaces. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1632f9b6-cf6f-4b44-8344-7372e2760d85/tempImageJifnDn.jpg Blog - Trianon - Make it stand out This garden and fountain were inspired by the legend of the fall of the Giants in Greek and Roman mythology. Punished for trying to climb Mount Olympus to dethrone the gods, the giants were buried under a heap of rocks, as illustrated here by the figure of Enceladus, whose suffering is conveyed by the powerful water jet gushing out of his mouth like a cry of pain (the fountain was off for this photo). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ff5e5023-5ad1-4d6c-a83c-2f9209b6d770/tempImageKiEtxs.jpg Blog - Trianon - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4b8f4a33-b74f-405b-a30e-ee34b2729dec/tempImageO849ih.jpg Blog - Trianon - Make it stand out As you can see, the rain not only didn’t last long, it all but vanished. Here we are in front of Apollo’s Fountain looking toward the Palace. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1fd172ef-97eb-4bdd-ae7f-28643b6275a5/tempImageANLC4B.jpg Blog - Trianon - Make it stand out This statue is of the Greek god Apollo rising from the sea in a four-horse chariot inspired by the legend of the Sun god. King Louis XIV gave himself the nickname of the “Sun King” because he believed he was like the sun to France. He believed he was chosen by God to rule and that everything revolved around him. He made the sun his royal symbol. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8b4caab5-ce86-4a31-a361-5afcd4d43436/tempImageHBdtPt.jpg Blog - Trianon - Make it stand out The Great Lawn. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/21484f93-e17c-40aa-bdc9-1368351e23d2/tempImage1EQovL.jpg Blog - Trianon - Make it stand out Latona’s Fountain. The Lycian peasants is a short tale from Greek mythology centered around Leto (known to the Romans as Latona), the mother of the Olympian twin gods Artemis and Apollo. The mother goddess Latona attempted to bath her children in and drink from a spring she found in Lycian. But the local people tried to stop her, stirring the bottom of the spring so that the mud would come up. Enraged over their lack of hospitality, Latona turned them all into frogs, forever doomed to swim and hop in the murky waters of the spring (notice all the frogs around the fountain). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0dbc9f5e-e25a-4177-94e3-fd095480a309/tempImagepNEp9s.jpg Blog - Trianon - Make it stand out Near the Palace looking toward Latona’s Fountain, the Great Lawn and Gardens, and the Grand Canal in the distance. It was so great to finally make it through the vast garden spaces. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9753986c-c157-461f-a332-8f5c26b4c0da/tempImageZg8Fgd.jpg Blog - Trianon - Make it stand out South Partere. (From the French word meaning on the ground, a parterre is a formal garden laid out on a level area and made up of enclosed beds, separated by gravel. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6969a474-cb3d-4f9a-a990-56b0b10ab5fe/tempImage4DGOAe.jpg Blog - Trianon - Make it stand out Some 22,000+ steps and 10 miles of walking later, we were finally back in our apartment. For the second night in a row, the lovely sounds of a steady rain lulled us to sleep. https://www.overthehillandacrossthepond.com/blog/bonjour-paris monthly 0.5 2025-04-29 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6a30a3d7-cdef-45b3-bee5-c99ffc689348/tempImage1i4QUu.jpg Blog - Bonjour Paris - Make it stand out Early Saturday morning we bid farewell to the Haarlem studio that had been our home for just over a week. In this photos, our apartment was right around the corner, behind the white building on the left. This bus stop could not have been more conveniently located. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/79c9479a-44a2-4f4f-a3d2-c5c263b478eb/tempImageHaIfOI.jpg Blog - Bonjour Paris - Make it stand out You just use your phone to tap-on and tap-off the bus. The R-NET 300 bus saved us a lot of walking between our apartment and the Haarlem train station. At some point we figured out that this bus also goes to the airport. Instead of taking a bus to the Haarlem train station, a train to Amsterdam, and then another train to the airport, we just hopped on this bus and arrived at the airport about 30 minutes later—easy peasy. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d3a22e25-c363-4418-abe9-0bad947469f3/tempImageCwbywl.jpg Blog - Bonjour Paris - Make it stand out We had plenty of time to relax in the airport waiting for our departure. Unfortunately, our Air France flight was delayed by an hour, so we didn’t push back until about 12:40 p.m. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6627d387-f5a7-4cc2-8fa2-2fff93580726/tempImageMKZ0Ui.jpg Blog - Bonjour Paris - Make it stand out Looking through the window of our Airbus A220-300 at a large and colorful tulip field toward the center of the image. Farewell Holland! We certainly had a wonderful time! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/faeed05a-b45b-49ae-86cd-c761eb04e450/tempImageabdk8p.jpg Blog - Bonjour Paris - Make it stand out Amanda says “stairs are number one”! Seventy-five steps climbed, only 15 left to go! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d32c214c-931a-4886-9a3b-2dc8e60f28a3/tempImagei0C9GL.jpg Blog - Bonjour Paris - Make it stand out It took us nearly eleven—sometimes death-defying—hours to get here, but our reward was the Eiffel Tower through our apartment window! Oh Paris, your bus drivers may be complete dog shit, your RER line in need of repair, and your Métro turnstile system positively prehistoric—but you do get a pass—because you are Paris! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d1631e4e-2327-4596-81c2-2c778c06f25b/tempImageGWlVwL.jpg Blog - Bonjour Paris - Make it stand out This is our building from the street. We are the top two dorrner windows on the left, directly above the green door. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/53f5e6a4-2237-4187-a9bd-e469e1b07a8c/tempImageb0dfzM.jpg Blog - Bonjour Paris - Make it stand out We had hardly eaten all day, so we were thrilled that Green Farmer’s was a short walk down the street. My bacon cheeseburger with its amazing “pink” sauce and Amanda’s crispy chic’n Caesar salad were both super delicious. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c3b16648-f775-4316-a8ea-4251cbf923dd/tempImagemZs2eC.jpg Blog - Bonjour Paris - Make it stand out The Moulin Rouge was really close, so we popped by for a quick photo after dinner. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8657d41c-2361-46be-918f-1ab8c1863c5c/tempImage6Zhjul.jpg Blog - Bonjour Paris - Make it stand out As it turns out, the Moulin Rouge is the most tame thing along Boulevard de Clichy. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5b4d7ae9-91f0-49c0-b896-50cc2f471cc5/tempImageAbv1nh.jpg Blog - Bonjour Paris - Make it stand out This place is more red light district than Amsterdam’s Red Light District. I suppose Paris is the City of Lust—I mean Love. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/621f8c11-b1d7-4ab3-8810-8dceb3d323d7/tempImagefakdlT.jpg Blog - Bonjour Paris - Make it stand out Anyway, we are finally back in our apartment and the sound of falling rain is lulling us to sleep. Bonne nuit from Paris! https://www.overthehillandacrossthepond.com/blog/vaarwel-amsterdam monthly 0.5 2025-04-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b9b8492d-1771-454a-b5fa-24f3dd13c542/tempImageX4YpRM.jpg Blog - Vaarwel Amsterdam - Make it stand out Zaanse Schans is a collection of historic windmills and wooden houses that were relocated for preservation from across the north of Amsterdam. In leaving the train and walking toward the village, we passed the large deZaan Cocoa plant. It could have been Willy Wonka’s Chocolate Factory we were passing given the luxurious aroma of melted chocolate filling the air. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9381e3f6-c1b5-4159-934b-9bac3bf27b0d/tempImageTfAdOz.jpg Blog - Vaarwel Amsterdam - Make it stand out Love the shoe rack filled with Dutch wooden clogs. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/29078b96-f9ff-410b-bb05-8eae9d0e79c6/tempImageoQ0WN3.jpg Blog - Vaarwel Amsterdam - Make it stand out Just some of Zaanse Schans’ collection of windmills. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2ae0322d-e206-401d-984e-8873f0854ad3/tempImagesDc0cL.jpg Blog - Vaarwel Amsterdam - Make it stand out Amazingly, the De Kat mill was built in 1664. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/befdd041-8b40-47f8-810a-beec4fc42e48/tempImagegNmPKt.jpg Blog - Vaarwel Amsterdam - Make it stand out The De Kat mineral mill continues to produce high quality paints and pigments. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/61fe5206-d597-4236-833e-5ffe44a55803/tempImageWjM1Ff.jpg Blog - Vaarwel Amsterdam - Make it stand out The enclosed room keeps the various pigments separated while being ground. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2481c5c1-1116-450b-9710-5c653b281bc3/tempImagepmNlSk.jpg Blog - Vaarwel Amsterdam - Make it stand out Heading up. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/854c4ce7-217a-4af4-8911-f61ca708c29d/tempImageud4McU.jpg Blog - Vaarwel Amsterdam - Make it stand out Everything made of wood. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b77e5c12-2a1b-435f-86b8-300ad4a306dd/tempImagezCG8QN.jpg Blog - Vaarwel Amsterdam - Make it stand out Love the thatched roof and the cloth sails. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/593ddd7b-474c-446a-8a5f-3b308a6be9a0/tempImageAWM3CR.jpg Blog - Vaarwel Amsterdam - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/65124330-6ef7-4493-820d-bde753053359/tempImage4HjTYb.jpg Blog - Vaarwel Amsterdam - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4f482f1b-338c-4e26-8cd6-544a947f57cc/tempImageZ2UIHa.jpg Blog - Vaarwel Amsterdam - Make it stand out At the end of the day, we give Zaanse Schans a C. It tops most lists of places you must visit while in Holland, but if someone is pressed for time, you could skip this place without much heartburn. It was overrun with tourists and going inside the working windmill was the only real highlight (for us anyway). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c006deb2-35ab-43e3-8277-1e722e37dc57/tempImage6ZUTDF.jpg Blog - Vaarwel Amsterdam - Make it stand out Since we were already out, we decided to return to Amsterdam for a third and final time. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/efb22425-f9cd-4008-a1ba-31019d6ce69f/tempImage4Q7cPV.jpg Blog - Vaarwel Amsterdam - Make it stand out On Saturday I enjoyed the bitterballen at Vegan Temple Bar so much so that I wanted to have them again. Amanda found that Vegan Junk Food Bar (VJFB) also made them, so we decided to give the bitterballen at VJFB a try. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b10128e5-76e4-42e4-bbe9-27c48e649711/tempImageWaMbgt.jpg Blog - Vaarwel Amsterdam - Make it stand out VJFB offered traditional, Thai, and mac ‘n’ cheese. I liked the traditional and Thai, but I’m surprised to report that the mac ‘n’ cheese version was the clear winner. Just writing this makes me want to place an order of all mac ‘n’ cheese bitterballen! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9f50610f-32f6-4371-a57c-76f4de614ff3/tempImagea5uMHf.jpg Blog - Vaarwel Amsterdam - Make it stand out Check out how you enter this underground parking garage. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8fa28354-a76b-4f3d-9e1f-3ec2f4a561a3/tempImageBZtA1p.jpg Blog - Vaarwel Amsterdam - Make it stand out Wild! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6504780f-2db8-48c8-bab6-10d9b82be8b5/tempImagemOlhZM.jpg Blog - Vaarwel Amsterdam - Make it stand out Next we walked through the Bloemenmarkt (flower market). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6e8f6e1c-fbd2-41b9-af65-b7bfc8a776c0/tempImageeJVijz.jpg Blog - Vaarwel Amsterdam - Make it stand out There were plenty of packaged vegan stroopwafels, but this was the only place where they made them fresh to-order. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d87bb747-83e7-4c99-bd0e-8332e9dc6685/tempImageZC00PP.jpg Blog - Vaarwel Amsterdam - Make it stand out Amanda had Oreo sprinkles on her chocolate and I had hazelnuts—delicious. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7a77424d-e73b-4585-a530-d80872fc0581/tempImageeFSUXl.jpg Blog - Vaarwel Amsterdam - Make it stand out Having already visited The American Book Center (ABC) and Waterstones (a UK chair) in Spui Square on Wednesday, we, of course, had to visit The English Bookshop today. Most bookstores in Netherlands largely offer books in Dutch. These three shops were notable exceptions. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/99848ded-dddd-44d6-b5e9-f12bcc59c4e4/tempImage12GW0r.jpg Blog - Vaarwel Amsterdam - Make it stand out We had dinner at Sukhothai Thanee Thai food. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1b971c7c-49b8-444f-b7c6-e5c960d2d899/tempImage2uANl4.jpg Blog - Vaarwel Amsterdam - Make it stand out This was an upscale place so we didn’t want to take a bunch of photos. When we were at our hotel in Khao Sok National Park in Thailand with John and Sabrina in March, John introduced us to the Thai papaya salad and it was amazing. We tried it again here and it was as wonderful as it was in Thailand. Thanks for the recommendation John! The middle dish is red curry with pumpkin. Our favorite was the far dish: stir-fried tofu, vegetables, and cashew nuts. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6b91fde8-86b3-4132-9659-3ad03dd4814a/tempImaget91FHw.jpg Blog - Vaarwel Amsterdam - Make it stand out Dessert was sweet mango, sticky rice topped with coconut cream and crispy mung beans, and coconut ice cream with crispy mung beans. Everything was exceptional. (And yes, we ate entirely too much food today! But, hey, when in Amsterdam…) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9c39dd69-b4bb-4e20-abb0-1aaf11856cb2/tempImageciYxXr.jpg Blog - Vaarwel Amsterdam - Make it stand out We hadn’t realized it until Thursday evening, but in addition to all the buses and trams above ground, the city also operates the Amsterdam Metro. There was a station nearby, so we rode Metrolijn 52 back the train station—pretty futuristic. From there it was back to Haarlem. We used Saturday to do laundry and get ready for an early departure on Sunday morning for Amsterdam’s Schiphol Airport. We will remain eternally grateful for our amazing adventures in Holland! Next stop—Paris! https://www.overthehillandacrossthepond.com/blog/haarlem monthly 0.5 2025-04-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/19f6bfec-6710-4d21-9124-5e23e86df4d9/tempImagePiiMps.jpg Blog - Haarlem & Anne Frank - Make it stand out Though less well-known than Amsterdam, Haarlem is also a city of canals, church spires, cobbled streets, and gorgeous architecture. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0a9f1d09-ab0d-4ab0-993d-da91d27bcd58/tempImageFTW9yW.jpg Blog - Haarlem & Anne Frank - Make it stand out The one thing that’s conspicuously missing in Haarlem is the crowds—except the night the Dutch Flower Parade arrives in town, of course. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/feb352b0-93e1-4195-b628-b6945ff7a584/tempImage4uVD3z.jpg Blog - Haarlem & Anne Frank - Make it stand out Netherlands, Belgium, and Luxembourg comprise the region known as the Low Countries. Netherlands means low-lying country, and with an average elevation of only 98 feet above mean sea level and 26% of the country below mean sea level, water is everywhere. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/12f05732-8078-408f-b256-981348f0e1dd/tempImagepk8Lnx.jpg Blog - Haarlem & Anne Frank - Make it stand out Haarlem feels like you’re living in a cozy Dutch town rather than an international metropolis like Amsterdam. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/90541a3a-0886-46ec-b20a-c9f3a5e94380/tempImageB5SGsS.jpg Blog - Haarlem & Anne Frank - Make it stand out Such a cool cantilevered drawbridge. The country is Netherlands, not Holland. That is because Holland is only a region within Netherlands. Holland means wood land, and there are two Holland provinces: North and South Holland. Amsterdam and Haarlem are in North Holland, while Keukenhof and the tulip fields are in South Holland—along with the famous cities of The Hague, Delft, and Gouda. However, the word Dutch is still used to refer to its people, language, and culture. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/290e4dfa-ee2e-4705-a5c6-65aa41f5e249/tempImagevOMh3f.jpg Blog - Haarlem & Anne Frank - Make it stand out The sign reads “Bicycle Shed” and inside is a massive bicycle parking garage—only in Netherlands! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0ec70d40-bbd9-4c0a-84ef-6d9aba0c5a90/tempImagepzVQzO.jpg Blog - Haarlem & Anne Frank - Make it stand out Amazing old architecture. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2e09d193-171d-4794-aca0-cda0c052b5d9/tempImage3rTudc.jpg Blog - Haarlem & Anne Frank - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6e3defe2-d7de-4c3a-83c0-92b005fd8bcb/tempImagegkKo13.jpg Blog - Haarlem & Anne Frank - Make it stand out Shorto’s book inside The American Book Company (ABC) in Amsterdam. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b9005ccf-bc4c-43ae-8487-ccb1c8cb994f/tempImagezA2W19.jpg Blog - Haarlem & Anne Frank - Make it stand out We found this great store in Haarlem, which incidentally sold traditional Dutch baby toys. We may or may not have bought one or two. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/955e68c0-d8b9-43e3-8ea9-99374becaec8/tempImagehYHUlA.jpg Blog - Haarlem & Anne Frank - Make it stand out The Netherlands just landed #5 on the 2025 list of “happiest” places to live. No doubt all-weather 4-seater e-bikes like this are part of the reason. We saw very few cars in Netherlands. In fact, at any given time we were more likely to be run over by a speeding bicycle than a car. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5db97133-d33b-4d5c-af47-0f831121a7bc/tempImagebWBito.jpg Blog - Haarlem & Anne Frank - Make it stand out Since being here, we’ve seen hundreds of kids out riding bikes (when was the last time you saw that?). Every day we’ve seen moms and dads walking their kids to school or on bikes together. We’ve seen a lot of people well in to their 70s and possibly their 80s riding bikes. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d77271ff-1cb4-440c-a410-3c6833ed4152/tempImagepxaLyQ.jpg Blog - Haarlem & Anne Frank - Make it stand out It seems clear that a major emphasis on family time and frequently moving about in the out of doors go a long way in explaining why the Dutch feel so content and fulfilled. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a8563dbf-b48a-443b-8eda-7bfd716a7969/tempImageFhzTyX.jpg Blog - Haarlem & Anne Frank - Make it stand out We were thrilled when we found Bagels & Beans in Haarlem. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/99471ed6-d578-478e-ab0a-efa8740f0ed7/tempImage3JXb4T.jpg Blog - Haarlem & Anne Frank - Make it stand out Their motto is, “We are anti-herd, contra masses, & 100% against stress.” Translation: “We are not Starbucks.” Which means come in, sit down, and enjoy the place. Amanda ordered tea which was loose leaf and served in a clever steeper. My cappuccino was velvety smooth and delicious, with zero sugar needed to enjoy (sorry, stirred it before the photo). Each came with a little packet of chocolate nibs for pairing. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/801a6c23-79c7-44bc-b9ac-d02ad53e8fa4/tempImageu5Vt3B.jpg Blog - Haarlem & Anne Frank - Make it stand out And then there was the bagel! First you select your sandwich. No one will be surprised that I selected the Avocado. Next you choose your bagel type (an Everything…perfectly toasted). Finally, you pick a style of their homemade flavored vegan cream cheese (sun-dried tomato please). All put together it was a taste experience! Their avocados are from Spain and, I must say, it was avocado perfection. It was breakfast heaven! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d7dd6c3d-8c5f-4fbb-ae6f-66cde2a4d2ea/tempImage48pHd4.jpg Blog - Haarlem & Anne Frank - Make it stand out In Amsterdam we walked to the largest of the Red Light Districts. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d6a0a04b-7ccf-4a84-aed3-47a985acd154/tempImagedSXFOd.jpg Blog - Haarlem & Anne Frank - Make it stand out The area seems to be an older part of Amsterdam with amazing Venice-like canals and architecture. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4d6f9fa6-e3bf-430b-a894-f165d6d3d483/tempImagekzXCSJ.jpg Blog - Haarlem & Anne Frank - Make it stand out Some of these buildings look like they might topple over at any minute, though they will probably outlast most modern homes. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/eacee5cc-41c1-486e-acff-ed983ba24ba8/tempImageWFDBjH.jpg Blog - Haarlem & Anne Frank - Make it stand out Signs everywhere indicated at €240 fine for taking photos of the sex workers. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ad9e6d5e-4363-4669-92dc-02014586a4b7/tempImage6LD9dh.jpg Blog - Haarlem & Anne Frank - Make it stand out Since it’s around noon and all the windows have their red curtains drawn, I don’t think I’m at risk of being fined. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/db7b1b0c-06d4-4a15-acd0-1a706675521b/tempImage1oPsjl.jpg Blog - Haarlem & Anne Frank - Make it stand out So as not to disappoint, here’s your chance to see something lurid in the windows—Renaissance style. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c0fefe13-5040-453c-9627-97478a1bea9a/tempImagehSVtUo.jpg Blog - Haarlem & Anne Frank - Make it stand out Dirty old sailors! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6cbc2d33-2816-495a-be7e-371c9d6e45a4/tempImageg3SMGy.jpg Blog - Haarlem & Anne Frank - Make it stand out No where else in the city did we see this except in the Red Light District: signs for AEDs—hilarious! (Sorry to disappoint, we didn’t visit the museum.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/bbeb3af9-d7b8-496f-9cf2-399ec22432e6/tempImageFtt0rP.jpg Blog - Haarlem & Anne Frank - Make it stand out Equally apropos was the cash machine right outside the peep show shop. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c496657e-3443-4822-94d9-8d368fffd3aa/tempImagefybMD7.jpg Blog - Haarlem & Anne Frank - Make it stand out I loved this sign, especially the way he’s arching back and bracing himself. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2bf7a13a-154a-4227-8258-6f772188a8f3/tempImageb7JYTQ.jpg Blog - Haarlem & Anne Frank - Make it stand out But even more interesting were the streetside public urinals. Where does the drain flow I wonder? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2b747896-8e4f-4720-bc18-a0e13a2b243c/tempImagePPrbJW.jpg Blog - Haarlem & Anne Frank - Make it stand out One thing you quickly recognize being inside Dutch buildings is that very little can be carried up and down the stairs. Which is why they have ingenious devices like these to move larger household items in through the windows. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2114a22c-c859-4d29-8a81-31ffc8e7d102/tempImageQWZlZg.jpg Blog - Haarlem & Anne Frank - Make it stand out Wooden shoes anyone? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/68b84f6a-a26c-46b0-93fd-4689b1f00425/tempImageImPra2.jpg Blog - Haarlem & Anne Frank - Make it stand out Amsterdam was founded around the year 1275 and got its name from the combination of “Amstel” (the river where the city originated) and “dam” (the structure built to regulate the Amstel). Dam Square marks where the dam, and the historic city center, once stood. The National Monument behind us stands in Dam Square. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9ab31d05-4c12-47a1-995e-da453c39edbf/tempImageQ99SPN.jpg Blog - Haarlem & Anne Frank - Make it stand out The National Monument is for the remembrance of WWII, which had particularly poignancy being in Netherlands. The relief entitled De Vrede ("Peace"), consists of four chained male figures, representing the suffering endured during the war. The figures on the two sides represent the Dutch resistance. Weeping dogs are at their feet, represent suffering and loyalty. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/137dbfea-6925-4cb4-bcfd-7cf014d550e2/tempImage7MfKk9.jpg Blog - Haarlem & Anne Frank - Make it stand out How cool are these buildings? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/54e06e32-c4cf-47b6-af6c-cefb4f2e96d7/tempImageLyVF1Z.jpg Blog - Haarlem & Anne Frank - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a0afd4b6-3ea4-4bbd-a6dd-464a8744e182/tempImageFTQgV7.jpg Blog - Haarlem & Anne Frank - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/16dc4626-413c-40ce-9f79-132ff27bc7c8/tempImageNWdeFE.jpg Blog - Haarlem & Anne Frank - Make it stand out You can see the gap between the houses growing wider as you move upward. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4e3f20c9-db52-4681-82d0-3e3267c2fa43/tempImagegK8PHh.jpg Blog - Haarlem & Anne Frank - Make it stand out A river of bicycles. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5259b6b0-163c-4822-9f78-e1a0345bff27/tempImageNfoZ73.jpg Blog - Haarlem & Anne Frank - Make it stand out A delectable vegan dark chocolate croissant, courtesy of Madame Croissant. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/cb186c7e-72c4-4228-ab02-431291037205/tempImage73EcKA.jpg Blog - Haarlem & Anne Frank - Make it stand out The Anne Frank Monument outside Westertoren church, near the Secret Annex. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/18bc19fe-9e9d-44af-b6c2-c41a65dcb2be/tempImagegVT26w.jpg Blog - Haarlem & Anne Frank - Make it stand out Looking down the canal toward the front house and Westertoren church. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/89bde3f4-d383-4cf2-9a91-28366383d4cb/tempImageCNKDiu.jpg Blog - Haarlem & Anne Frank - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8f45ccad-0e3b-4a94-a847-d9fb51ca6e75/tempImageJFjWjU.jpg Blog - Haarlem & Anne Frank - Make it stand out Delivery service Dutch style. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/597b112e-adfe-4a4b-b4ab-d5a4d7aa588b/IMG_3309.jpg Blog - Haarlem & Anne Frank - Make it stand out Our visit to the Secret Annex did not begin until 6: 45 p.m., so we headed to dinner nearby.(Tours are sold-out every day and run from 8 a.m. to 10 p.m.!) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/46e06695-481d-4865-ba21-0fcc182541b0/tempImageIIWKKP.jpg Blog - Haarlem & Anne Frank - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/67496f4a-2c55-41f2-9582-50dcf05e27d9/tempImageDOLhIN.jpg Blog - Haarlem & Anne Frank - Make it stand out The moment I saw my aloo gobhi (potatoes & cauliflower), I knew it was going to be amazing. The spice blend was out of this world! Amanda loved her chana masala, but said Dishoom remained in top position. Well, this one landed solidly in second place then. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/87e555d1-f038-4c98-b01b-d6f24b726704/tempImage0Pemmk.jpg Blog - Haarlem & Anne Frank - Make it stand out After dinner, another lovely canal view on our way to the Anne Frank House. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/fc01e1f9-e4ff-47d5-b976-4b4c781de458/tempImageTxKulm.jpg Blog - Haarlem & Anne Frank - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/91498d63-c387-4f97-b658-d147d425c0a3/tempImageaXahMh.jpg Blog - Haarlem & Anne Frank - Make it stand out The house and annex highlighted in red. The chestnut tree in the courtyard behind the Annex. Westertoren church and its belfry in the foreground. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b2e24a14-bfdb-4aa0-834b-a858e755b450/tempImagenHGWsB.jpg Blog - Haarlem & Anne Frank - Make it stand out Original bottle of Opekta produced by Otto Frank’s company in the factory below and in front of the Annex. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3d7bca6e-f7e9-4a7a-b1cb-689e7c26e92f/tempImageqTuItC.jpg Blog - Haarlem & Anne Frank - Make it stand out It’s difficult to comprehend that Otto Frank was an artillery officer in the German Army in WWI, only to later be vilified by his country. Against all odds he survived the Somme and the Holocaust. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/79cdf9ed-1b83-4b5e-8538-0889c78b83d5/tempImagej1iiMo.jpg Blog - Haarlem & Anne Frank - Make it stand out After the orientation program held in the adjacent building, no photographs were allowed in the house or annex. In this case I have to respect the rationale: it is a memorial space and hordes of people standing around taking selfies would cheapen the experience. The tour started in the ground floor of the warehouse, which was a single, connected space. The cobbled floor was original and it felt like standing on hallowed ground. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8eb6e58e-375d-4d23-91e6-ef3778fa190c/5a1bx55vlsa71.jpg Blog - Haarlem & Anne Frank - Make it stand out After viewing the upstairs offices, we climbed the stairs to the landing where the original bookcase stands open (Otto Frank entering ☝️). To say it was a deeply emotional moment to walk past the bookcase and step through into the Secret Annex would be an understatement. The audio tour paused while inside the Secret Annex and everyone slowly made their way through the rarified space in near silence. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ae3f680d-ee00-4933-a401-97059bb35d62/kamer_anne-overzicht_alle_wanden.jpg__2160x1296_q85_ALIAS-5_3_big_crop_subsampling-2_upscale.jpg Blog - Haarlem & Anne Frank - Make it stand out The Nazis cleared the Secret Annex after it was discovered. When it was made into a museum, Otto asked that it be left as it was. This was the room where Anne slept. Many of her original pin-ups remain on the walls. Through the doorway to the room Otto, Edith, and Margot shared (back right), you can see glass covering where the girls’ heights were marked on the wall—heartbreaking! It was sobering to learn that the family was sent off to the concentration camps from the Amsterdam Centraal train station, the same one we took a selfie in front of when we first arrived. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b5d60ec4-fba8-4135-8cfb-04db1af8c424/tempImages1sDZ6.jpg Blog - Haarlem & Anne Frank - Make it stand out We always knew this would be an emotional experience, so it was lovely to walk outside and find the sky warmed by the glow of a beautiful sunset. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a0cdb18c-0ff1-4acb-8bc0-23778f1ca641/tempImageMyZ6sO.jpg Blog - Haarlem & Anne Frank - Make it stand out “Think of all the beauty still left around you and be happy." —Anne Frank https://www.overthehillandacrossthepond.com/blog/tulips-tulips-tulips monthly 0.5 2025-04-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d4a12e31-165d-404d-a509-7136f66b2d3f/tempImagedF3djj.jpg Blog - Tulips, Tulips, Tulips - Make it stand out It all came down to Monday. This was the day that sparked the idea for our entire trip to Europe. Absolutely no pressure, but everything before and after this were just icing on the cake. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/55f518ee-b091-4e4e-9622-dc66fb5ec8e5/tempImagegKw0uq.jpg Blog - Tulips, Tulips, Tulips - Make it stand out Countess Jacoba van Beieren (Jacqueline of Bavaria) (1401-1436) used Keukenduyn (kitchen dunes) as hunting grounds for the kitchen of Teylingen Castle. Keukenhof Castle replaced Teylingen in 1641 and the estate grew to encompass an area of over 200 hectares. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/75b70a90-b9a0-4cec-b598-a188437a2346/tempImagec32EAX.jpg Blog - Tulips, Tulips, Tulips - Make it stand out In 1949 a group of 20 leading flower bulb growers and exporters came up with the plan to use the estate to exhibit spring-flowering bulbs, signaling the birth of Keukenhof as a spring park. The park opened its gates to the public in 1950 and was an instant success. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/72b8913a-ca59-4088-b5ef-6951de7af05f/tempImage30UtR6.jpg Blog - Tulips, Tulips, Tulips - Make it stand out Last year was the 75th “edition” (as they call it) of Keukenhof. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/345c0225-f53a-44e3-b0c2-b5c429aaf2fc/tempImageI1ffUh.jpg Blog - Tulips, Tulips, Tulips - Make it stand out Keukenhof is now one of the world’s largest flower gardens. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7263f7a0-eb62-4308-8906-d1dff68f2304/tempImageGYDpDc.jpg Blog - Tulips, Tulips, Tulips - Make it stand out With some 7 million flower bulbs planted in the garden annually, it’s one jaw-dropping view after another as you wander around the magnificent 80-acre wonder-scape. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/17a22377-713e-4175-a4be-3bb2b6b0f62a/tempImageuEyYfj.jpg Blog - Tulips, Tulips, Tulips - Make it stand out Between us we took nearly 400 images, so we’ll do our darnedest to only show the best of the best. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c0da0b10-bfcc-41e5-a54a-e89ee575ca99/tempImageacBUnz.jpg Blog - Tulips, Tulips, Tulips - Make it stand out It’s not only the flowers: the lawns, bushes, and trees were beautifully planted and meticulously maintained. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/bfbb50d1-4a40-4290-9a00-8b5532fe4735/tempImagebCFGGn.jpg Blog - Tulips, Tulips, Tulips - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/86f69db3-7331-4bf3-8b1f-678244045970/tempImageLyCLbS.jpg Blog - Tulips, Tulips, Tulips - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5739815f-4ef1-439e-96ba-e20c3ef1aa5a/tempImagehBWfDz.jpg Blog - Tulips, Tulips, Tulips - Make it stand out The large pond is well over 150 years old and is the oldest extant part of Keukenhof. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e598937a-f304-4136-b051-c0920203161b/tempImagez3VQno.jpg Blog - Tulips, Tulips, Tulips - Make it stand out What you can’t appreciate from the photos are the birds singing in the treetops—they really lend a celestial air to the experience. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9006b44a-05a7-41bf-8849-4efc88572549/tempImageqGWTtu.jpg Blog - Tulips, Tulips, Tulips - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/00bc0352-9050-4c8c-bb48-8447d884176e/tempImage5HXMto.jpg Blog - Tulips, Tulips, Tulips - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/177ae312-be10-4624-9755-f166ed2b3969/tempImagezguNgF.jpg Blog - Tulips, Tulips, Tulips - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/decb953e-31cc-4ca7-a8a5-82010e778608/tempImageJ4YZar.jpg Blog - Tulips, Tulips, Tulips - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b34208d6-f805-41c6-929d-7fcea1602878/tempImageD2Nmni.jpg Blog - Tulips, Tulips, Tulips - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ccd52770-9626-4839-9290-05c6780eb619/tempImagep6D2iZ.jpg Blog - Tulips, Tulips, Tulips - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b8900cce-6cd0-4bac-ad1f-70ea6ddcf431/tempImage3hn8HU.jpg Blog - Tulips, Tulips, Tulips - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/77d95225-0036-4752-810f-6d41ff77cfbd/tempImageU4RRGQ.jpg Blog - Tulips, Tulips, Tulips - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3997a756-4dd0-42b6-8603-a818234192c5/tempImageOVrm7C.jpg Blog - Tulips, Tulips, Tulips - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9d0d6da2-8f59-4dfe-bd31-0bc829f8ee84/tempImagezAISW8.jpg Blog - Tulips, Tulips, Tulips - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/501b3a4d-f9c5-416d-9d62-47fd30219ea9/tempImageQxhLri.jpg Blog - Tulips, Tulips, Tulips - Make it stand out Maybe not tulips, but Amanda couldn’t resist getting a picture with her favorite: hydrangeas. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/38f3983e-437c-428f-9286-1442e7da2e8c/tempImage3nBcTS.jpg Blog - Tulips, Tulips, Tulips - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/04f114cc-cd66-4524-ad9d-b4f30d0432b9/tempImage7UVBzZ.jpg Blog - Tulips, Tulips, Tulips - Make it stand out Just outside the gates of Keukenhof, we rented bikes to visit two other sites in the Bollenstreek—Holland’s Bulb Region. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/813101fd-4437-4eba-830e-42b23889f963/tempImageealc26.jpg Blog - Tulips, Tulips, Tulips - Make it stand out We first rode 2.6 miles to The Tulip Barn. Once Holland became a destination for tourists wanting to see endless fields filled with tulips, the farmers began finding their flowers trampled by careless visitors looking for photographs amongst the flowers. Several spots such as this now offer tourists the opportunity to walk through fields of tulips while protecting farmers’ crops. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d89492f4-0afa-4d0c-8a4a-9cd6f84898fc/tempImaged0DFd3.jpg Blog - Tulips, Tulips, Tulips - Make it stand out Our sentiments exactly! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f03c805b-1af8-4bec-be14-343bebbe5b20/tempImageaNzvEH.jpg Blog - Tulips, Tulips, Tulips - Make it stand out We finally got our chance to “tip toe through the tulips.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9c32ebe7-80f6-4b38-ad9a-2a248285396b/tempImage2rMQ7y.jpg Blog - Tulips, Tulips, Tulips - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9330d92c-05f1-49c1-9fb2-ad5c576318da/tempImageI9w7Oy.jpg Blog - Tulips, Tulips, Tulips - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e6317cd6-313c-4f0b-a3f6-aed5e3336c45/tempImageEclJiV.jpg Blog - Tulips, Tulips, Tulips - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f39c1063-2fe3-4881-903e-6c266bc6be23/tempImagesO5k1j.jpg Blog - Tulips, Tulips, Tulips - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/233886b2-e3a9-4163-ad77-1556c833502a/tempImageV7lMcB.jpg Blog - Tulips, Tulips, Tulips - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2ad2d9aa-9502-4195-a04d-df3e515e767e/tempImageJuWfRq.jpg Blog - Tulips, Tulips, Tulips - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/915d32f5-e57d-459c-9588-0186bde6c981/tempImageM6edkn.jpg Blog - Tulips, Tulips, Tulips - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7fdb7768-2877-49f8-a232-03eaa45acda4/tempImagedKvvoD.jpg Blog - Tulips, Tulips, Tulips - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/84f46a1d-6c52-4820-ab88-71380a991cb6/tempImageyPpWLs.jpg Blog - Tulips, Tulips, Tulips - Make it stand out We barely made it out the gate from The Tulip Barn when we rode past a field filled with hyacinths and Amanda just had to stop—such a fragrant flower. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b59694f3-0eef-40b5-b1ed-941379de6149/tempImageMfue44.jpg Blog - Tulips, Tulips, Tulips - Make it stand out We next rode 3.1 miles to Tulip Experience Amsterdam. After walking all morning and biking nearly 6 miles, it was time for some sustenance at their café called de witte zwaan (the white swan)—not a bad view, eh? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6214a8cf-e639-4adc-a915-0397f75c7910/tempImagedAFDTR.jpg Blog - Tulips, Tulips, Tulips - Make it stand out Never seen this before. I thought I might not appreciate the culinary blend on my sandwich, but I wound up really enjoying the curry ketchup. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6436b82c-d86f-493b-8ceb-ce96a1f93105/tempImageaSQMDE.jpg Blog - Tulips, Tulips, Tulips - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0566a986-40bd-491f-a1fc-1e466b36863f/tempImagebfixi9.jpg Blog - Tulips, Tulips, Tulips - Make it stand out Enough learning… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2b1d2f94-95cb-4d39-b947-ed37cc85235b/tempImagem3zLDG.jpg Blog - Tulips, Tulips, Tulips - Make it stand out Roll that beautiful tulip footage. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7052c1d9-5040-4869-ad62-b75b3218d74d/tempImageSHspRn.jpg Blog - Tulips, Tulips, Tulips - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/557a50f5-087e-4ab7-975c-d3b1ff4c23ea/tempImage8c6KJD.jpg Blog - Tulips, Tulips, Tulips - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/bdcc7084-becb-493e-86d1-e294905c4599/tempImageRdWjq4.jpg Blog - Tulips, Tulips, Tulips - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c42a3424-ed1a-43f3-8a73-44e52c7fc1b1/tempImage2PrPps.jpg Blog - Tulips, Tulips, Tulips - Make it stand out You know it! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/93b3e931-ef9d-4b29-adf7-8091a432f957/tempImageccW7AU.jpg Blog - Tulips, Tulips, Tulips - Make it stand out From Tulip Experience Amsterdam we rode to S. Pennings & zn. This ended up being a mistake, but the uptick was that the route back to Keukenhof then took us along the Steengracht Canal. As Amanda will tell you, this was her favorite part of our 9.5 mile loop—and that’s saying something given how beautiful parts of our earlier journey were. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f1fb2941-cca0-46ad-af7f-715199b66fa4/tempImagesjUCJi.jpg Blog - Tulips, Tulips, Tulips - Make it stand out To ensure we could rent bicycles before the afternoon rush, we left Keukenhof around 10:30. After visiting The Tulip Barn and Tulip Experience Amsterdam, we turned in our bikes and returned to the park to see a few sections we had missed. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/49001a3b-0281-4597-ba18-86fd6a8600fb/tempImageYKLfGo.jpg Blog - Tulips, Tulips, Tulips - Make it stand out What a difference a few hours makes. Our peaceful oasis from the morning had been fully overrun with people in the afternoon. The crowds mostly seemed to swarm near the entrance, so it was less congested further inside the park. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c9468eac-24cf-4d7b-9f79-0abf15969a24/tempImageTF5B2L.jpg Blog - Tulips, Tulips, Tulips - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/66fdba2d-3775-4a4c-b7f3-c9cf8d2c0936/tempImagevY7Bfi.jpg Blog - Tulips, Tulips, Tulips - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d5372dc4-99cc-4550-87c6-3962a9186679/tempImageIUsYKG.jpg Blog - Tulips, Tulips, Tulips - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5e52bb71-ee9e-4272-adf0-3411822dce52/tempImageDXgIay.jpg Blog - Tulips, Tulips, Tulips - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3560516b-2ad5-43bf-be41-a1278e20730d/tempImageJdusBx.jpg Blog - Tulips, Tulips, Tulips - Make it stand out In the end, we saw it all. This was truly the experience we had hoped for—expectations exceeded! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6ae6b7cc-03b0-4f0b-8d2e-1f34c910d956/IMG_7698.PNG Blog - Tulips, Tulips, Tulips - Make it stand out After walking nearly 7 miles and biking nearly 10, we were finally all tuliped out and ready for the bus back to Haarlem. During the ride, Amanda played her game Strands. The spanogram was Spring Flowers and included tulip, hyacinth, and daffodil. Now, how is that for a wonderful coincidence?! https://www.overthehillandacrossthepond.com/blog/tulips monthly 0.5 2025-04-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6891e5b3-e02c-4ca7-9bf9-ecd756070a90/tempImage6kaGNS.jpg Blog - Dutch Flower Parade - Make it stand out Our apartment is steps from the street named Gedempte Oude Gracht. The street’s name comes from the Oude Gracht canal that the street covered over In 1859 after its waters became fetid. Now a popular thoroughfare, on Saturday evening it was the termination point of the annual Bloemencorso Flower Parade. The parade begins in the morning 26 miles to the south. Throughout the day, it slowly winds its way north, with stops along the way, until it finally reaches Haarlem at night. I stepped out of our apartment a bit past 10:30 p.m. and the parade was still making its way down the street, the nearly full moon highlighting rain clouds blowing in from France. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8200c6ae-0ba3-49e5-a936-6b1dd3e85825/tempImager3cWYq.jpg Blog - Dutch Flower Parade - Make it stand out It seems the whole of Haarlem turned out for the event, the lateness of the hour given little consideration. I suppose I’m a cynical old man now, but the parade was the same as any other: flowered floats, cars adorned with flowers, marching bands—all the usual suspects. Sadly, being in Holland did little to impress upon me a need to stay and watch much more than a small portion of the event. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1a87cc73-d3d4-42f6-b5dc-50e06c81f5ce/tempImageQrSTvF.jpg Blog - Dutch Flower Parade - Make it stand out One reason we were not overly motivated to watch the parade at night was that, once the parade stops in Haarlem, the floats are left in place and you can check them out throughout the day on Sunday. Little did we know, they simply park the floats all down Gedempte Oude Gracht, so they are right out our front door! The rain fell overnight, clearing by the late morning. Given such a magnificent day, everyone was drawn outside to admire the floats up close. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ec74cd2d-31f7-4cfb-8415-55ed34db74c2/tempImagetuF4tg.jpg Blog - Dutch Flower Parade - Make it stand out This photo was taken from the middle of Gedempte Oude Gracht, between two floats. Our apartment is in the all white building down the street (our door is under the small red triangle sign). When we picked this spot, we had no idea we had positioned ourselves so well for the festivities. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/58d6d3c2-d88c-424b-b6ae-568dce7febfa/tempImagefSh6Je.jpg Blog - Dutch Flower Parade - Make it stand out More floats https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b8dc15c0-660d-4973-b894-a7918b33962a/tempImage6e5slJ.jpg Blog - Dutch Flower Parade - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b4904dc9-0b4e-403f-bc35-7e471fc745c6/tempImagexIR9s2.jpg Blog - Dutch Flower Parade - Make it stand out It seemed like all of Holland rolled into Haarlem to enjoy this idyllic Sunday. This is Haarlem’s Grote Markt, its central square. You almost can’t make out Grote Kerk (Great Church)/St. Bavokerk ("Church of St. Bavo") amidst all the carnival rides covering the old cobbled square. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/26d4905f-5c5f-487f-bf2c-4df0425fa230/tempImageTPTACw.jpg Blog - Dutch Flower Parade - Make it stand out Modernity blends with the ancient. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4508fa24-c012-4200-bd93-95e54d4a316f/tempImageA6Tz3k.jpg Blog - Dutch Flower Parade - Make it stand out The festival encouraged us to walk about the city more, which gave us an increased appreciation for what a beautiful city we were privileged to call home this week. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/773dde43-28af-4db1-b404-e7b207b73c85/tempImageRz1lDw.jpg Blog - Dutch Flower Parade - Make it stand out Though briming with people, the charm of the quaint old streets was undeniable. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/fa88d854-fff7-4a14-87c2-f507e5ad4338/tempImageQtnWo9.jpg Blog - Dutch Flower Parade - Make it stand out It all changes on Sunday evening though. The floats will move on, as will the masses of people. For the time being, however, the clear skies and festive energy were infectious. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d6cfa4c0-2a27-40d1-8489-e5966bda445c/tempImagexCdkfp.jpg Blog - Dutch Flower Parade - Make it stand out Another museum that was unexpectedly sold out when we went to purchase tickets was the Corrie ten Boom House Museum here in Haarlem, very near the Grote Markt square. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/710be12f-5069-4edc-a4f9-f747377d34ac/tempImagelnw9pW.jpg Blog - Dutch Flower Parade - Make it stand out This was the watch shop and residence of the ten Boom family, where they provided a hiding place for Jews and others who were persecuted and hunted by the Nazi regime. The family became part of the Dutch underground resistance and oversaw a network that smuggled Jews to safe places. A secret room was built in Cornelia’s (Corrie) bedroom behind a false wall. The room could hold six people and had a ventilation system installed. A buzzer could be heard in the house to warn refugees to get into the room as quickly as possible during security sweeps through the neighborhood. It is estimated that around 800 Jews were saved by the ten Booms’ efforts. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/49e5ddfc-7836-41f7-8982-64eee2747d34/tempImageabs0D6.jpg Blog - Dutch Flower Parade - Make it stand out As with the Frank family, the ten Booms were eventually betrayed by a Dutch informant. They were arrested by the Gestapo here on February 28, 1944. The group of six people hidden by the ten Booms at the time remained undiscovered. The ten Booms received a letter one day in prison stating, "All the watches in your cabinet are safe," meaning that the refugees had managed to escape and were safe. Corrie ten Boom survived Ravensbruck Concentration Camp. However, Casper (father) died due to imprisonment in Scheveningen, Betsie (sister) from Ravensbrück, Wilhelm (brother) from Hilversum, and Christiaan “Kirk” (Wilhem’s son) from onbekend. Corrie passed away in 1983 at 91-years of age in her home in Placentia, California. Their Christian faith compelled them to action, regardless of consequence. I was more than a little shocked to read in Russell Shorto’s book Amsterdam, that Netherlanders remain largely embarrassed by how many of their people took advantage of the Jews and others who were targeted by the Nazis. Tragically, those that helped hide the Frank family and the work of the ten Boom family were not the norm, a fact that gave me great personal pause—would (will) I have the courage and conviction to do what these brave and heroic people did? https://www.overthehillandacrossthepond.com/blog/amsterdam monthly 0.5 2025-05-04 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0defed74-41e1-4191-9ef7-51bf5f220079/tempImageHQIbzQ.jpg Blog - Amsterdam - Make it stand out The Brussels Marriott Hotel Grand Place was such an ideal location. On Friday morning we walked out the hotel’s front door and were steps from the escalator down to the tram system. The tram took us to South Station (Gare du Midi), where we boarded this Eurostar train. This photo is us having just arrived in Amsterdam. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1178d438-d7ff-4115-a5a5-e51ee3bc6ebe/tempImageTCD150.jpg Blog - Amsterdam - Make it stand out We decided to stay in Haarlem, which is about 11 miles due west of Amsterdam. We had to take another train from Amsterdam to Haarlem. While on board the train, we figured out that the R-NET 300 bus delivered us from the train station nearly to the front door of our rental—which beat the heck out of 15 minutes of lugging suitcases down uneven sidewalks. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7eccd801-5da8-4d0a-b8fb-38ccc9011c5a/tempImage3C1bMs.jpg Blog - Amsterdam - Make it stand out We were early for check-in, so we stopped by Mama’s Soup for some, well, you guessed it, soup. My broccoli soup was served in the green tureen and you might be able to guess the flavor of Amanda’s soup. Both were excellent homemade soups. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3d5e405c-5dce-4005-9ad2-3ba5433a1cec/tempImagepwdmpK.jpg Blog - Amsterdam - Make it stand out The owner graciously allowed us to check in a bit early. We popped in a load of laundry and then headed out for groceries. As expected, the steps were steep and narrow—very Dutch. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/dd5e6300-e97e-4e57-98bd-d55df7648931/tempImageESOVwI.jpg Blog - Amsterdam - Make it stand out Here we are in Will’s favorite part of AH Grote Houtstraat (Translation: Albert Heijn, the largest grocery chain in the Netherlands, located on Grote Houtstraat street. Grote Houtstraat means Big Wood Street. Yikes! The kids are going to have fun with that one.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/67efaa13-9d75-4af2-acee-fd41aeb765ab/tempImageTTIar7.jpg Blog - Amsterdam - Make it stand out Look Pam: broccoli! Nearly everything was labeled in Dutch, and we don’t speak “freaky deaky Dutch” (Austin Powers Goldmember), so you better believe we were using Google Translate on the regular. Now this will blow your mind: How do you say father in Dutch? It’s vader. I guess we shouldn’t have been so surprised when we heard the line, “Luke, I am your father.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6b29b1cc-472d-4a53-9382-cb626307d4d8/tempImageup9jxD.jpg Blog - Amsterdam - Make it stand out When you’re finished at the self-check register, a tiny stub of paper like this one pops out. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f83565a7-ecb4-49a1-94c6-2a4456d25f22/tempImagepQspVg.jpg Blog - Amsterdam - Make it stand out As you try to exit, you must scan the barcode so the security bars swing open and allow you to leave the store. One final stop at Boulangerie Oscar (Oscar’s Bakery) for fresh bread and we were all set, Dutch style. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f767d1d7-1b0b-4216-b0c7-7d7b115efe9e/tempImageJTfvnI.jpg Blog - Amsterdam - Make it stand out Amanda and I wear retainers to keep our teeth straight, and we need tabs to soak the retainers in to keep them clean. We bought more tabs from Etos in Haarlem. Etos is Netherland’s version of Boots from the UK, their store names are even written in the same script. Somehow the single massive word Gebitsbruistabletten translates as Dental Effervescent Tablets. Extra Sterk means Extra Strong and the tube contains 30 stuks (pieces). I just got a kick out of this. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f594e261-4a70-4799-afab-b38fe0cff434/IMG_2895.PNG Blog - Amsterdam - Make it stand out Back in our apartment I captured this image on Find My after Dave had just landed in Rio de Janeiro—wild! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/56611659-d5d7-4b51-aa43-e77a260b89a9/tempImageaIRW6x.jpg Blog - Amsterdam - Make it stand out On Saturday we took a train back into Amsterdam. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3d3f1bc5-4cc4-4375-8673-601445c09e65/tempImageoJaYWM.jpg Blog - Amsterdam - Make it stand out The original idea for this trip was to visit Amsterdam, so it was great to finally be in the city. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f299565a-74b7-4dfd-82f2-ceb045324990/tempImageLuS8Ew.jpg Blog - Amsterdam - Make it stand out Tulips in front of our coffee shop. Across the street is the neo-Gothic Magna Plaza shopping center, which faces Dam Square. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f3e85f8e-f6f3-4749-a02d-1f1ff4a3132d/tempImageIuYBMH.jpg Blog - Amsterdam - Make it stand out We wandered along the streets and the canals until we arrived at probably the best-known building in Amsterdam—Otto Frank’s business premises at Prinsengracht 263. This was a private home built in 1635 between two warehouses. Recall for later that the front of the building contains three doors. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/19e0fdac-7373-4654-a3ae-06ce9aa65ffe/tempImagejuqttF.jpg Blog - Amsterdam - Make it stand out In October 1938, Otto Frank took over Pectacon—a German pectin and spice company—from its founders. In 1940, Otto rented this building for his company. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f8a9cdd9-9e4d-4a61-8d96-97c8cbc292cd/navigatiemodel_-_voorgevelaan.jpg__2160x1296_q85_ALIAS-5_3_big_crop_subsampling-2_upscale.jpg Blog - Amsterdam - Make it stand out The building Otto rented included the main house (which you see in our photos) and its annex. The land along the Amsterdam canals was in high demand, which is why many of the properties are narrow and long. In order to create more living, working, and storage space, so-called “annexes” were built in the backyards of existing houses. As with many such houses, the first and second floors are connected by internal stairs; however, the third floor and attic are often separate residences reached through a different front door. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/810e2a89-d0ae-4247-80b1-379fae1a2b38/IMG_20190106_162751_dev_2.web.jpg Blog - Amsterdam - Make it stand out To allow daylight into both houses, the main houses and the annexes were separated by a courtyard. Here the courtyard is covered by a peaked, white roof (below the yellow oval). Along the far side, a narrow corridor connected the house and annex. However, only the first and second floors were connected. To reach the third floor and above, you had to go outside (the door at the far left is shown open) and use a separate staircase to reach the upper floors. At the landing (yellow oval), a door led to the house, but a bookcase was placed in front of the entrance to the upper two floors and attic of the annex. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f45ad1d0-3f6a-4f4e-85d3-ac358838a06a/tempImageV90Fga.jpg Blog - Amsterdam - Make it stand out Less than a block away is Westerkerk, the church whose bells Anne Frank mentions in her diary. Rembrandt is also buried inside. Surveying the swarms of people outside the museum, it’s startling to realize the impact of Anne’s young life. The Secret Annex, the chestnut tree, the church bells—all known the world over because of one ordinary person who wrote a journal. We will be visiting the Anne Frank House on Wednesday. “In the long run, the sharpest weapon of all is a kind and gentle spirit.” —Anne Frank https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/98af4810-95bc-4793-b02b-acf2eeca5d14/tempImage8h4rgF.jpg Blog - Amsterdam - Make it stand out It would be hard to pick a favorite canal view, they are all so captivating in their own way. This is the view to the front of the Anne Frank House (as it is now known). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b86a6a01-aae7-415a-9803-4095642eb84d/tempImageZ6JW0d.jpg Blog - Amsterdam - Make it stand out On Reestraat bridge over Prinsengracht canal, looking back on Anne Frank’s Westerkerk (church). The Anne Frank House is just beyond the church. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4878bb68-52a2-466b-aa9b-4b57583adf23/tempImageMHBCxf.jpg Blog - Amsterdam - Make it stand out The same bridge as above with Amanda standing near the red sign. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/dac6653a-48de-4f50-a5b5-920aa57f672f/tempImageLlubb2.jpg Blog - Amsterdam - Make it stand out Houseboats were once the poor person’s way to live in Amsterdam. They are now prime real estate and quite expensive. This owner really chose to spruce up the place. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/aca91676-6116-49af-91b4-c1cc4a077f62/tempImageSyjDSW.jpg Blog - Amsterdam - Make it stand out These guys have got the right idea on a warm and sunny day. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4f7cac3e-1b11-4eca-a3f6-f4b118a7c827/tempImagenmj1nb.jpg Blog - Amsterdam - Make it stand out Everywhere you look, it’s just so beautiful. We did a canal cruise, but our boat was bigger and did not go on inner canals like this. We recommend looking tours on smaller boats so you can cruise the interior waterways. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/58dbc90b-fc73-482b-b1dc-94be5aec503c/tempImageLHds6S.jpg Blog - Amsterdam - Make it stand out Much like the famous Dancing Houses nearby on Amstel (and so many others throughout the city) this place on Spiegelgracht is quite crooked. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/aae6ae3a-6729-44d3-9433-2c817942bd17/tempImagersEU9W.jpg Blog - Amsterdam - Make it stand out Wild! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/45a940cd-ebda-44ae-a6df-c698817d0bd6/tempImagesLwMwF.jpg Blog - Amsterdam - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/48373fcc-da20-40ce-9bd0-4d5a561355da/tempImagevV94Lv.jpg Blog - Amsterdam - Make it stand out Much as we prepared well in advance, many of the museums filled up before we could book. This is the Rijksmuseum, which houses many Dutch masterpieces. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c9e758c2-1805-47f8-be35-7a9e046352f0/tempImageYHK7dq.jpg Blog - Amsterdam - Make it stand out It’s too nice a day to be indoors anyway. Here we are in the gorgeous little Rijksmuseum garden. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/79fd8d0d-f101-42b2-a619-9e86838bf6eb/tempImagexIe5Fj.jpg Blog - Amsterdam - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/aa1a596f-e450-4325-a8a4-92f63abd527e/tempImageOh4UBn.jpg Blog - Amsterdam - Make it stand out Mercury and Psyche https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/553af3df-461c-4fda-8910-d0cff01be702/tempImageBmKzKP.jpg Blog - Amsterdam - Make it stand out We feel like the tiredness is showing on our faces here. After a lot of walking and being in the sun all day, we were thrilled to find Vegan Temple Bar for dinner. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5582adde-5854-4dfd-8711-5003a2bc5f35/tempImage1NhItd.jpg Blog - Amsterdam - Make it stand out Amanda had pesto pasta and I had the Smoky Temple Burger. The balls are a vegan take on bitterballen—a Dutch snack consisting of a very thick meat stew that is refrigerated until it firms, rolled into balls, breaded, and fried. Poor quality bitterballen is made with horse meat—yummy! As with our haggis, we’ll stick with the vegan bitterballen, which turned out to be super crispy and delicious! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7609707d-fadf-4bea-b4d7-3a5e57fb8901/tempImagev99qrE.jpg Blog - Amsterdam - Make it stand out A lovely German beer to go with my burger. We’ll be back on Wednesday for more Amsterdam. https://www.overthehillandacrossthepond.com/blog/au-revoir-bruxelles monthly 0.5 2025-04-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/88adf79b-6b44-4323-9c79-ed136acde0a6/tempImageVafhQQ.jpg Blog - Au Revoir Bruxelles - Make it stand out We returned to Buddy Buddy for brunch. This time we knew better—deux pains au chocolat s‘il vous plaît. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0ca7a80f-6aa5-41cb-92f4-b3e4483db569/tempImageW3MYZz.jpg Blog - Au Revoir Bruxelles - Make it stand out We then took the metro to the very northern part of Brussels to see the Atomium. Zoom in to see the guy hanging off the very left particle. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0442b5bd-8456-4fce-95a0-c712ee24748a/tempImage1z9Mt7.jpg Blog - Au Revoir Bruxelles - Make it stand out Each of the particles within the giant stainless steel atom are connected by escalators. I’m sure it was all quite interesting, but paying $55 for us both to visit Atomium and the neighboring Mini-Europe exhibit just didn’t seem worth the cost. We settled for the external views and being able to say “we’ve been there.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2dcb0597-43fe-40fe-8c70-1042e148a430/tempImageVgVEfe.jpg Blog - Au Revoir Bruxelles - Make it stand out I love funny signs. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6fd44471-9148-4680-9eaf-4be417f4ba67/tempImageU6JA9W.jpg Blog - Au Revoir Bruxelles - Make it stand out These are two related favorites. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c16b7590-b8d7-4574-bf97-567872f066fb/tempImagem8q4fY.jpg Blog - Au Revoir Bruxelles - Make it stand out Back in central Brussels. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a807e0aa-586b-42ce-8c61-81e0195940fe/tempImage8szfG6.jpg Blog - Au Revoir Bruxelles - Make it stand out It was our final day in Belgium—the official birthplace of French fries—so we made one last pilgrimage to Frites Atelier for their magnificent, triple-cooked, extra-crispy frites. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/adb549ad-fb80-4827-a862-27b844f4d26c/tempImagexnVUBL.jpg Blog - Au Revoir Bruxelles - Make it stand out I wondered why there is an apple on their napkin. Pomme means apple in French, so is it “apple fries”? Turns out many languages use the word “apple” to refer to the potato as an “apple from the ground,” and “apple” is often used generically to refer to a fruit. So, the Garden of Eden’s “apple” may not necessarily be an apple as we Americans think of it today. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e5b55e00-c874-4046-9c7e-7fc6bb079695/tempImageYvyqof.jpg Blog - Au Revoir Bruxelles - Make it stand out From fries to chocolates. Mary Delluc first opened a shop on this location on rue Royale in 1919. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/972d35e8-2ff5-49a5-96b7-6cdbce4b68c2/tempImageH7mGbP.jpg Blog - Au Revoir Bruxelles - Make it stand out Today, Mary Chocolatier is considered one of the most refined artisanal chocolate makers in the world. Can’t wait to savor our selections! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/89169823-fcac-4e64-8fae-4dc7c77ea6a5/tempImageweJNgu.jpg Blog - Au Revoir Bruxelles - Make it stand out We also added a few chocolates from Neuhaus, chocolatiers since 1857. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0fb3031b-be63-42aa-b762-b0f55e082452/tempImageJuF68I.jpg Blog - Au Revoir Bruxelles - Make it stand out I’d like to say these will make it home to share, but it’s unlikely. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d9211ac7-2359-4cdc-a10e-c542565bc871/tempImageFdTq22.jpg Blog - Au Revoir Bruxelles - Make it stand out We just learned on this trip that The Smurfs were created by Belgian comics artist Peyo. We learn something new every day! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7541a428-b134-48f6-a89b-ac01cad4e044/tempImagejfORda.jpg Blog - Au Revoir Bruxelles - Make it stand out As we were next door to Manneken Pis, we peeked around the corner to see if he had a costume change…and he did. Today he was a chef. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/feb92cb5-d3ef-49ac-a8fe-1002f11a5e15/IMG_2859.jpg Blog - Au Revoir Bruxelles - Make it stand out If you go online you’ll see that his entire wardrobe for the month is picked out for him. Today was the 10th, so his wardrobe is listed as “cook.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ed89349a-440a-4b6d-bbef-a15ad1259a64/tempImageSxUgBl.jpg Blog - Au Revoir Bruxelles - Make it stand out We tried to soak in the ambiance during one final walk through the Grand-Place. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6ed39cdd-8028-42a1-8e10-285c26bbe2ff/tempImageO2XEsH.jpg Blog - Au Revoir Bruxelles - Make it stand out The detail work is so intricate. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/71bcd039-9467-467f-a6cc-654f9916ec82/tempImageuhbJMd.jpg Blog - Au Revoir Bruxelles - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/72687bc0-52a2-44eb-950b-7a771fd204e3/tempImagew8wnod.jpg Blog - Au Revoir Bruxelles - Make it stand out One last waffle! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6f7e4a2d-87fc-4f74-9be1-a01c33733fd2/tempImagePXk4XB.jpg Blog - Au Revoir Bruxelles - Make it stand out And we know the perfect place to enjoy it! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/134eea17-db00-45b4-9c97-07491d12c81d/tempImagehpnJqP.jpg Blog - Au Revoir Bruxelles - Make it stand out Yummy! We finished off our stay with a Belgian Beer Tasting Experience from 7:45 to 9. Our host was a student here from Texas and our fellow tasters were from San Ramon, CA; Ireland; and Russia. We finally learned that lambic beers don’t add yeast but allow natural, wild yeast present in the air to enter the wort, producing a “spontaneous fermentation” process. We tried Oude Gauze Boon and a Kriek—very interesting! It’s off to Amsterdam tomorrow morning. Until then… https://www.overthehillandacrossthepond.com/blog/bruges monthly 0.5 2025-04-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/781eda12-434d-42f3-b8e1-8979257e2e6f/02784000-a309-436e-a0e8-3484e50d3f5f_screenshot.jpg Blog - Bruges - Make it stand out “Here’s the chocolate. It’s from Bruges. That’s in Belgium.” —Dr. Evil to Mini Me https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2f7ca2bd-f4c1-4cdf-8b03-d990a69eead5/tempImageNmJQNH.jpg Blog - Bruges - Make it stand out We woke early so we could catch the 8 a.m. train in Brussels and make it to Bruges by 9. The walk from our hotel to the Central train station was a quick 10-minute walk, so we arrived calm, cool, and collected. Panic quickly set in because the signs indicating which of the six platforms our train would depart from were quite confusing. We asked a worker and ran to that platform, only to find out he was wrong. We finally made it to the correct platform with about five minutes to spare. Phew! ‍ https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/839776d1-b7bd-4edd-9824-4ead8c9d0bc0/tempImage09DNzG.jpg Blog - Bruges - Make it stand out In Bruges, we got on the correct bus, but headed in the opposite direction we intended. Once we finally figured out the bus system, Amanda found the perfect salve for nerves frayed so early in the day. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e4f95368-2c39-45e1-865c-ffe661a1fe31/tempImagecldQpN.jpg Blog - Bruges - Make it stand out We began our tour of Bruges with a canal tour. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/247f7a62-1693-46e6-8a5a-83bdc94603a8/tempImageAZdnkI.jpg Blog - Bruges - Make it stand out Forget mind the gap, in Bruges it’s mind your head. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2915c0d3-b1ad-4a3f-810b-a7e29ac65fa2/tempImagef6T9wo.jpg Blog - Bruges - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/82748d15-f5e4-4fc7-b170-300fc507e0ac/tempImageKgln4n.jpg Blog - Bruges - Make it stand out This city is next-level beautiful. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/65c41ff6-06fb-4f4d-b926-ead60371cec3/tempImageCfi9Lu.jpg Blog - Bruges - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/27f8ab88-66df-4d01-832b-84ba916bbb3b/tempImagen9O69Y.jpg Blog - Bruges - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a5fbe5c5-265f-4dc1-b293-71449445c322/tempImageFXVbAD.jpg Blog - Bruges - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d8044cda-895c-4df6-a160-8f96a98de210/tempImageHZI8J8.jpg Blog - Bruges - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6f61e13f-1707-4045-8fe7-16460f426cf2/tempImageryfmaT.jpg Blog - Bruges - Make it stand out Fresh Belgium chocolates on a canal boat—bonus! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ecb64d02-0609-4ef3-af9d-a3f873cba9f2/tempImage2YMrNX.jpg Blog - Bruges - Make it stand out The house used in the 1959 movie The Nun’s Story staring Audrey Hepburn. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/24750943-4207-436d-8bea-e7c0230bcf4b/tempImageTiLVrx.jpg Blog - Bruges - Make it stand out A pair of beautiful swans share their canal with us. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f984eb9e-44ec-4a23-a674-6a3770d17faa/tempImageK1Z3jI.jpg Blog - Bruges - Make it stand out Every stretch of the city is filled with architectural perfection. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/475b7ab9-f1ae-4be8-8682-7f560c0618e0/tempImagebXKxsK.jpg Blog - Bruges - Make it stand out The place on the left is a B&B. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/102189b9-ec5e-4f19-9698-2ca9b8152b3f/tempImagenwMEnE.jpg Blog - Bruges - Make it stand out St. Bonifacius Bridge https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6dad2def-b63d-4161-bc6b-a62b11c9faac/tempImageLuVLjg.jpg Blog - Bruges - Make it stand out Church of our Lady behind St. Bonifacius Bridge https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ef984d20-90f2-4d00-ace0-bcae7c01c224/tempImage8T6al4.jpg Blog - Bruges - Make it stand out Another tour boat making its way down the canal. I shudder to think how busy this place must be during the summer months. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/51164117-d193-42a0-9946-417c28548c4a/tempImageQXOZb9.jpg Blog - Bruges - Make it stand out The Burg (Middle Dutch for Fortress) is a former fortress and one of the main squares and one of the oldest parts of the city. The Burg was originally surrounded by walls and had entrance gates. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f920cb8c-2012-4185-8af1-03d71b2f9a5e/tempImageaNmpz6.jpg Blog - Bruges - Make it stand out Deep in the corner of the Burg is Basilica of the Holy Blood. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/26a484c5-702b-43f6-ab0d-c1802a8b0882/tempImage0ZcJ6R.jpg Blog - Bruges - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/87b603e6-59af-4fef-9fb4-2b894ddfbcae/tempImageiyYDt5.jpg Blog - Bruges - Make it stand out Surprisingly, the elaborate artwork is not the Basillica’s primary draw. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b130880b-5a4b-4e98-b470-02f8e6952a1d/tempImagenYwaAE.jpg Blog - Bruges - Make it stand out The priest in the distance is sitting in front of a wooden case allegedly containing a relic holding the actual blood of Christ. We walked passed and saw the relic, but photos were not permitted. Joseph of Arimathea owned the garden where the body of Jesus was placed. He washed Jesus’ bloody body with cloths and then wrapped his body in a shroud. Allegedly, the cloths soaked in Jesus' blood were kept in Jerusalem like the other Passion relics. Current theory is that the Bruges relic was taken during the fall and looting of Constantinople in 1204 and brought by crusaders to Western Europe and eventually to the Basilica. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2b16dc19-07bc-48ee-a829-0df47c5a3ed8/tempImageNBfD9v.jpg Blog - Bruges - Make it stand out A charming passageway that was once a gateway to the Burg. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/37c7f442-3acf-4fd9-9c8a-89db0b373672/tempImage2ZlXll.jpg Blog - Bruges - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7e3f0380-8b3a-47ef-8817-0c16c3121a22/tempImageBV7O7E.jpg Blog - Bruges - Make it stand out Meringues https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/85a2e0e6-161b-4620-86ee-3b402df7ac1a/tempImage5w8qVp.jpg Blog - Bruges - Make it stand out Springtime in Bruges. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f29f2d4c-1be2-43d1-917b-46811c4420b0/tempImageAmf2EZ.jpg Blog - Bruges - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4089637f-f41d-48f3-9c73-d379a46eb4f9/tempImageNuN0VV.jpg Blog - Bruges - Make it stand out The Provincial Court overlooking Bruges’ Grand-Place/Grote Markt. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e7b9c279-7b9e-42ff-947b-ec1ec87be44e/tempImage41ekM1.jpg Blog - Bruges - Make it stand out One of the most photographed views in the city: Rozenhoedkaai or Rosary Quay (pronounced “Key”) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/71c066bf-f680-461b-ab73-2544de526085/tempImageF81UYI.jpg Blog - Bruges - Make it stand out We ended our day in Bruges with a beer on the “beer wall” behind Amanda. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3e1844da-a9c5-48c8-ab78-6c295c079483/tempImageAt4PpR.jpg Blog - Bruges - Make it stand out Rosary Quay and the “beer wall.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d4a83d46-4f13-4f64-90cd-379cbcad0e5a/tempImagemtzz0n.jpg Blog - Bruges - Make it stand out The classic “stepped façade“ common in Bruges architecture . https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/bb4f34bc-0253-4341-a898-e0d9bce5e1c5/tempImagev37oLq.jpg Blog - Bruges - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b924962e-b32f-46bf-a8e4-82c37673f66d/tempImagekbvP21.jpg Blog - Bruges - Make it stand out The four food groups of Belgium. I love the ribbon: “Look Out Below”! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/fca5670d-3179-4b96-8a6e-891367071329/tempImageZroQ4F.jpg Blog - Bruges - Make it stand out Medieval charm. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a463ae02-d9ca-4b8f-901b-943546f34bfe/tempImagezT2oME.jpg Blog - Bruges - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/88d8c9e5-d073-4d14-ac60-64e9898f742f/tempImageZZSo0K.jpg Blog - Bruges - Make it stand out We had chocolates this morning, must be time for a waffle at Chocolate Bar Bruges. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9e531f63-7c9d-4252-bcdd-2375e09c6ded/tempImageAgIuMx.jpg Blog - Bruges - Make it stand out We’ve been averaging about 6 miles a day and 13K+ steps, so hopefully we’re working off all the goodies we’re consuming. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1b7c6f7a-66b8-46b1-b113-a5d300bedee8/tempImageiachYA.jpg Blog - Bruges - Make it stand out Ending our day in Bruges at the “beer wall.” Two local brews: Amanda has a Blanche de Bruges and I have a Fourchette. Santé! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6afa64e4-0a30-4a63-9d31-311a121cbfc4/tempImageIdlGua.jpg Blog - Bruges - Make it stand out Bruges was such a delightful city to visit. You simply could not walk without stopping to gawk at some new and beautiful site. Now, add to that image walking down ancient cobbled streets and continually smelling fresh waffles baking. Bruges was like a dream! https://www.overthehillandacrossthepond.com/blog/brussels-part-deux monthly 0.5 2025-04-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/46dd689f-f3e6-4881-bf5e-0798177098ac/tempImagev71TXr.jpg Blog - Brussels Part Deux - Make it stand out We started Tuesday morning with breakfast at Buddy Buddy coffee shop. The shop crafts organic nut butters from peanuts, almonds, and hazelnuts and uses them as the basis for their drinks and pastries. Amanda had a praline hot chocolate and a chocolate, peanut butter, & sea salt cookie (right). I had a praline mocha and pain au chocolat. The cookie was great, the drinks were velvety and delicious, but it was the pain au chocolat that stole the show. It was the perfect mix of flaky and dense richness that easily rivaled the traditional version. The perfect way to start the day! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a1bcc443-0efe-4b3b-aba6-cdc414384cb8/tempImage0r5uDH.jpg Blog - Brussels Part Deux - Make it stand out We hoped back on the metro and then walked to the European Parliament. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/688ce564-a9e7-4612-b775-2365eac1a742/tempImageXy4opK.jpg Blog - Brussels Part Deux - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/213c53c3-6425-46d7-8ae0-1563713aa07c/tempImageUJflp2.jpg Blog - Brussels Part Deux - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e4538431-77bf-4a96-8898-0db89822a268/tempImagesV35p6.jpg Blog - Brussels Part Deux - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f3b27466-3702-489a-a3d8-ec9612266c66/tempImageMzdbjS.jpg Blog - Brussels Part Deux - Make it stand out The metro then delivered us to the Monument du Cinquantenaire which commemorates the 50th anniversary of the Belgian Revolution, when the independent Kingdom of Belgium seceded from the Netherlands. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/72842401-1ad3-4907-9f3e-99a69bc6369b/tempImagekxDydG.jpg Blog - Brussels Part Deux - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/156fc360-798e-404d-9024-875104e70174/tempImagecWGbC4.jpg Blog - Brussels Part Deux - Make it stand out On average it rains 200 days a year in Belgium, which calculates out to 55% of the time. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/afe76f31-2964-4e29-aa9e-d0e27fcb3059/tempImageoYM04A.jpg Blog - Brussels Part Deux - Make it stand out Apparently, we managed to defy all odds by having four consecutive warm and sunny days to explore the city. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/aaa66e68-f95a-4e9b-869e-6c3101419bb3/tempImagesEMzQK.jpg Blog - Brussels Part Deux - Make it stand out This Golden Retriever was loving life chasing a stick his owners threw into the fountain in Parc de Bruxelles. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1342b63e-5712-49cc-a7b3-43dc27be22bf/tempImageXYaDaa.jpg Blog - Brussels Part Deux - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c180a525-5117-4c08-8a0f-103e25fcba60/tempImagedfTOsK.jpg Blog - Brussels Part Deux - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2a8f082c-312e-4b55-8150-cc8e93f6ddff/tempImagefMnwFH.jpg Blog - Brussels Part Deux - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5e6259fd-0602-405b-aab7-33fda36e4df3/tempImagenF3ZPt.jpg Blog - Brussels Part Deux - Make it stand out Belgium Chocolates—the perfect afternoon snack. Item #4 ✅ ✅ ✅ ✅ https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0c0df95c-4dc6-4677-beef-49e72b277756/tempImagenOwQQn.jpg Blog - Brussels Part Deux - Make it stand out The Royal Palace of Brussels. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/16341d98-3c6f-4ca1-9279-da2a2282dee2/tempImagemhTIjo.jpg Blog - Brussels Part Deux - Make it stand out The Brussels-Capital Region is governed by the Government of the Brussels-Capital Region, which includes a Minister-President and four ministers, two of whom are French-speaking and two Dutch-speaking, along with three State Secretaries, at least one of whom must be Dutch-speaking. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e3f336c2-2fa1-498d-b403-0455548a9fee/tempImagedWNFVZ.jpg Blog - Brussels Part Deux - Make it stand out Such beautiful buildings. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e02cd2f3-75c7-4b0b-ba15-7d3dca343990/tempImageIVeeI0.jpg Blog - Brussels Part Deux - Make it stand out Mont des Arts https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/69a1b346-e4d0-4f02-809d-25fdcd7ad509/tempImageAHRCJ6.jpg Blog - Brussels Part Deux - Make it stand out Then it was finally time to visit Manneken Pis (Dutch for Little Pissing Man). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a1b14e58-29af-404b-a2c4-de54a4f0a48b/tempImageQ6VT7v.jpg Blog - Brussels Part Deux - Make it stand out The little guy is continually changing his costumes. Today he was dressed in an outfit representing Actiris, the regional employment office in Brussels. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6f293d1c-fca6-4cc8-8288-e771d816cffc/tempImageszV3YF.jpg Blog - Brussels Part Deux - Make it stand out He has had so many outfits over the years that there is an entire museum nearby dedicated solely to his many outfits. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/237aa247-06db-4320-bc5d-0e6c6fe79692/tempImageEwfU0i.jpg Blog - Brussels Part Deux - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/38378f3d-1a79-43ef-b270-ef1e24579982/tempImageu8gsgU.jpg Blog - Brussels Part Deux - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/abf197c2-01c1-454b-9e2c-fbfb4b43af22/tempImageV6hJOI.jpg Blog - Brussels Part Deux - Make it stand out On the side of the museum is a mural celebrating 30 years of Pis. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0cc13faa-6ac9-4a13-9a42-52c4674ae015/tempImageZZghcY.jpg Blog - Brussels Part Deux - Make it stand out The side of this restaurant reads: Drink. Eat. Pee—which pretty much sums up life. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5616ebd7-2b1f-4876-bb53-d1519845c03b/tempImageMF9Fn1.jpg Blog - Brussels Part Deux - Make it stand out We ended the day with dinner at Liu Lin. Amanda had the Crispy Chicky Bowl (right) and I had Liu’s Coconut Curry (left), with a side of veggie prawn crackers. It was a delicious way to end the day. In case you’re wondering, we had chocolates for lunch, a waffle as an afternoon snack, fries and beer for dessert—all four Belgium food groups were enjoyed on day deux! https://www.overthehillandacrossthepond.com/blog/brussels monthly 0.5 2025-04-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7a137ad5-4ddf-4826-85ae-c3c19dd03bc7/tempImageDEL8Ii.jpg Blog - Bienvenue à Bruxelles - Make it stand out All aboard the 9:01 a.m. Eurostar at St. Pancras International in London. Soon we were under the English Channel for 20 minutes, through France, and on to Brussels, Belgium. We managed to get on the tram from the train station and make our way to our hotel. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8330b4b0-fb4f-499a-9a6b-6f1a16966031/tempImageAQpd8P.jpg Blog - Bienvenue à Bruxelles - Make it stand out We dropped our bags at the hotel and made our way to the Grand-Place. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f015a4c4-f45e-4d88-aeeb-2c1ed3c77068/tempImageHMKIMX.jpg Blog - Bienvenue à Bruxelles - Make it stand out The Grand-Place (French for Grand Square) is also known as Grote Markt (Dutch for Big Market). With so many mesmerizingly beautiful buildings on all four sides, it’s difficult to know where to focus your attention. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/cdb49354-b552-4087-b749-5eae917edb71/tempImageY3P6mA.jpg Blog - Bienvenue à Bruxelles - Make it stand out Belgium is famous for four things: waffles, beer, French fries, and chocolate. We wasted no time checking #1 off the list… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a4ad0fd8-2760-4d13-9bb5-6c68eca07e52/tempImage3ckGAi.jpg Blog - Bienvenue à Bruxelles - Make it stand out Erica, surprisingly these are also GF! AND…you would have no idea if someone didn’t tell you. Très délicieux!! ✅ https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/99401164-e696-491a-a39b-5e42f71d2a29/tempImage1iyFNo.jpg Blog - Bienvenue à Bruxelles - Make it stand out The streets are brimming with olde world charm. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3dba16e5-2057-41d3-9303-204547cc6f71/tempImagegVmrGz.jpg Blog - Bienvenue à Bruxelles - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/175917a9-e1fe-4547-838a-3ea2e5669942/tempImage0AQ3eB.jpg Blog - Bienvenue à Bruxelles - Make it stand out Belgium may be famous for four things, but Brussels is also famous for three slightly naughty peeing statues. We saw the two lessor-known ones today. This is Jeanneke Pis, Dutch for Little Pissing Joan. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d08b1616-c1a6-4a0a-bc03-7d3e39836321/tempImage4EewMe.jpg Blog - Bienvenue à Bruxelles - Make it stand out Joan is rather realistic in her depiction. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0f68c82b-c7e0-4ab1-b366-fd28d3335678/tempImageX4s36F.jpg Blog - Bienvenue à Bruxelles - Make it stand out And then there’s this little scamp, Het Zinneke (Dutch for the mutt), who is sometimes called Zinneke Pis to match the more well-known two-legged Manneken and Jeanneke. We’ll visit the famous Manneken Pis tomorrow. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/dd4fd740-0008-4b32-93ed-35d7575bd2df/tempImagewiiKOS.jpg Blog - Bienvenue à Bruxelles - Make it stand out This guy is a bit more conservative than his human counterparts. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f53412d0-4140-4f9e-b74b-63edd422b7a7/tempImagejwgfe0.jpg Blog - Bienvenue à Bruxelles - Make it stand out We stopped in Delirium Taphouse to checkout the second thing Belgium’s is famous for—bière. Amanda had a Campus Premium lager/pilsner from Huyghe Brewery based in Melle, East Flanders, Belgium. I had a Bersalis blonde ale from Oud Beersel, an artisanal lambic brewery based in Beersel, Belgium. ✅ ✅ https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/625a322f-aa4b-452a-829f-1e19533d0c5a/tempImageHxk8Ku.jpg Blog - Bienvenue à Bruxelles - Make it stand out Finally, it was time for some of the famous Belgium frites. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c1b62be4-ce8e-4bda-9beb-331e518fce3c/tempImagevbR7w5.jpg Blog - Bienvenue à Bruxelles - Make it stand out “French fries” actually come from Belgium, not France. During WWI, American soldiers stationed in Belgium, where French is spoken, encountered the dish and mistakenly attributed it to France, even though frites are a Belgian specialty. The Hoegaarden Wit (white) bier was refreshing and especially tasty. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e6d02d5e-54c5-4125-8e68-1fd23728c2ad/tempImagew4IDsS.jpg Blog - Bienvenue à Bruxelles - Make it stand out Frites Atelier uses Zeeland clay potatoes, known for their slightly earthier and richer profile. They first boil them in hot water to fluff them up, then they fry them in vegetable oil, and then fry them a second time to make them extra crispy. Sooo delicious! ✅ ✅ ✅ https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/abc10e83-2a2e-4fd1-83e6-3ae3fa6722ec/tempImageLea2sh.jpg Blog - Bienvenue à Bruxelles - Make it stand out Frites Atelier is also famous for their variety of homemade sauces. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b1b6a1cc-b3ad-49ce-9367-19ce3fa66bb5/tempImageiJFXoJ.jpg Blog - Bienvenue à Bruxelles - Make it stand out For the love of all that is holy…WHY?! https://www.overthehillandacrossthepond.com/blog/three-more-days monthly 0.5 2025-04-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/916adcdf-d628-48a7-85dc-e368cc4b40a2/tempImageH3OL9a.jpg Blog - Charles, Albert & Harry - Make it stand out We did laundry on Friday morning and then headed out to visit the Charles Dickens Museum in the afternoon. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e50a943e-7a3c-4c19-bb33-9fcfced6407b/tempImageZEYFyw.jpg Blog - Charles, Albert & Harry - Make it stand out Charles Dickens lived in several homes in London, but the most notable and the only remaining one is 48 Doughty Street. (The museum purchased Number 49 to run reception, a café, restrooms, and meeting spaces in the adjacent property, so I guess we should have taken our photo one door over.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/dc3510da-d41f-4283-bcce-e2d1cc81aed9/tempImageth9dED.jpg Blog - Charles, Albert & Harry - Make it stand out He lived in this Georgian terraced house in Bloomsbury, London from 1837 to 1839. The museum is arranged over five floors reflecting the domestic layout Dickens would have known. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1e778638-e0f8-42ea-9a71-932f4dae5c4d/tempImageSDYgHN.jpg Blog - Charles, Albert & Harry - Make it stand out Charles, his wife Catherine (above), and their first child moved into Doughty Street in 1837, the year Queen Victoria began her reign. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/421f7d42-7a22-4dd7-b6f7-f4b6cc8652d3/tempImageWP7iIC.jpg Blog - Charles, Albert & Harry - Make it stand out He arrived a little-known young writer. When he and his growing family left almost three years later, he was an international superstar, having written The Pickwick Papers, Oliver Twist, and Nicholas Nickleby. This is the desk and chair at which Dickens wrote many of his later works, including A Tale of Two Cities, Great Expectations, and Our Mutual Friend. It stood in the bay window of the study at his home, Gad's Hill Place, overlooking the front lawn with its sweeping drive (below). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a55f9805-131c-477b-ba33-4739f159be7e/81973699_dickensdeskpainting.2.jpg Blog - Charles, Albert & Harry - Make it stand out The desk and chair were honored in this haunting engraving entitled The Empty Chair by artist Luke Fildes. Lamenting Dicken’s death, it shows his writing desk and chair abandoned in his study. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7bd5bec9-a580-4741-98a0-3543a9d21abc/tempImageBTJlrz.jpg Blog - Charles, Albert & Harry - Make it stand out This unfinished painting by Robert W. Buss, featuring the desk and chair, came to be known as Dickens's Dream and was painted after Dickens's death to celebrate the author's vivid imagination. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f4560f7d-fd5e-467f-8842-85cdd2d6c255/tempImage0l6Q2n.jpg Blog - Charles, Albert & Harry - Make it stand out His brother-in-law, Henry Burnett, recalls observing Dickens sitting in this chair in this corner of this room one evening, writing Oliver Twist. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8ac0ad00-7ccb-4acb-abd8-5e3032a1e8d6/tempImageWL1DYn.jpg Blog - Charles, Albert & Harry - Make it stand out The building block behind us is the south stretch of Claremont Square. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9e329b4e-b270-4a10-bcfe-58f4eaddc0b4/tempImagew2cZjC.jpg Blog - Charles, Albert & Harry - Make it stand out Claremont Square is a muggle neighborhood in Islington, London. However, to the wizarding world in the movie Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix, this is Grimmauld Place. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/bb2b3b5a-045a-4cf6-8ca0-1ad541458943/tempImage6rekeY.jpg Blog - Charles, Albert & Harry - Make it stand out The scene opens with a bin lorry slowly moving down the street before Mad Eye Moody, Harry, Tonks, Shaklebolt, and two other wizards emerge through this gate. Moody taps his stave on the ground thrice and then the buildings magically begin expanding, completely unnoticed by the muggles watching telly within. The doorway exposed is 12 Grimmauld Place, the Black family's ancestral home and Order of the Phoenix headquarters. (See Number 23, the middle black door above.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/eeceb92d-7d8d-45ef-8c14-6fbb98aeaec3/tempImagewX3Nbo.jpg Blog - Charles, Albert & Harry - Make it stand out We popped in King’s Cross Station for a spot of tea and were reminded of a funny story from our 2015 visit. A young boy ran out of the toilets behind Amanda, followed by his mother and older sister. Amanda heard the sister ask her mother, “Did he really just do a poo? He was only in there for like five seconds!” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e37f67b4-4022-4137-92eb-98ed372711db/tempImageoBc5z3.jpg Blog - Charles, Albert & Harry - Make it stand out On our way to dinner in the East End we passed this “chippy” (fish and chips shop). This is the neighborhood where the serial killer Jack the Ripper committed his crimes in 1888, and the name is a wonderful pun. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2dee42a1-cf30-4961-95fc-defa4c806e43/tempImageFa5CVx.jpg Blog - Charles, Albert & Harry - Make it stand out After becoming a monk, Renshōbō (originally Kumagai Jirō) vowed to always face West, and he famously rode his horse backward to achieve this, as he traveled from Kyoto to the Kantō region of Japan. The act of riding backward is symbolic of his commitment to his monastic path. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d500105c-7980-4bc6-b003-d0abbe16d4ac/tempImageCY0Do1.jpg Blog - Charles, Albert & Harry - Make it stand out We were in San Diego when Amanda got an Instagram notification that Unity Diner was reopening in London. Their opening day was today, Friday, April 4, 2025. We immediately made a booking. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1bfb420c-92ec-483c-a515-3f11691a981e/tempImagemlOnNG.jpg Blog - Charles, Albert & Harry - Make it stand out I ordered a Forest Road POSH Lager. Once Amanda tasted it, she ordered one too. Delicious! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2ea25113-0a7a-4c38-b990-ddf9d7a3e00e/tempImagesq7V1r.jpg Blog - Charles, Albert & Harry - Make it stand out Amanda ordered the Classic Caesar Salad. They used shredded, seasoned mushrooms as the chick’n. The flavor was good, but she did not care for the chewy texture. My Double Bacon Cheeseburger, on the other hand, was hands down the best vegan burger I have had since making the switch five years ago. I would go back just to order this again! We also had an amazing Chocolate Torte for dessert. Unity Diner is a non-profit restaurant whose proceeds support Surge Sanctuary in England. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9e87b73b-1839-41c4-9c73-d6010ea241e8/tempImageF9pAXo.jpg Blog - Charles, Albert & Harry - Make it stand out You know you are living in a place that is often cloudy, cold, and rainy when a glorious Saturday comes along, because the entire population heads outdoors. We walked from our apartment on the north, through Kensington Gardens, to the Albert Memorial on the south. We found ourselves among hundreds of pedestrians, large groups of runners, bicyclist, parents pushing prams, and dogs, dogs, dogs that filled the paths and green spaces under clear skies and the warm sun. The premature death of Prince Albert at 42 years of age was a shock that sparked a wave of mourning across Britain. His wife, Queen Victoria (1819-1901), commissioned this magnificent memorial to her beloved husband. At the bottom of the Albert Memorial, the “Parnassus Frieze” depicts 169 figures of genius like Shakespeare and Beethoven. The only woman is the Pharaoh, Nitocris. Dogs keep artists Hogarth and Veronese company. The four marble sculptures above the frieze represents agriculture, manufacture, commerce, and engineering—linking Prince Albert to industrialized Britain https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ff238009-2151-44c7-92b6-ed519272a7b5/tempImagez2ylV8.jpg Blog - Charles, Albert & Harry - Make it stand out Each corner is marked by representations of continents that contributed to the Great Exhibition of 1851, which Albert helped to organize. This plinth represents the continent of Africa. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1fbabda9-0f4b-4b67-9594-a6386ee4fbaf/tempImageZXfyjd.jpg Blog - Charles, Albert & Harry - Make it stand out Asia plinth. Prince Albert was the driving force behind the Great Exhibition of 1851. The event was held at Hyde Park, inside a huge glass palace built for the occasion. This ambitious event showcased cultural and industrial objects from around the world, attracting six million visitors. It was Albert's idea to use the profits from the exhibition to create a neighborhood of educational, cultural, and scientific institutions. Nicknamed “Albertopolis,” this area includes world-famous sites like the Natural History Museum, Royal College of Art, and Royal Albert Hall. The Albert Memorial sits on the exact spot where the central axis of the Great Exhibition meets the central axis of Albertopolis. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/923b1d59-d9f8-4943-bab5-1292f8fbdd0b/tempImageem7MUe.jpg Blog - Charles, Albert & Harry - Make it stand out Europe plinth. Following their wedding in 1840, Prince Albert won favor in his new country through sheer hard work. Albert believed in modernization and was a generous patron of the arts, as well as science and innovation. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c937743f-5ac7-4ae4-9add-5b2c85eaccee/tempImageNizoSr.jpg Blog - Charles, Albert & Harry - Make it stand out The Americas plinth. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/bc628968-7bb7-45ea-981a-bb9dc3c3f37f/tempImageM6zjUQ.jpg Blog - Charles, Albert & Harry - Make it stand out The idea of their marriage was initially encouraged by family members, but the couple fell deeply in love. It’s all it bit creepy though considering they were first cousins—exactly like if Rachel and Matt married. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1128c1f0-35c5-4922-8250-5ad8132b8b39/tempImages6GM26.jpg Blog - Charles, Albert & Harry - Make it stand out The cross at the top indicated Albert was a Christian prince. The cross stands above two tiers of angles, representing heavenward aspiration. Below the angles, the four figures on the corners represent the “moral virtues” of prudence, temperance, fortitude, and justice. The four figures in between depict the “Christian virtues” of faith, hope, charity, and humility. The triangular mosaics represent the arts of poetry, painting, architecture, and sculpture. Below are eight sculptures (only two can be seen), in two tiers that represent the sciences. The four at the bottom symbolise astronomy, chemistry, geometry, and geology. Rhetoric, medicine, philosophy, and physiology are just above. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6ad42c5a-9328-4f2e-86ce-cbd534f0f022/tempImageMl4qWr.jpg Blog - Charles, Albert & Harry - Make it stand out The elaborate V&A Café inside the Victoria and Albert Museum. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/16307b1b-3334-40f7-99b3-279c214d5d62/tempImageiSuAw7.jpg Blog - Charles, Albert & Harry - Make it stand out Time for a mocha and a spot of tea. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/309f0cc0-9714-4258-9ee4-b0364c682148/tempImagex8h6sj.jpg Blog - Charles, Albert & Harry - Make it stand out Back in the garden in front of our apartment (basement below the green door) to enjoy the afternoon sun, more tea, and our books. A most pleasant London Saturday indeed. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4ec592ab-2d78-40ff-b723-51ac4cc767b4/IMG_3197.jpg Blog - Charles, Albert & Harry - Make it stand out Our last full day in London was Sunday—the entire reason we planned our flight through Heathrow in the first place—to see a performance of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child at the Palace Theatre in London’s famous West End. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/fd1c5986-63a3-4f92-8383-f2dc4e4d06c9/tempImageigC9er.jpg Blog - Charles, Albert & Harry - Make it stand out Outside the Palace Theatre. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d9663c65-aa5b-4bf0-8cfe-a1ad9674e273/tempImageLibwvK.jpg Blog - Charles, Albert & Harry - Make it stand out When the Palace Theatre was opened in 1891, it was the most ornate entertainment venue in London and described as “the handsomest music hall in Europe.” The Phantom of the Opera, one of the most successful musicals of all time, was written while its composer, Andrew Lloyd Webber, lived in his flat at the top of the theatre. Les Misérables played here for 19 years before Harry Potter and the Cursed Child opened in 2016. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/069f867f-1780-439b-b457-a1d6c5f4b088/tempImagefukGEC.jpg Blog - Charles, Albert & Harry - Make it stand out We purchased great seats at the front of the Dress Circle. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8af576c9-e860-4fed-b4b7-c8ce8639e97a/tempImageYsjPDf.jpg Blog - Charles, Albert & Harry - Make it stand out The play opens where the final movie ends, at King’s Cross Station Platform 9¾ with Ron, Harry, Hermione, Ginny, Draco, & Astoria seeing their children off to Hogwarts. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3445cd2a-f810-428d-982b-133b2cf79d92/tempImageYENo5m.jpg Blog - Charles, Albert & Harry - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/81c0a0e4-8fae-4e4a-b39c-93cad677dc8d/tempImageY4OguO.jpg Blog - Charles, Albert & Harry - Make it stand out The Palace is apparently home to the ghosts of Charles Morton (1904), Anna Pavlova (1931), & Ivor Novello (1951). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1485dcf0-610e-45e0-892e-83f386911406/tempImageQZL6HL.jpg Blog - Charles, Albert & Harry - Make it stand out The play is in two parts. Part I began at 1 p.m., and with the intermission, ended at about 3:45 p.m. with this scene of Voldemort Day! Just before the first half ended, two huge dementors appeared on the stage…and then a third one came out from the box seat to our right and flew right up to us before slowly making it’s way to the two upper balconies. It was some seriously impressive theatrics to say the least! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3fba8a54-ebbb-4d86-947d-67cb06c951fa/tempImageb6s1Dz.jpg Blog - Charles, Albert & Harry - Make it stand out On the recommendation of my good friend Tina Bayles, we made a 4:15 booking for dinner at Circolo Popolare (Italian for the “popular circle”). This restaurant is not to be confused with Circulo Populare, which apparently is the traffic circle in front of Trafalgar Square and the complete opposite direction from the theatre as the restaurant! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9ac875b8-4dc0-4404-b1c2-fd2fe3d45bc4/tempImagexXjO6y.jpg Blog - Charles, Albert & Harry - Make it stand out I cannot believe we had never heard of this place. Even at 4:15 in the afternoon, it was packed with people—popular indeed! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/62c97df2-85cd-4ebb-9eda-e18fd15eacff/tempImage9dm5sP.jpg Blog - Charles, Albert & Harry - Make it stand out The interior is filled with a mind-bottling collection of empties. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f76803dd-a538-49f1-8249-663340457f3d/tempImageZR1kc7.jpg Blog - Charles, Albert & Harry - Make it stand out Amanda had a glass of Grappa Il Prosecco Nonino that put to shame any other Prosecco we may have had in the past. We started with some focaccia—Bella!. Amanda had pasta with a plant-based ricotta—Bellissino! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/12fcdc37-fa08-4907-85f5-abb2532e5bca/tempImage5E2CN2.jpg Blog - Charles, Albert & Harry - Make it stand out I had a lovely, breaded and lightly fried eggplant (aubergine) with tomato sauce. Suffice it to say, neither of us had had pasta or sauce like this before—Delizioso! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b38f721c-edcc-4238-ab11-2d4531d6f9fc/tempImage9wb6vH.jpg Blog - Charles, Albert & Harry - Make it stand out Saluti Tina! Prego! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/912e7afb-b104-4426-b0a9-3470623b1c46/IMG_3198.jpg Blog - Charles, Albert & Harry - Make it stand out Dinner was amazing! As was the second half of the play. We laughed, we cried—it truly was an experience we will remember and treasure. https://www.overthehillandacrossthepond.com/blog/downton-amp-binsey monthly 0.5 2025-04-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c5e5810d-a5e3-4712-ab80-bd3e1e57c27e/tempImageOrcmUk.jpg Blog - Downton & Binsey - Make it stand out On our walk to pick up our rental car we passed The Wild Table of Love sculpture just outside Paddington Station. The plaque reads, “The Wild Table of Love by internationally renowned artists, Gillie and Marc, features a banquet table full of delicious food, hosted by internationally beloved hybrid characters, Rabbitwoman and Dogman. Sharing their table with ten of the most endangered animals in the world, they are opening their hearts to the wild world, promising to protect them from the threat of extinction. When we sit and share a meal, we share friendship and support. With two empty seats at the table, you can join the family of love, becoming a protector of wildlife and saving many species from the threat of extinction. This is part of the broader 'Love The Last' project, a social movement driven by public art to raise awareness, funds, and support for endangered animals across the world, encouraging people to take action before we lose these animals forever.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/42826c4f-0000-4de0-bf74-61d9b119cd7e/tempImageXGhdKW.jpg Blog - Downton & Binsey - Make it stand out Our rental was a Nissan Qashqai, the name under which the compact SUV is known in all countries except in the United States. The Qashqai are Turkic people who live in mountainous Central and Southwestern Iran. In the U.S., the car was rebadged the Rogue Sport. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/378e1589-a25c-475b-8b6f-6e4f0f47ed0f/tempImage7uU9Ya.jpg Blog - Downton & Binsey - Make it stand out Foul King John https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f3b35a96-a008-4bd5-891e-524903a45fa1/prince-john-872x600.jpg Blog - Downton & Binsey - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2077f58c-5048-4b47-97c2-d1f79f8372e8/tempImagebpG4f3.jpg Blog - Downton & Binsey - Make it stand out Our first stop was at Runnymede. In this meadow met King John and his supporters, the rebel barons, and Archbishop of England on June 15, 1215. The first jury originated from Clause 39 of Magna Carta, which states: “No free man shall be arrested or imprisoned or disseised [property taken] or outlawed or exiled or in any way victimized, neither will we attack him or send anyone to attack him, except by the lawful judgment of his peers [men of equal status] or by the law of the land.” From 1215, all trials were held in front of a jury of 12 local men, who decided the verdict. It wasn't until the twentieth century in Britain that women were called as jurors. The Jurors sculpture above was created in 2015 by British sculptor Hew Locke. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b88b81e3-e2a3-4d83-91f5-16d3ad961490/tempImageph0VdN.jpg Blog - Downton & Binsey - Make it stand out Also at Runnymede is the Kennedy Memorial. The memorial is entered by passing through this gate. The quote on the front is from his inauguration as president in 1961 and the quote on the back is from his address to the American University in Washington D.C. in 1963. These were carefully chosen to reflect Kennedy's exceptional ability as a speechmaker and the enduring impact of his words, inspiring future generations to strive to make a better world. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/860a2c23-f9b8-4637-8dec-eedc957961ce/tempImageHkAoXA.jpg Blog - Downton & Binsey - Make it stand out Amanda is standing on American soil inside the U.K. The memorial, and the land it is on, was given to the people of the United States after President Kennedy's assassination on November 22, 1963. The memorial was funded by public donations and the U.K. government, while the land was donated by Queen Elizabeth Il who dedicated the memorial to Kennedy in 1965. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/856b5c49-6fbd-452a-8ba6-222dfe3b88b1/tempImageYLOfMY.jpg Blog - Downton & Binsey - Make it stand out Architect Geoffrey Jellicoe designed the steep, 50-step path, reflecting the number of American states. The 60,000 granite setts that make up the path represent the trials of the individual pilgrim on their personal journey. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/421b60a9-2d10-4549-b648-83a0d0c110b1/tempImageH9wrB9.jpg Blog - Downton & Binsey - Make it stand out At the top is this seven-ton rectangular memorial made of Portland stone. Here the steps level off to encourage visitors to pause and reflect on Kennedy's life and tragic death. To the right of the memorial is a stone path that leads to two Seats of Reflection overlooking the Thames, representing the President and First Lady. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0b98c488-7b83-4088-b892-c5acfa030312/tempImageGt6Mqd.jpg Blog - Downton & Binsey - Make it stand out On the hilltop overlooking the meadow of Runnymede and the River Thames just beyond. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7137ee3e-46b9-4544-b0c8-477c80bfadb7/tempImage971bEm.jpg Blog - Downton & Binsey - Make it stand out The first meeting of the American Bar Association (ABA) after the Second World War took place at Runnymede in 1957. Over 5,000 guests from America and Britain celebrated their shared legal traditions by unveiling the first large scale memorial to Magna Carta at Runnymede. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/116effb9-6537-490b-9814-3d584707ea7a/tempImagev3UsWh.jpg Blog - Downton & Binsey - Make it stand out After America freed itself from British rule, the ideals of Magna Carta inspired the American Bill of Rights and Constitution. Unlike Britain, where the monarch is the ultimate lawgiver, in America it is the collective will of the people as represented by the Constitution—Freedom Under Law. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/af2c2191-9f23-46e1-a099-13cdea2970ed/tempImagerjRmZW.jpg Blog - Downton & Binsey - Make it stand out On March 16, 1994, the Prime Minster of India, Parnaparthi Narasimha Rao, planted an English oak tree here alongside a memorial stone that reads, “As a tribute to the historic Magna Carta: a source of inspiration throughout the world and as an affirmation of the values of Freedom, Democracy, and the Rule of Law which the People of India cherish and have enshrined in their Constitution.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9d339923-7cc6-47aa-a90a-e150e42b7dab/tempImagesjDvSY.jpg Blog - Downton & Binsey - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f141f8f8-e341-4b7d-8392-e0eb4ab9732b/tempImage0XXb84.jpg Blog - Downton & Binsey - Make it stand out Our second stop was to Picket Post Close. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/64ef6b1b-155a-4e1a-af4b-15461df8d30f/tempImagemevKP8.jpg Blog - Downton & Binsey - Make it stand out 12 Picket Post Close was the original exterior for Number Four Privet Drive, Harry Potter’s childhood home, which he shared with Vernon, Petunia, and Dudley “Dinky Duddydums” Dursley. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/03eab8ea-fc25-4151-935d-4b8627b0d2a2/resize.png Blog - Downton & Binsey - Make it stand out Rather than being in Little Whinging, Surrey, the home is situated in the predominantly muggle town of Bracknell, Berkshire. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0aee77b6-22cd-4c81-a1b6-594965928fa1/tempImageunHYfJ.jpg Blog - Downton & Binsey - Make it stand out This home was only used as Number Four Privet Drive in the first Harry Potter film. Most wizards who have been on the Warner Bros. Harry Potter studio tour will know that Privet Drive was replicated in a studio for the subsequent seven wizarding movies. (Looking at this photo and the one above, it seems the neighbors to the left did a bit of remodeling over the garage. Looks like they added CG chimneys too.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/fcbd155f-4a56-4f77-9f87-61112f3a7845/tempImageEgDKxY.jpg Blog - Downton & Binsey - Make it stand out Stop 3 was to the incomparable Highclere Castle, better known the world over as Downton Abbey. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1e7fc48b-5d09-46a5-b3e9-18df45350947/tempImageaDWDMZ.jpg Blog - Downton & Binsey - Make it stand out This incredible green man was carved into a large tree stump on the drive up to the house. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9e8362dc-213a-4aae-8cbf-a6ba8b93ae77/tempImageNpUrWB.jpg Blog - Downton & Binsey - Make it stand out The house is rarely open, so we were quite pleased to see there were openings during our short stay in London. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/400c3117-b773-4e63-b5c5-1999eca74e3c/tempImagexxEXWn.jpg Blog - Downton & Binsey - Make it stand out In the secret garden. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8de8a375-9559-4ab1-b48c-576db9b3bfbb/tempImage29kY1z.jpg Blog - Downton & Binsey - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6b35d1d4-df28-4fbc-865d-6dd9476997cb/tempImagerajwGF.jpg Blog - Downton & Binsey - Make it stand out At the famous front door. Sadly, there are no photographs allowed inside. We can only report that standing in the famous towering salon, next to the green silk walls of the drawing room, below the many portraits in the dining room, and touching the books and red couches in the library were nothing short of thrilling! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5e73314a-1fc3-46c3-a19c-913d3929ce72/tempImageYD6uOW.jpg Blog - Downton & Binsey - Make it stand out The greatest moment of all, of course, was walking down the grand staircase! We couldn’t take any pictures, so we just had to walk down slowly, sliding our hands over the handrail and savoring every moment! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/378da41b-34d2-41fa-a353-fa404d2aeb6a/61964751.jpg Blog - Downton & Binsey - Make it stand out One of Amanda’s many YouTube influencers recommended this book. She read it, loved it, and recommended it to me. I too really enjoyed the story, which is largely set in the small village of Binsey, just outside Oxford. Binsey became our fourth and final stop. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f2ae344b-ea68-4816-a5ed-108fbc2f7612/tempImageem8RGN.jpg Blog - Downton & Binsey - Make it stand out The story includes other real-life locations including the charming pub known as The Perch and the tiny parish church of St. Margaret’s, aka The Church and The Perch. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b1f2eef6-2193-401b-9115-9a23a770bbc1/tempImagetP6qkH.jpg Blog - Downton & Binsey - Make it stand out The church farmhouse mentioned in the book. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/73eff09d-b95f-42a1-a2bc-56e89c8ae46b/tempImageYcagy1.jpg Blog - Downton & Binsey - Make it stand out Approaching St. Margaret’s, where legend says St. Frideswide, the patron saint of Oxford, built an oratory (small chapel) in Saxon times. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e658910d-e20d-47e2-923e-44957162c343/tempImage2DQMeI.jpg Blog - Downton & Binsey - Make it stand out Born about 680, the daughter of a Christian nobleman, Frideswide was pursued by the Mercian prince Algar, who wished to marry her. She escaped to Binsey, where she worked for three years as a swineherd. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/38b4cbc7-7fdd-48fb-ad46-e1c8ac943e83/tempImagefvtGjV.jpg Blog - Downton & Binsey - Make it stand out Meanwhile, Algar, in search of her, was blinded by lightning. Frideswide cured his blindness with water from St. Margaret’s Well, which she caused to appear close to the west end of the church by praying to St. Margaret of Antioch. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0d3fb232-1e37-4e39-8d39-77abc27f88c9/tempImagesppjOI.jpg Blog - Downton & Binsey - Make it stand out The well is incorporated into The Secret Book of Flora Lea. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f2e48ecd-ae4e-4304-9d6e-788921b403af/tempImageqKxGdX.jpg Blog - Downton & Binsey - Make it stand out In medieval times, “treacle” meant “a healing liquid.” In Chapter 7, “A Mad Tea-Party,” of Lewis Carroll's Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, the dormouse tells Alice a story about three sisters, Elsie, Lacey, and Tillie, who lived at the bottom of a well and "lived on treacle.” Carroll attended university at Christ Church college in nearby Oxford and based the well on his visits to St. Margaret’s Church. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c5bbcba0-a0b5-4a39-a04c-4f3391a1af92/tempImageZvBgIM.jpg Blog - Downton & Binsey - Make it stand out The church entrance and aging belfry. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d44b44d3-c7f4-4bb0-a10e-99fa9bee882f/tempImage7sr6yq.jpg Blog - Downton & Binsey - Make it stand out Such a bucolic setting so close to bustling Oxford. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4f022470-552d-419d-bd15-77e4d66998f4/tempImageQ8j5lx.jpg Blog - Downton & Binsey - Make it stand out The banks of the River Thames from which Flora Lea disappeared. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e1c0e13e-9256-46c2-b1e3-9d61b63ce206/tempImageJknoQR.jpg Blog - Downton & Binsey - Make it stand out Swan on The Thames. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/352701f5-eabb-433d-82c8-d035fa77c528/tempImagetWhnGX.jpg Blog - Downton & Binsey - Make it stand out The riverside entrance to The Perch pub. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/021510dc-dbb6-406e-b10e-b3b7e2206e69/tempImage8O62NV.jpg Blog - Downton & Binsey - Make it stand out Dinnertime! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ccdfd2d3-a546-438b-8d22-046e1e2a1667/tempImage22xqkI.jpg Blog - Downton & Binsey - Make it stand out This being England, dogs are “very welcome”! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7d6d4667-a21f-4af3-8599-0a746e214f15/tempImagedoI6HX.jpg Blog - Downton & Binsey - Make it stand out The pub’s back lawn on a glorious day. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7d8d0fc9-7f6e-4f22-a8da-e8a3885de0f8/tempImagenjtVOJ.jpg Blog - Downton & Binsey - Make it stand out The willow tress were so beautiful. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ff265df8-c161-450d-a111-4a81e19cb4ef/tempImageTpBnIG.jpg Blog - Downton & Binsey - Make it stand out Looking toward where we sat for dinner. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/32e7d2ea-95fc-4ddc-a6dc-06ead93d5451/tempImageM59VLB.jpg Blog - Downton & Binsey - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c3fcf71b-13a0-47f6-9b88-e29ced5f91bc/tempImagewRMeTa.jpg Blog - Downton & Binsey - Make it stand out A bottle of fizzy water from nearby Blenheim Palace. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7fb69c40-d065-4b8b-949b-1a8cfa0286f4/tempImagepPwNRd.jpg Blog - Downton & Binsey - Make it stand out Our sentiments precisely! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/60de0455-6cdb-4c9e-8297-c24f1b687bf0/tempImageXoZLmc.jpg Blog - Downton & Binsey - Make it stand out Amanda had the Spring Vegetable & Wild Garlic Pearl Barley Risotto, while I had the Perch Vegan Cheeseburger with house ketchup & triple-cooked chips. We both enjoyed a pint of local ale. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/937f9cae-6b8d-4f68-9b62-cc8231001ba7/tempImagejynl13.jpg Blog - Downton & Binsey - Make it stand out Dark Chocolate Tart for dessert. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/584595c9-2ccf-4fef-92dc-6267de7606e4/tempImagejuUzti.jpg Blog - Downton & Binsey - Make it stand out It was too nice out to sit indoors, but, as you can see, the interior is pretty darn charming. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2a5dab97-61b6-4340-bfc0-241e48feb9c7/tempImageM9SpXL.jpg Blog - Downton & Binsey - Make it stand out Back in “watch-your-head” land. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3414bc34-92bd-4d89-b26e-404e0eecba6a/tempImageI9D9Gk.jpg Blog - Downton & Binsey - Make it stand out A drawing of Alice in Wonderland on the mantel. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ed5e77cd-e226-41a4-ac87-08957ef088bf/tempImagexj8f3n.jpg Blog - Downton & Binsey - Make it stand out The thatched roof is topped with a perch finial. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ab4b1f00-dfd5-4201-83f7-f563ab463479/tempImageghvodg.jpg Blog - Downton & Binsey - Make it stand out The front entrance. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9f93d73a-9386-4aee-9a3e-a152a283a68b/tempImagebp047S.jpg Blog - Downton & Binsey - Make it stand out Pubs—the crowing jewels of England! https://www.overthehillandacrossthepond.com/blog/feels-like-home monthly 0.5 2025-04-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b7a9f5c9-e8ee-4efc-b593-aa349c220e9e/tempImages0xJYG.jpg Blog - Feels Like Home - Make it stand out Will and Karina dropping us off at San Luis Obispo Airport on March 30. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2de8637e-2bdf-4e3b-a1f3-7e8ee956170d/tempImagezEeHOO.jpg Blog - Feels Like Home - Make it stand out At San Diego Airport on March 31, Amanda found a dime from her dad and a quarter from Grandma Nini. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1ec9be4c-9134-41d1-a2fd-35f8458f8c06/tempImagewERTtL.jpg Blog - Feels Like Home - Make it stand out An Alaska Embraer like the one we took from SLO the day before. Behind it, our British Airways Boeing 777, by far the largest airplane at the airport. The plane had a delayed departure from Heathrow, so our flight back to Heathrow was delayed by about two hours from the start. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/61db498e-2e5e-4e3c-ba85-86f5c077705b/tempImageVgZmrA.jpg Blog - Feels Like Home - Make it stand out Champagne in hand, the plane pushed back from the gate. After sitting still for a few minutes, the pilot came on and said the generator for the right engine would not kick in. We had to go back to the gate (back “on stand” as the British pilot put it) and get the generator replaced. We left just shy of 9 p.m., over four hours behind schedule. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/300fd81a-67c9-449a-87bc-569fe72cf209/tempImageQ5kP0p.jpg Blog - Feels Like Home - Make it stand out The Heathrow Express platform at Heathrow Airport—oh how we’ve missed hearing “mind the gap”! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b9d79a88-6129-48c7-b8b0-145be7a84d90/tempImageesX3mc.jpg Blog - Feels Like Home - Make it stand out For you Will, the famous exterior of St. Pancras Station. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/298dae69-2cf7-4eba-ad9b-126d580b07d7/tempImageZROJal.jpg Blog - Feels Like Home - Make it stand out After checking in to our rental at 38 St. Petersburgh Place, we took the Tube to Dishoom King’s Cross near Granary Square. The food was bursting with flavor as always and the perfect comfort food after two long days of traveling. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3aced237-a860-4e6b-aa12-bfaaf9572910/tempImagetEquUx.jpg Blog - Feels Like Home - Make it stand out Wednesday morning and we were back in hog heaven: Warburton’s crumpets and Billington’s sugar for our tea—exceptional as always! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3dc20871-32fb-4a82-8f22-5247d4129f8a/tempImageoFNzaT.jpg Blog - Feels Like Home - Make it stand out Through the gate at the very left and down some stairs is our cozy basement apartment. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/34b638be-81b1-4d1b-9ae0-8af784a5f47c/tempImagehVYpOG.jpg Blog - Feels Like Home - Make it stand out St. Matthew’s Bayswater just outside our door. The bells chime every 15 minutes, but go silent after 10:30 p.m.—a bit late for our taste, but they do add charm and character to the peaceful neighborhood. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d744d4e4-ce84-4175-af64-cb608ad07d49/tempImageDkZKMm.jpg Blog - Feels Like Home - Make it stand out In the Bayswater Central Line Tube station, the train time chart marked the death of Val Kilmer. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/bd64f45f-9464-4e9e-b17e-0237e44f833d/tempImage2SXfdP.jpg Blog - Feels Like Home - Make it stand out Foyles bookstore in Soho—book lovers’ nirvana. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/afdde65c-936a-4eeb-bfc2-213847956ef5/tempImage8cWXwc.jpg Blog - Feels Like Home - Make it stand out Time for a morning cup of Joe in the upstairs café. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/36c8b04b-3e78-4a14-b9b5-179c5080f709/tempImagebMVE69.jpg Blog - Feels Like Home - Make it stand out “Harry, it's you that has to go on, I know it. Not me, not Hermione, you." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0d377d8f-555b-4046-9015-767cc8530a0f/tempImagehvWXSr.jpg Blog - Feels Like Home - Make it stand out “What exactly is the function of a rubber duck”? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6ce36d48-9f7d-4efd-9d1a-ee776cd22a08/tempImageaCj2AT.jpg Blog - Feels Like Home - Make it stand out Goodwin’s Court, a notably Diagon Alley-esque street. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9a530992-7486-409d-90ae-de32305555de/tempImagea83JuB.jpg Blog - Feels Like Home - Make it stand out On the door: “Wizards Welcome; Muggles Tolerated” and a Gryffindor plaque. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/da7859ff-0e27-42e9-afbd-0cd151407459/tempImagewbbefk.jpg Blog - Feels Like Home - Make it stand out Will: the store where we bought you your London beanie. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/74968274-0124-4f26-a09b-f9d94a55c510/tempImageAuTHIZ.jpg Blog - Feels Like Home - Make it stand out American William Waldorf Astor owned the mansion at 2 Temple Place on the Victoria Embankment. He was among the first to own a telephone, so he had this bronze lamppost with two cherubs placed at the entrance to remind everyone of his prized possession. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/609764a5-6f8b-4e98-a40f-5b778ede628e/tempImagey1XyOo.jpg Blog - Feels Like Home - Make it stand out On the roof he had this weathervane of the caravel Santa Maria in which Columbus sailed to the Americas. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7d019038-6e53-472a-b18c-22b32ceebf25/tempImagePYvKO7.jpg Blog - Feels Like Home - Make it stand out Tulips even before we get to Holland. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3aa6ff3e-08de-44fe-ab30-4dd50ac7e114/tempImagelnB7Md.jpg Blog - Feels Like Home - Make it stand out The English sure do know how to make beautiful gardens. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/033899f8-e9d7-40fc-bf91-20ba45249eef/tempImageIWu5uE.jpg Blog - Feels Like Home - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/07227e10-2a1e-4391-b867-81f70e7d4556/tempImaget4Wfj9.jpg Blog - Feels Like Home - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/10e3903e-b897-4bce-88ba-88ed17fc1559/tempImagebFIOhE.jpg Blog - Feels Like Home - Make it stand out Temple Church was built by the Knights Templar and made famous by Dan Brown’s The Da Vinci Code. The church was hosting an Easter performance and was closed for practice, but we could hear the dramatic music booming from inside. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5f84558c-389e-4f17-8104-0b27f2d907be/tempImageSUIN8j.jpg Blog - Feels Like Home - Make it stand out A Knight Templar https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8d98fae3-9b67-4406-be4d-e2166b888f22/tempImage0Kiq93.jpg Blog - Feels Like Home - Make it stand out The church has deep connections to the ideals and principles of the Rule of Law and Magna Carta from the early 13th century. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4b67eafd-fb70-4299-8fa4-221cb822a465/tempImageUrn3mH.jpg Blog - Feels Like Home - Make it stand out The Black Friar pub was built in 1875 on the site of a former Medieval priory. Dominican friars wore long black mantles that earned them the nickname the Black Friars. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7084b4f9-3659-42e4-8fd8-7d620383b1a7/tempImageV0fxCc.jpg Blog - Feels Like Home - Make it stand out 20 Fenchurch Street, aka the Walkie Talkie, with the famous Sky Garden on the top floor. When the building first neared completion, a man parked his Jaguar underneath, and when he returned two hours later, parts of his car had melted. The concave design of the Walkie Talkie had reflected the sun's rays down onto the streets below. A sunshade had to be fitted to ensure this would not happen again before it opened in 2014. The press dubbed it the “walkie-scorchie” and the “fry-scraper.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a5128f9b-f463-454d-8945-092169224052/tempImagehdcXEa.jpg Blog - Feels Like Home - Make it stand out Considered London’s smallest sculpture: two mice eating a piece of cheese (on Philpot Lane, just outside the Walkie Talkie). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d3411968-8e88-48f9-a1c0-4d0b291ac798/tempImageegAW6M.jpg Blog - Feels Like Home - Make it stand out The Sky Garden entrance. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/26aba2d9-b978-49ea-a330-d7968ca7e286/tempImage6OwXgD.jpg Blog - Feels Like Home - Make it stand out Inside the Sky Garden https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/479fbe09-1d88-4e2f-b1f9-447fb3560bce/tempImagehlhAGi.jpg Blog - Feels Like Home - Make it stand out On the Sky Garden balcony overlooking the Shard, the Thames, and London Bridge. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ed087504-7d72-4394-9c4a-ac0bd73dac5c/tempImage2MTHXA.jpg Blog - Feels Like Home - Make it stand out Classic Aperol Spritz cocktails before dinner. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ec00a426-5987-4e9b-a7e5-fda6bf47c22b/tempImagejEvaeX.jpg Blog - Feels Like Home - Make it stand out The Shard https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f037d53f-3f5f-4847-8735-0265efdf9659/tempImageF1T33k.jpg Blog - Feels Like Home - Make it stand out A church was first built on the site of this garden in Saxon times. It was restored by St. Dunstan in 950 AD and then rebuilt by Sir Christopher Wren after the Great Fire in 1697. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6ab19869-ff29-4552-bb9c-b7b3e6f50f16/tempImageq4y5bU.jpg Blog - Feels Like Home - Make it stand out Only the tower of the Wren church survives. The garden was laid out following severe damage to the church in the Blitz, and opened as a public space in 1967. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3d8d7510-1563-4a51-b194-46c7b6ec7bd6/tempImageeHmHIh.jpg Blog - Feels Like Home - Make it stand out Back down to the Tube. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5fc5e790-1e64-4b72-8ef3-f9d28d05ae01/tempImage1rLqRh.jpg Blog - Feels Like Home - Make it stand out The Reflection Garden near St. Paul’s Cathedral. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7da26079-9ae7-4d16-8c8f-1c382f70c58c/tempImage7P97rM.jpg Blog - Feels Like Home - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0579fd14-2f66-4903-8290-4138c146ca95/tempImageE8q1Wp.jpg Blog - Feels Like Home - Make it stand out Amanda’s photo of a photoshoot at the Reflection Garden. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/41a502c5-4cb0-4e36-be5c-185a4419b454/tempImageAnlT30.jpg Blog - Feels Like Home - Make it stand out The Three Graces near Piccadilly Circus. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/eb6c484a-6c8b-45d6-af21-5ed1fcf1dd0e/tempImageKJ1aOZ.jpg Blog - Feels Like Home - Make it stand out Dinner at Waxy O’Connor’s. The inside of Waxy’s London is very cool, but the interior of the original Waxy’s Glasgow was more impressive. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/457b9989-2778-4b38-8f21-c92fc60c14ca/tempImageMqjHEa.jpg Blog - Feels Like Home - Make it stand out Bang Bang Cauliflower Katsu curry and a Birra Moretti lager. Yummy. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/36858f65-e3a6-4e84-be93-a5e5e3a8cd96/tempImage7NKwhh.jpg Blog - Feels Like Home - Make it stand out Caesar salad with bac’n. Delicious. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9e316259-96bf-4cc2-af86-db7ff5dd5b82/tempImage6WP2Hm.jpg Blog - Feels Like Home - Make it stand out Sticky toffee pudding with ice cream was the perfect end to another perfect day in our favorite city! Heaven! https://www.overthehillandacrossthepond.com/blog/final-days monthly 0.5 2025-03-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/87130e39-a581-4401-8a8f-3449c904f894/tempImageTCZRwP.jpg Blog - Final Two Days - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/88f2d979-efff-4cae-a1db-417f1b441e71/tempImageMXSdwH.jpg Blog - Final Two Days - Make it stand out Before the trip, the girls had decided to spend Tuesday with just the two of them together. Sabrina arranged for Karina and her to attend a ring-making class, where they made matching rings. Afterward, Sabrina’s engraved a “K” inside her ring and Karina engraved a “S.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7a02651b-7b25-4664-859b-dfc1db1f54ea/tempImageBd6Uhu.jpg Blog - Final Two Days - Make it stand out The two then spent the remainder of the day hanging out at the Maya Beach Club, talking for hours and hours…so much to catch up on. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/df717a4e-9862-4b98-95d1-86eaa2804ee6/tempImagemYwVyr.jpg Blog - Final Two Days - Make it stand out They hung around long enough that the bar staff had custom drinks brought to them. That night, the eight of us met back at our rental house, had dinner, and swam in the pool. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5f867547-2a89-4d90-87b9-8b76e4f7e5da/tempImageuL5SvC.jpg Blog - Final Two Days - Make it stand out Wednesday, March 12, was our final day together. Our flight from Phuket to Singapore did not depart until 8:10 p.m., so we packed our bags, loaded up the van, checked out of our rental, and headed down to the Hyatt Regency Phuket Resort where Melissa and Derek stayed. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3d52ba8d-d58c-48e2-85b5-3611a73ee92c/tempImagetGoili.jpg Blog - Final Two Days - Make it stand out Melissa, Derek, Karina, and I snorkeled in Kamala Bay, and then all eight of us spent hours at the pool. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/678ffe0d-fdf5-4c65-820d-f3e3d44303b8/tempImage21W9CK.jpg Blog - Final Two Days - Make it stand out After relaxing in the pool, we drove to near by Kamala Beach where we got mango coconut smoothies and then visited the 2004 Tsunami Memorial—the area of Kamala Beach was one area particularly devastated by the gigantic wall of water. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ad395555-e9dc-4937-9674-f00da2439aca/IMG_9824.JPG Blog - Final Two Days - Make it stand out There was just enough time to get one final foot massage at our favorite place in Kamala Beach: Anara Massage. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ac084714-c83b-4199-ba42-9352963917ec/tempImagegkeoHo.jpg Blog - Final Two Days - Make it stand out It was so bittersweet saying goodbye to Sabrina and John at Phuket Airport. On the one hand, it had been a dream for over twenty years to meet Sabrina, and we were deeply grateful to have spent ten amazing days getting to know one another better. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/86e906bf-62d8-4eae-a712-aecdf55c70dc/tempImageNdzBvS.jpg Blog - Final Two Days - Make it stand out On the other hand, it was ever so painful to leave Sabrina and John behind in Thailand. Although they had already been family in so many ways, we were about to reinstate a 9,000-mile separation. What a tremendous privilege it was to meet and be together! https://www.overthehillandacrossthepond.com/blog/khao-sok-national-park monthly 0.5 2025-03-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/91261ed9-2c62-4aa8-94c6-46b1ef32e682/tempImageoLv9Gs.jpg Blog - Khao Sok National Park - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e954f8f0-a3f7-472f-b0af-e33625ea3cd2/tempImageGUZYFR.jpg Blog - Khao Sok National Park - Make it stand out On Sunday morning we packed our bags and headed north, leaving the island of Phuket over the Sarasin Bridge. Our first stop was Wat Suwan Khana. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/55c3549f-cf40-4c82-b5c4-d159a17bfd8a/tempImagerLTIJq.jpg Blog - Khao Sok National Park - Make it stand out A wat is a Buddhist temple complex and this one happens to rest inside a huge cave. Here we are standing in front of the entrance. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c14b6662-cd17-4da4-90ba-75414df42f04/tempImageIx03xw.jpg Blog - Khao Sok National Park - Make it stand out Guardian at the gate. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/cd808893-bb72-4b45-b40f-0a179c47f851/tempImagejwzzpR.jpg Blog - Khao Sok National Park - Make it stand out A 50-foot reclining Buddha dominates the temple space. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e2a747f0-cc92-4b5e-baa4-e4eae6091b7a/tempImageifbtha.jpg Blog - Khao Sok National Park - Make it stand out Other figures https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/900e604f-4185-434d-a320-036d5ff7cf89/tempImage8m79fy.jpg Blog - Khao Sok National Park - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2ac898d7-0f1c-4f6d-8602-63d1acfc93dc/tempImageZgwMzD.jpg Blog - Khao Sok National Park - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/91700773-8571-40b4-8001-a1c75c004140/tempImagerniAFK.jpg Blog - Khao Sok National Park - Make it stand out Inside the back of the Dark Cave is a long and steep stairway that leads to absolutely nowhere. Here we are at nowhere. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/df39d731-13fd-438a-9a79-f61c197f9131/tempImageYWXMx9.jpg Blog - Khao Sok National Park - Make it stand out The name of the cave translates to Monkey Cave, as the monkeys climbing around the outside of the cave suggest. Despite massive signs asking people to not feed the wildlife, humans are not always the brightest of beings. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b60cfe9d-7db9-4828-a9b2-33381e048199/tempImageLJN53I.jpg Blog - Khao Sok National Park - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/54c57221-79b6-4364-86d5-e05751c38a20/tempImagew3ZKLm.jpg Blog - Khao Sok National Park - Make it stand out A separate temple just outside the cave. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1a26fc12-a302-457c-961e-320b950b3887/tempImagenv5qwN.jpg Blog - Khao Sok National Park - Make it stand out The sky was dark and foreboding as we arrived in the park, so hiking seemed ill-advised. The unique shapes in the distance are some of the many peaks within the national park. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/35adc4a8-6661-430f-82ef-ce6638b6225e/tempImageH5OoAV.jpg Blog - Khao Sok National Park - Make it stand out We opted for swimming in the hotel pool. Then it was off to the local 7-11 for snacks. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1741655485780-K2JV8FJX16V32N2WQ3HQ/IMG_1982.jpeg Blog - Khao Sok National Park https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1741655478343-LOJD2F37418SOYSKN6RV/IMG_1983.jpeg Blog - Khao Sok National Park https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/748e5e3a-b9d2-47cd-aaca-facb945a49e0/tempImage1Pv2Pp.jpg Blog - Khao Sok National Park - Make it stand out We had a light dinner at the Belong Jin The Dam Resort hotel. The hotel’s name is similar to our last name Johnson, which means “son of John.” In this case the name is “son of Jin.” Check out the bug bites on Will’s legs. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c6bfaa7e-0c4a-4253-b953-a017edf3a80e/tempImageaJaAkZ.jpg Blog - Khao Sok National Park - Make it stand out The glass for Will’s Sex on the Beach drink. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/97e6cac0-3127-48a5-b71f-0ffc43b50386/IMG_1609.JPG Blog - Khao Sok National Park - Make it stand out Dinner was surprisingly good. Afterward, John broke out an Uno deck and we played several spirited rounds. Congratulations to the winners: John, Will, Amanda, and Will. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/536767f1-0280-476c-b485-c2f9ca59940d/tempImages8AQC0.jpg Blog - Khao Sok National Park - Make it stand out Our hotel room was surprisingly spacious and comfortable. On Monday morning we drove to Cheow Lan Lake, the premier place to visit inside Khao Sok National Park. Will feed the fish at the pier. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/037e8e98-0673-471b-a8b2-9e8bd261e426/tempImage8emBXM.jpg Blog - Khao Sok National Park - Make it stand out Aboard our boat https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/85b534a9-fb98-41dd-972b-43ffeb630bb1/tempImage6DSoLe.jpg Blog - Khao Sok National Park - Make it stand out Finally getting to see up close some of the formations we saw from our hotel last night. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/82d9ab3a-9158-42df-84de-17ac7f5f361e/tempImagekiP9yi.jpg Blog - Khao Sok National Park - Make it stand out The water takes its color from high concentrations of limestone. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/adf59db5-89b3-4b6f-8a1a-179065c307a4/tempImage8NA7qb.jpg Blog - Khao Sok National Park - Make it stand out I’ve yet to visit the impressive limestone formations in Halong Bay, Vietnam, but I imagine they are quite similar to here. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/04b9e861-bcb9-4793-9785-b5bfe00c812f/tempImagewA3GnJ.jpg Blog - Khao Sok National Park - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a8879905-270a-42c5-a959-e5d4332f5911/tempImageJK2KFw.jpg Blog - Khao Sok National Park - Make it stand out Limestone karsts are formations of rock that have been shaped by erosion, often creating unique and picturesque landscapes. These three rocks are known as Khao Sam Kloe, meaning “three mountain friends.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/178f2a57-4c46-4737-af3b-e620dd3f471e/tempImagean3rO6.jpg Blog - Khao Sok National Park - Make it stand out Two sisters in front of the three friends. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/dc2e27a8-52f3-4b46-b271-9c00125f5a5a/tempImageCDurQ9.jpg Blog - Khao Sok National Park - Make it stand out Four family members in front of the three friends. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6df02ba3-41a7-47fb-a110-fd4af8d92c13/tempImageripHzJ.jpg Blog - Khao Sok National Park - Make it stand out One Captain Jack Sparrow. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/56619843-4989-48f6-8bab-6225083d778c/tempImageHp4Gav.jpg Blog - Khao Sok National Park - Make it stand out Yo ho ho and some cans of beer. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/cbc95057-c8d5-4f88-8592-ad85e83d2dde/tempImagej4AM21.jpg Blog - Khao Sok National Park - Make it stand out Such a good looking sun hat. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f6a15196-f515-499b-a938-f99e63f4b57f/tempImage0RzHTu.jpg Blog - Khao Sok National Park - Make it stand out Getting off the boat to visit Pra Kai Petch Cave. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b61d8eec-f005-4de9-9d6c-2c8994f67f68/tempImage3dM5wP.jpg Blog - Khao Sok National Park - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/450a0e85-203c-42f7-870f-4d3cd190be91/tempImageKNmi7K.jpg Blog - Khao Sok National Park - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e2ab5835-e123-44a2-ac06-29f60c6a6382/tempImagetMxXEg.jpg Blog - Khao Sok National Park - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c0ce167a-5b72-434c-b4c6-4aa5ee52020d/tempImage786UbZ.jpg Blog - Khao Sok National Park - Make it stand out Limestone formations inside the cave. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9dbabac0-7b79-4a78-b68c-2a3e00594a43/tempImagewazO2y.jpg Blog - Khao Sok National Park - Make it stand out Other cave dwellers. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a25462ba-892f-4232-aa56-d345a45e75a1/tempImagejkXxgW.jpg Blog - Khao Sok National Park - Make it stand out No cave is complete without bats. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ce34e203-9bd7-4c7b-b114-36c7b434a869/tempImageX9sjtw.jpg Blog - Khao Sok National Park - Make it stand out Made it out alive. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/56a10401-839f-40ce-9d16-073f087b4cef/tempImage7y8Nsl.jpg Blog - Khao Sok National Park - Make it stand out Always looking for those perfect Instagram moments. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7c18b299-8207-45c4-82b2-e2246b9196df/tempImageNRUu60.jpg Blog - Khao Sok National Park - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5e1e1b3b-9022-4da4-94fd-c049231db227/tempImagepGLDxX.jpg Blog - Khao Sok National Park - Make it stand out A final pit stop at one of the many floating hotels found along the lake. This is Klong Ka Raft Houses. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ac8d6fdd-3497-4ca5-b57c-66768589dae2/tempImagemUCQ7l.jpg Blog - Khao Sok National Park - Make it stand out John is a card carrying Instagram Husband. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/75c084a8-8823-48d8-baf5-eb0cb0240247/tempImageOcSWOh.jpg Blog - Khao Sok National Park - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/654861b9-82c5-4331-876a-56f86de0d117/tempImageUgLU6y.jpg Blog - Khao Sok National Park - Make it stand out A traditional long-tail boat arriving at the dock. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5de0e70f-7f7c-425d-9e8c-f9b071637120/tempImagevZM5f4.jpg Blog - Khao Sok National Park - Make it stand out Quite the view! Sabrina and John said they stayed in one of these places, but the constant movement of the water left Sabrina with motion sickness. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/705fb97a-a5fa-4bdd-8bba-126160c31192/tempImage0etN8t.jpg Blog - Khao Sok National Park - Make it stand out More pics for Karina’s socials. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/efffec44-3c60-4454-bbe8-ccf2fe97e545/tempImageSneIbF.jpg Blog - Khao Sok National Park - Make it stand out Headed back to the marina. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/58b5f620-d872-4925-811b-04e61499952b/tempImage5O46gx.jpg Blog - Khao Sok National Park - Make it stand out At the main marina, Will found a fourth dime. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a1106266-1f28-48a4-bfee-2d7df2beaad6/tempImageINf437.jpg Blog - Khao Sok National Park - Make it stand out Although Thailand has never been colonialized by the Europeans or any other country, the British have had an influence in Thailand since the mid-1800s. The first car in Thailand was a gift from the British Royal Family and Thailand's road infrastructure was modeled after British standards. Surprisingly, I found some of Thailand’s roads to be in better overall condition than in the UK. Driving in Phuket was deeply chaotic to say the least, but driving on the left added to the challenge. This trusty Toyota Veloz minivan, with its tiny 16” wheels, safely carried us all over southern Thailand. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0799212b-56e4-420a-89ca-d451901ab175/tempImageBCXncE.jpg Blog - Khao Sok National Park - Make it stand out Nearly back home, we stopped at the Samet Nangshe Viewpoint. https://www.overthehillandacrossthepond.com/blog/phuket-elephant-sanctuary monthly 0.5 2025-03-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/cb87e5f5-392a-49d0-8fcd-992b9360bb61/tempImagePH1iEO.jpg Blog - Phuket Elephant Sanctuary - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a76bda5f-48e7-4241-b6cb-d24cd041d416/tempImagekUH0xK.jpg Blog - Phuket Elephant Sanctuary - Make it stand out Here we are on the truck ride from the main office where we checked in to the sanctuary. About 50 people were divided into smaller groups and each group had a colored sticker like the ones we’re wearing. The roof was covered in the stickers from previous visitors. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/37039712-85a8-4e15-8f91-a15120b09bf6/tempImagemkmWRf.jpg Blog - Phuket Elephant Sanctuary - Make it stand out After donning rubber boots to keep the germs on our shoes out of the elephants’ home, we were offered a light breakfast while we waited for the tour to begin. After our tour, we were served lunch here. When the trip was over, we agreed we probably ate the best “Thai” food of our journey here at the Phuket Elephant Sanctuary. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/381b2b33-affa-4a3b-8c0e-6271e8482423/tempImageyZNPqD.jpg Blog - Phuket Elephant Sanctuary - Make it stand out Our group went straight to feeding an elephant. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b1b552b3-ff83-49f8-9d0c-66c1cdd734f0/tempImagenUWupA.jpg Blog - Phuket Elephant Sanctuary - Make it stand out Some of the elephants were raised in captivity so they never learned to forage. Continuing to feed them sweet foods like watermelon and bananas keeps them content during their senior years. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b8375d09-1f90-4e34-9d11-40bcd8f20a5a/IMG_2109.jpg Blog - Phuket Elephant Sanctuary - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/974f191f-e192-4f68-b2b2-c2ed2dd7cfab/IMG_2111.jpg Blog - Phuket Elephant Sanctuary - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6040bdf7-773d-4fa2-af22-439b1ddbfae1/IMG_2108.jpg Blog - Phuket Elephant Sanctuary - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/90a21455-ab16-479b-80c1-271800109d31/IMG_2110.jpg Blog - Phuket Elephant Sanctuary - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/675b54d9-ed84-4296-bd18-babee1008cae/tempImage5oBhUd.jpg Blog - Phuket Elephant Sanctuary - Make it stand out We then walked through the sanctuary where the elephants are finally free to roam and do as they please. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8a3e65fa-395a-43f7-a900-72706b223ba3/tempImageCYSgHV.jpg Blog - Phuket Elephant Sanctuary - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0e5e901e-dad7-4e04-9598-ecb4a986c9e6/IMG_2113.jpg Blog - Phuket Elephant Sanctuary - Make it stand out This old girl was very agreeable and took a bath while we were near their swimming pool. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8aa10f85-fd3d-4978-8e0e-01001109c8be/tempImageKwrU0S.jpg Blog - Phuket Elephant Sanctuary - Make it stand out This elephant was one of the few that spent her years in the logging industry, so she learned to forage. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d775a2fc-f6f5-408b-8f98-7a2b27474025/tempImage9bgHr6.jpg Blog - Phuket Elephant Sanctuary - Make it stand out Our guide K'Palm was exceptional. Here he explained how the sanctuary collects sap from the rubber trees to make a little extra money for the elephants. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ad40a42e-b0fc-4f85-b442-a69741946777/tempImagexbJ4MO.jpg Blog - Phuket Elephant Sanctuary - Make it stand out The queen of this jungle. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7018a0b3-40f5-4d34-9d2e-130071aad519/tempImageXj10WD.jpg Blog - Phuket Elephant Sanctuary - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5bb97066-7d64-49bf-93e2-a0e02249a82f/IMG_9482.JPG Blog - Phuket Elephant Sanctuary - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/08b2db1f-64e1-4aac-80e6-20341140965e/tempImageyZWiRF.jpg Blog - Phuket Elephant Sanctuary - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f0da80bb-a0aa-4ccb-bd5b-4516673a2b41/tempImageSPs49L.jpg Blog - Phuket Elephant Sanctuary - Make it stand out View from the elevated walkway. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/71809ce1-f00d-4771-aa5b-dbe43e29d5bf/tempImageAd2QD6.jpg Blog - Phuket Elephant Sanctuary - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f67d2a12-7b39-490a-b021-896dfe299840/tempImage0GM0OD.jpg Blog - Phuket Elephant Sanctuary - Make it stand out The dining area where we were served breakfast and lunch. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/dd1b249a-338b-42c1-8180-368694b5898f/tempImagegNFOIy.jpg Blog - Phuket Elephant Sanctuary - Make it stand out Our group included Andrew and Kerri from Anaheim Hills, CA. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/689a04fe-a72b-4bb3-999d-b93330cdeffc/tempImage9xnPKy.jpg Blog - Phuket Elephant Sanctuary - Make it stand out Thank you Phuket Elephant Sanctuary for creating a safe haven for these poor tortured friends and an ethical way for us to get to meet them up close and personal—such a great organization and we all had an amazing visit! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/fe677c5e-0dad-487b-83df-2242c3374383/tempImageLAhAIp.jpg Blog - Phuket Elephant Sanctuary - Make it stand out Following our time with the amazing elephants, John and Sabrina drove us to their new apartment, which was nearly finished with construction. They rent their current apartment and hope to move into this place soon. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7a2a97a2-5ea8-4dcd-afe8-76b03ad73f60/tempImagehz6HcY.jpg Blog - Phuket Elephant Sanctuary - Make it stand out We then drove to their current apartment. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ab000790-6e36-464c-9f39-4416626c83e9/tempImaget7etmq.jpg Blog - Phuket Elephant Sanctuary - Make it stand out In the apartment we met Ori, their Sphynx cat. He is their second cat so his name is the English equivalent of the Georgian word ორი, which means “two.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/945a10b3-707a-4e18-bf94-7eb840a84475/tempImageFKoC6W.jpg Blog - Phuket Elephant Sanctuary - Make it stand out That evening, John, Sabrina, Karina, Amanda, and I drove up to Mai Khao beach where we swam, were bitten by plankton, and enjoyed the nearly deserted beach. https://www.overthehillandacrossthepond.com/blog/another-day-in-paradise monthly 0.5 2025-03-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9d325d4e-1b0d-4642-9bda-9b5d7810b260/tempImagecSYTs5.jpg Blog - Another Day in Paradise - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/dcde5328-36c2-4589-894b-c7f6c0cdb7f0/tempImagergLmOZ.jpg Blog - Another Day in Paradise - Make it stand out John and Sabrina had planned an island tour for Friday, but we were too exhausted. Instead, Amanda, Karina, and I found a great vegan cafe just a minute away from our rental. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1741478845816-06Q9FSJV2863OYMPM7KO/IMG_1777.jpeg Blog - Another Day in Paradise https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1741478854041-ZCWN8GDBZCFHBKLUKR3B/IMG_1778.jpeg Blog - Another Day in Paradise https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1741478926097-DEIDRIVGKUJTAEGQD6FE/IMG_1776.jpeg Blog - Another Day in Paradise https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/951c6be0-0899-41bf-8b7d-86692e844362/tempImagezeKQZw.jpg Blog - Another Day in Paradise - Make it stand out Now this is where you type a blog! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8e93c039-5f1b-46a4-aad8-6c5fc2728eb5/tempImage8EbMdl.jpg Blog - Another Day in Paradise - Make it stand out After catching up on some much-needed relaxation, John and Sabrina took us to Laguna Beach to watch the sunset. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ab9ebae7-bc3e-4a87-9f09-73610c9d5b96/tempImagezEu2Rx.jpg Blog - Another Day in Paradise - Make it stand out Sunset skimboarder https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b802014d-dbd6-4cea-95f0-afe185444b05/tempImageztTrm4.jpg Blog - Another Day in Paradise - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5c3b1d46-31be-4bcf-af8d-811a0dda8afe/tempImagexnAKqu.jpg Blog - Another Day in Paradise - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/116df298-4bad-45a0-b300-da66eea7d6cb/tempImageKhGere.jpg Blog - Another Day in Paradise - Make it stand out After watching the sunset we drove to the nearby night market by Bang Tao Beach. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/84ac41a6-54a2-4925-bec5-a813f445a7b2/tempImageMoTScE.jpg Blog - Another Day in Paradise - Make it stand out Karina and I decided it was time to try a durian. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/294aed11-5e55-4339-8e5f-fa13e1909580/tempImagein0Y18.jpg Blog - Another Day in Paradise - Make it stand out Karina thought it was similar in texture to an avocado. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c6a88da4-0a8f-406e-97ca-4215c1f9e4f8/tempImageMaBk5u.jpg Blog - Another Day in Paradise - Make it stand out I would agree. Interestingly, I don’t think it smelled bad at all. I will add, though, that the taste lingered in my mouth for an hour or so. Very interesting fruit! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6996b691-9980-4ecf-8b00-0038eb23f85a/tempImagedUqaRx.jpg Blog - Another Day in Paradise - Make it stand out The durian was alright, but the Thai Coconut Pancakes were exceptional. The three flavors were the original coconut, taro, and banana. All three were delicious! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2b15179a-6803-467f-99ff-18e132e5131d/tempImageh0oqq1.jpg Blog - Another Day in Paradise - Make it stand out We eventually all settled in for some street food delicacies. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/33616b0f-05b1-41bc-8afd-f182fe505c21/tempImagekKnYuh.jpg Blog - Another Day in Paradise - Make it stand out Will found some local Thai craft beer. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2f6588e6-6a97-42e0-bfea-75ea53adc086/tempImagegKdth9.jpg Blog - Another Day in Paradise - Make it stand out We saw these when we were already stuffed, but they looked amazing—slices of potato fried on a stick. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/134c6a33-a50c-4c22-94ee-fece73a81462/tempImagelYBN7c.jpg Blog - Another Day in Paradise - Make it stand out John and Sabrina really liked the mai tais at this restaurant, so we ended the night with some libations and fun and lively conversation. https://www.overthehillandacrossthepond.com/blog/phi-phi-island monthly 0.5 2025-03-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/42254eac-bb28-4a56-96a4-ed14e864b8a0/tempImageO0jabP.jpg Blog - Phi Phi Islands - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5569a1ac-514d-44d1-bc92-1a6e489f0b6e/tempImagecYyp4n.jpg Blog - Phi Phi Islands - Make it stand out No time for a break in the action. Our first full day was Wednesday, March 5 and we were off to the Phi Phi Islands. At the ferry terminal parking lot, Will stepped out of the car, and there it was right in front of him! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9e8a146a-7efd-4727-9441-a838207659a5/tempImageE8uJWN.jpg Blog - Phi Phi Islands - Make it stand out Pop pop promises you no tsunami Will! What looks like our dime is a one Thai baht coin (฿ THB). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9628593e-0488-44ac-a924-6fa98464f2cb/tempImage6HFzXY.jpg Blog - Phi Phi Islands - Make it stand out On the Chao Koh Group ferry for the two-hour trip from Rassada Pier on the main island to Ton Sai Pier on the Phi Phi Islands (pronounced pee pee). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9e20589e-37ef-431e-9b05-ef09d66e211b/tempImageD7LUuM.jpg Blog - Phi Phi Islands - Make it stand out Leaving Rassada Harbor https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5210f364-3c14-49e5-ae8d-f6d584273dc3/tempImageBJ0vlK.jpg Blog - Phi Phi Islands - Make it stand out Crossing the Andaman Sea. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b7d47762-c07a-4ff4-a896-51785e4b3de4/tempImageZC2uSA.jpg Blog - Phi Phi Islands - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1527c0b8-f44d-4858-bfa8-dbeb5be91148/tempImages2PcEQ.jpg Blog - Phi Phi Islands - Make it stand out Inside Ton Sai Bay on Ko Phi Phi Don, the largest of the islands in the Phi Phi archipelago. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/fef6184e-6b2b-4b5a-a802-b4e84a649d51/tempImagejeLNnk.jpg Blog - Phi Phi Islands - Make it stand out Nearing the pier. Our hotel, the Phi Phi Cliff Beach Resort, is at the bottom of the cliff. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e923644e-c8d6-4970-9249-8732a852a4ab/tempImageUtwaH1.jpg Blog - Phi Phi Islands - Make it stand out Very few dogs but lots of cats. The smart ones—like this guy lounging on the check-in counter at our hotel—find a cool place where they get lots of love. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c5367d0c-0a05-4c36-a61f-1a30985cf584/tempImageP3mLHN.jpg Blog - Phi Phi Islands - Make it stand out More anti-durian sentiment on the refrigerator in our hotel room.. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1710c813-4302-4c59-a82b-2c5f1a663521/tempImagea6aYiI.jpg Blog - Phi Phi Islands - Make it stand out The view from our hotel room at Phi Phi Cliff Beach Resort—Wow! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/df1e3c1c-778b-4f3d-b07f-ef29af384835/tempImageJLOfeB.jpg Blog - Phi Phi Islands - Make it stand out The sign on our slider door. Do they mean this literally or figuratively? (I love the phrase please save note. In the UK they liked to write “PN” for polite notice.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/435df667-223a-4e4e-b381-67f6007ae383/tempImage16IeOA.jpg Blog - Phi Phi Islands - Make it stand out Oh, OK then. They mean it quite literally! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e4e497b6-0b62-400a-b556-bcaaa5990793/tempImageZx4p8r.jpg Blog - Phi Phi Islands - Make it stand out That night, Amanda and I were sound asleep in our room at 2 a.m. when we were startled awake by one of these little bandits trying to open the slider. Scared us to death…but can you imagine if our slider had been unlocked and the monkey had come in the room with us in the dark?! Makes me think of the Ten Little Monkeys book we used to read to the kids each night. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/13b60e22-118b-40a6-9492-8d360022d0e5/tempImage8OwefQ.jpg Blog - Phi Phi Islands - Make it stand out The beach in front of our hotel. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/31bfbb0a-2fd0-425b-a490-9b4cb58051ff/tempImageBARwEU.jpg Blog - Phi Phi Islands - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ffd3c274-5da3-496d-bef2-90ba156c0976/IMG_9210.JPG Blog - Phi Phi Islands - Make it stand out Coconut water twins! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e1ed8ad8-b81f-45cd-99a8-6510bac3eceb/tempImagempNhF8.jpg Blog - Phi Phi Islands - Make it stand out At the nearby Shine Ta Lay café. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a4c8f69b-bd54-4de5-ae68-5672619c1584/tempImageRCnOzS.jpg Blog - Phi Phi Islands - Make it stand out Hotel pool right outside our slider…and the view! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2e1da691-ff17-4054-b3b3-b06faf14f17a/tempImageQIahJ4.jpg Blog - Phi Phi Islands - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5251f1fc-3190-4410-bfeb-27371f8caca1/tempImageEBdy7L.jpg Blog - Phi Phi Islands - Make it stand out That evening, John, Sabrina, Karina, and I made the hike up to Viewpoints 1 and 2. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7be62fc3-d0ed-40fd-b939-87d5875d9378/tempImageGZjQ0b.jpg Blog - Phi Phi Islands - Make it stand out A lot of steps. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2b93f092-0798-47ba-8a67-467b1a39db1f/tempImagekKUq8u.jpg Blog - Phi Phi Islands - Make it stand out Father and daughter at Viewpoint 1. Behind us you can see that most of the village sits on an isthmus (tombolo), a sand bar linking two smaller islands. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5e5dc11c-91be-4513-b37f-7be908b4e2af/tempImageBZKwMP.jpg Blog - Phi Phi Islands - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/bf1f5c05-2f6c-4fef-8abf-5167082a88ac/tempImagegbjn69.jpg Blog - Phi Phi Islands - Make it stand out Viewpoint 2 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6439cd68-78a3-4ca5-89b6-277c9a0415f7/IMG_9249.JPG Blog - Phi Phi Islands - Make it stand out Sitting on the platform at Viewpoint 2. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/fb5da052-d0d5-42c1-abcd-d8b00c03efb1/IMG_9293.JPG Blog - Phi Phi Islands - Make it stand out Belles fleurs! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6aa99499-af9c-4a9c-a833-f81b70597d41/tempImageastFug.jpg Blog - Phi Phi Islands - Make it stand out The sun setting 15 hours ahead of everyone back home. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/49e20649-e432-41d9-aa98-812bc83c6299/tempImageKx3fxe.jpg Blog - Phi Phi Islands - Make it stand out On the north side of the tombolo on Loh Dalum Beach things get a little wild at night. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8464447b-12c2-4df1-9319-2a3bf5d52d06/Screenshot+2025-03-07+at+12.03.39%E2%80%AFPM.png Blog - Phi Phi Islands - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/57e30745-e778-416a-9bc4-e1adaf971c6b/tempImagewslgrX.jpg Blog - Phi Phi Islands - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9eab638f-950f-4a72-ab36-6265e48b2626/tempImagexXG3zd.jpg Blog - Phi Phi Islands - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/dee8fe0b-e163-4346-bffd-9f1efb94a6b8/tempImageEE2IVk.jpg Blog - Phi Phi Islands - Make it stand out John, Karina, and Sabrina https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ba40e115-d6b5-4b71-b3e4-861af2f4a635/tempImageK1cIGZ.jpg Blog - Phi Phi Islands - Make it stand out John does fire jumprope. Mic drop! Goodnight Phi Phi! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/10b6f962-56ee-4cc5-80c6-e3919e35f9b4/tempImageFTqoEt.jpg Blog - Phi Phi Islands - Make it stand out Good morning Phi Phi Islands. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4e5bf539-e7db-439a-844f-d7d8d3559d56/tempImages2nAU3.jpg Blog - Phi Phi Islands - Make it stand out What a way to wake up! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d1066934-1cac-46c5-aa6e-d2c9c232de54/tempImagevqCO2t.jpg Blog - Phi Phi Islands - Make it stand out John did a great job haggling for a half-day ride on a classic Southeast Asia long-tail boat for a tour around nearby Ko Phi Phi Lay (island). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d4f74b79-a3ee-4375-a686-615617be6e46/tempImage5KFvl3.jpg Blog - Phi Phi Islands - Make it stand out Now you just let your mama put some sunscreen on your face. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b6df65de-de0f-425d-89cc-9d566f8611d1/tempImages6uyxj.jpg Blog - Phi Phi Islands - Make it stand out Departing from Ton Sai Bay, our hotel in the background. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a8320e73-983a-4569-b5c5-33d7d8ea0f1a/tempImage23B5hG.jpg Blog - Phi Phi Islands - Make it stand out Halfway to Ko Phi Phi Lay. Hey, that rhymes! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/97ae6417-a76c-4e6c-a70e-2c6638d2e3be/tempImageVB7qy4.jpg Blog - Phi Phi Islands - Make it stand out Nearly there. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d93f87e2-9cb7-435e-8092-92a8e3f719e5/tempImagecEKf5p.jpg Blog - Phi Phi Islands - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/464681b1-d53a-4226-b280-461e5da3681f/tempImageUPjFP4.jpg Blog - Phi Phi Islands - Make it stand out Rocks shaped by the sea. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3cb97c3e-6854-40f4-9663-4fc639a6e129/tempImage1kCquS.jpg Blog - Phi Phi Islands - Make it stand out The whole group in Maya Bay, made famous by The Beach (2000) staring Leonardo DiCaprio (not to be confused with his 2010 movie Shutter Island). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/226c7593-320e-405f-a7af-092bf71db266/tempImagemEIVq6.jpg Blog - Phi Phi Islands - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2c99a771-6c34-4199-a87c-e5ba07d341cb/tempImaged8s8xG.jpg Blog - Phi Phi Islands - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/14d67a47-9bee-4d38-901f-0cb6f4d8fa37/tempImage27AURc.jpg Blog - Phi Phi Islands - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/152dd9ab-388a-4890-84d5-1993ed4cf1d6/tempImageZiEvRD.jpg Blog - Phi Phi Islands - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/04696656-621d-40d2-be81-7f62c4159836/tempImagex8jXE6.jpg Blog - Phi Phi Islands - Make it stand out Inside Pi Leh Bay https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ec40a452-4634-4421-b87c-972f3d9603ef/tempImageujDKBi.jpg Blog - Phi Phi Islands - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/fd0c4118-91a3-4890-b138-a4dd52170de9/tempImagejIbRQj.jpg Blog - Phi Phi Islands - Make it stand out Getting ready for snorkeling. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/68269e04-c7ec-4dbe-9bf1-727284976585/tempImageKY5NKi.jpg Blog - Phi Phi Islands - Make it stand out Group snorkeling near the east side of Viking Cave. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1a760a70-0ddb-4698-9749-7dc0f56119c5/tempImageTreCz8.jpg Blog - Phi Phi Islands - Make it stand out Almost back to the main island. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/14a13e10-c210-4a5e-b483-ff6e943539d9/tempImage5s6ChT.jpg Blog - Phi Phi Islands - Make it stand out One final dip in the pool before check-out. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ff4fb4a0-2b54-48d2-8f24-18baf7224de9/tempImagehqV911.jpg Blog - Phi Phi Islands - Make it stand out Pad Thai for lunch in Thailand https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2ed8eaad-dff6-415d-ac0a-d68065e72736/tempImageSBVEsM.jpg Blog - Phi Phi Islands - Make it stand out Walking back toward the pier after breakfast and look what Will found. (No, unfortunately not her!) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0e10e15d-e080-44bb-82ee-d2d05b81f967/tempImageJGljT9.jpg Blog - Phi Phi Islands - Make it stand out Hmm…what to do when you have an hour to kill before the ferry departs? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f8287ade-90a1-45ec-93f2-9b45a2f33388/tempImageuL9Xg5.jpg Blog - Phi Phi Islands - Make it stand out Foot massages, of course! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9b501f54-02d7-4be2-8d4d-cf44020f82b0/tempImage7PfIQN.jpg Blog - Phi Phi Islands - Make it stand out Walking onto the ferry and what does Will spot at his feet—a third dime? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/cd966a10-fac6-42c4-8450-380c1b1cc0e9/IMG_9398.JPG Blog - Phi Phi Islands - Make it stand out On the ferry back to Phuket Island. Thank you Phi Phi Islands for so many great memories! https://www.overthehillandacrossthepond.com/blog/phuket monthly 0.5 2025-03-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/79c13e83-b9d1-4eb1-84ba-ffbd5b21096d/tempImageO0Weo1.jpg Blog - Meet You in Phuket - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b2e5e824-d8fa-483b-9b1d-683ff174a387/tempImageFjacTD.jpg Blog - Meet You in Phuket - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/67809ced-0ce0-4f28-8987-f425630300d9/tempImagehBFKvM.jpg Blog - Meet You in Phuket - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/98a15006-df57-4086-a419-cce01f196054/tempImageInxadm.jpg Blog - Meet You in Phuket - Make it stand out View from the master bedroom as we checked into our rental house. About 30 minutes later, John and Sabrina were at our front door and the moment 22 years in the making had finally arrived! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1742420740472-ADJLRL141J4SXPC6QA5H/IMG_2199.PNG Blog - Meet You in Phuket https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1742420742894-XGGT7ZFKMJCKOFQJCJ0F/IMG_2200.PNG Blog - Meet You in Phuket https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1742420757433-91MJPPVLRYQRM1I4PWUA/IMG_2201.PNG Blog - Meet You in Phuket https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1742420770260-5L1T3FZ24AYVFKSK0JFE/IMG_2202.PNG Blog - Meet You in Phuket https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1742420780999-NKGE4XTZR5CMU2FZKX62/IMG_2203.PNG Blog - Meet You in Phuket https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1d9232d4-829a-410c-b76c-2bfdfd632c7a/tempImageMX7SzG.jpg Blog - Meet You in Phuket - Make it stand out After a tearful greeting, we drove to Anantara Layan Phuket Resort for dinner. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/634c555f-e944-4c65-8eac-22108db8ee71/tempImagetq1cfW.jpg Blog - Meet You in Phuket - Make it stand out On the beach at the restaurant. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b0b24709-df31-4feb-9b91-b30d04c36d8c/tempImageamyXfB.jpg Blog - Meet You in Phuket - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9fc98b8c-5ab8-4826-94dc-856c149c9d4d/tempImageKvQTAq.jpg Blog - Meet You in Phuket - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9d4a0795-883f-488a-9946-5941f6a1a7c3/tempImagevCAGn2.jpg Blog - Meet You in Phuket - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/582f63aa-5d27-4572-bb19-f50b2940de3f/tempImageBxqDM0.jpg Blog - Meet You in Phuket - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1113c07b-0ed1-4ce9-9a06-0620f747f36f/IMG_1114.JPG Blog - Meet You in Phuket - Make it stand out At the rooftop bar after dinner. https://www.overthehillandacrossthepond.com/blog/next-stop-singapore monthly 0.5 2025-03-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/372049fa-6567-428e-9307-4336dec586cc/tempImagehhjdUf.jpg Blog - Next Stop Singapore - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7c9abee8-a41e-4235-9d92-f8ef813655b9/tempImagebu55mu.jpg Blog - Next Stop Singapore - Make it stand out Melissa and Derek sporting matching loungewear for the epic 17-plus-hours-long flight to Singapore. Our Airbus A350-900 is being serviced behind them. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6a141bf2-4d85-46d6-82a5-9caca5f7c48f/tempImageMMrwQW.jpg Blog - Next Stop Singapore - Make it stand out Seat backs and tray tables in their full upright position, seat belts securely fastened, and all carry-on luggage stowed—only 9,000 miles to Singapore! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/858c73d7-0031-40da-92d6-ff44fbd0a137/tempImageKdRr5L.jpg Blog - Next Stop Singapore - Make it stand out How bad could Economy be for nearly 18 hours? By the time we arrived in Singapore, Amanda, Melissa, and Derek were absolutely knackered and checked into a transit hotel inside the airport. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8a06a673-720e-4cbb-8053-3d3d3424d57f/tempImagexxvujG.jpg Blog - Next Stop Singapore - Make it stand out As it was only 7 p.m., Will, Karina, and I hopped on the Singapore Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) train and headed into city center. This sign was on board the MRT. The durian is the edible fruit with an aroma that many find overpowering and unpleasant. The persistence of its strong odor, which may linger for several days, has led some hotels and public transportation services to ban the fruit. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/280040ab-713d-43a3-b1e3-19973fd446f4/tempImagez4rbQa.jpg Blog - Next Stop Singapore - Make it stand out Outside the famous Lau Pa Sat food market. Once a fish market on the waterfront, the cast iron Victorian building was moved to this location where it now houses a dizzying array of food vendors. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c4b82d20-6b25-4e5b-ad8b-cdeff2eae281/tempImageXzwOJf.jpg Blog - Next Stop Singapore - Make it stand out Tiger Crystal is a Singaporean brand of beer first launched in 1932 that is currently produced by Heineken. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/601ded33-08d8-4573-9d43-a566d60f2034/tempImagedIfpQw.jpg Blog - Next Stop Singapore - Make it stand out Singapore’s colorful night skyline. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8b29feaf-8d24-4245-b895-ba2e9947b39f/tempImageZ9bZnC.jpg Blog - Next Stop Singapore - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c655d540-f65c-4b93-a620-ca41ad40c36d/tempImagekvOQ5q.jpg Blog - Next Stop Singapore - Make it stand out The Marina Bay Sands Singapore dominates the skyline. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c6b5cb12-5be2-4d9f-8d2b-1ed2f6b76d69/tempImageVwZZlv.jpg Blog - Next Stop Singapore - Make it stand out The ArtScience Museum (left) is said to be a form reminiscent of a lotus flower. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0377a622-bc1f-4a98-99ed-f07e6eedca10/tempImagen0tg1j.jpg Blog - Next Stop Singapore - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/78aed0ec-f859-4538-91a8-f18981489994/tempImage0LejEd.jpg Blog - Next Stop Singapore - Make it stand out The Merlion is the official mascot of Singapore. It is depicted as a mythical creature with the head of a lion and the body of a fish. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1dd92fd4-8c6d-49aa-bd8f-eed6071ab1c7/tempImagexvOvs7.jpg Blog - Next Stop Singapore - Make it stand out The lovely Jubilee Bridge. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f10d6812-7d91-4987-9a0f-1e59ffa8c49c/tempImage3AeyAk.jpg Blog - Next Stop Singapore - Make it stand out Esplanade Concert Hall https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/961066ce-bdd8-4fac-9f0d-43a16b704c94/tempImage4QqKek.jpg Blog - Next Stop Singapore - Make it stand out Outside the iconic facade of Raffles Hotel. We arrived moments after last call and were not able to get a Singapore Sling. Though we were disappointed, it ended up being a good thing because we caught that last MRT back to the airport and a taxi ride would have been quite expensive. Time to catch a few hours of sleep before our flight to Phuket. https://www.overthehillandacrossthepond.com/blog/casablanca monthly 0.5 2024-07-06 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6f356da0-57d1-4a15-a668-fc18b31e7b2b/Casablanca.jpeg Blog - Casablanca - Make it stand out Casablanca, Hassan II Mosque, and the North Atlantic Ocean beyond. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5446fcff-4677-4a6a-8e4d-fe8670978954/tempImageYPqwAU.jpg Blog - Casablanca - Make it stand out The toilet at the stop between Marrakesh and Casablanca. While you take in the scene, notice what else is missing… Hint: there is no TP. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9d6d31cc-6721-496a-92b8-328c40274f51/tempImageLLMUWW.jpg Blog - Casablanca - Make it stand out You can just make out the vertical black sign: Oum Palace Hotel, our abode for one night in Casablanca. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0a93db31-6314-4ddb-a833-3e7b7a8d5e83/tempImagekgG7Y5.jpg Blog - Casablanca - Make it stand out Hassan II Mosque https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9ffa2129-ec95-4069-92ab-323f33286791/tempImageH1Chms.jpg Blog - Casablanca - Make it stand out Hassan II is the largest functioning mosque in Africa and its minaret is the world's second tallest at 689 ft. (The tallest minaret is in neighboring Algeria: the Djamaa el Djazaïr in Algiers stands at 870 ft.) Hassan II was completed in 1993 and modestly named by Hassan II, King of Morocco from 1961 until 1999. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/444713a1-19ae-488c-9b51-383addc11846/tempImageevJrTk.jpg Blog - Casablanca - Make it stand out The mosque was built out into the North Atlantic Ocean. Time will tell if that was a good or very bad idea. (Should have worn my sunglasses. ) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/490638cb-309d-4f02-b9cf-faf138a51fc6/tempImageNnYudp.jpg Blog - Casablanca - Make it stand out In the meantime, it’s a very picturesque and serene setting. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c4fa214e-bc08-4d77-bd04-bc401b4a681d/tempImageorlXwF.jpg Blog - Casablanca - Make it stand out About the enter the mosque. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ee352bf8-5fd9-4f5c-a2e2-9c2abb272248/tempImageRNw1A7.jpg Blog - Casablanca - Make it stand out Inside Hassan II Mosque https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e2ceec01-509d-41d3-8f2b-a9673a9769f6/tempImagea0xVbE.jpg Blog - Casablanca - Make it stand out The suspended floor with screening, presumably where the women are segregated. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7a1e9600-3d59-47d1-baf6-909d72abbaef/tempImageZ2091i.jpg Blog - Casablanca - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a5cc8958-a48a-4aa6-9e75-8715a0777de8/tempImagekkyLPW.jpg Blog - Casablanca - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2f319fd3-bf9e-4b9f-847a-262298663631/tempImageCMFALh.jpg Blog - Casablanca - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/087d7fde-6405-4450-8eda-e14c0669edaf/tempImageD9yKpj.jpg Blog - Casablanca - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e79011ac-4f2b-4467-bf4b-8d882f4225ac/tempImagex9BHru.jpg Blog - Casablanca - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a2972616-3630-46bb-8a53-2e7f54ec91aa/tempImageYj4BIg.jpg Blog - Casablanca - Make it stand out Glass cutouts reveal the lower level of the mosque. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9c2ac5d3-0579-4c0d-be78-42acfdbc7651/tempImagetPwdn5.jpg Blog - Casablanca - Make it stand out Baths? on the lower level. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c32496d5-d8b3-4189-b738-037fea9f7212/tempImage1EJIfg.jpg Blog - Casablanca - Make it stand out Must be low tide. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ba7d97a6-f00a-46f9-a9a1-9393bdaa6210/tempImageeUTfPx.jpg Blog - Casablanca - Make it stand out Outside Rick’s Café. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4f05fc05-4dd8-4caa-9da5-98c877cab2e1/tempImage84LuMe.jpg Blog - Casablanca - Make it stand out “Of all the gin joints in all the towns in all the world, she walks into mine.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/00bb8239-b37c-4d93-8913-f2781f1b154e/tempImagezR9B3l.jpg Blog - Casablanca - Make it stand out The downstairs bar (at the back) mimics well the bar from the movie (love the Fez (hat)). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/eeae67bc-8c09-470c-add2-8a0246526224/tempImageGFRi6b.jpg Blog - Casablanca - Make it stand out There is an authentic 1930s Pleyel piano and As Time Goes By is a common request for the in-house pianist. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/dd80f4bf-6133-4f28-b181-f76f0979abdd/tempImage2085zx.jpg Blog - Casablanca - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/697fa251-bec8-412c-884d-62aad457df92/tempImage7NihGQ.jpg Blog - Casablanca - Make it stand out Dave seated at the upstairs bar waiting for his whisky sour. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/bd516ae5-adcc-408d-95f2-f94e6530ae36/tempImagezwq1hJ.jpg Blog - Casablanca - Make it stand out Me seated in the upstairs bar waiting for my Glenfiddich while Casablanca plays on the screen. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1578246e-cf5b-4e01-a01f-3cb46d5a5d4e/tempImageu8RqDe.jpg Blog - Casablanca - Make it stand out Here’s looking at you kid. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/49bbc083-3556-4451-a6ca-aa157e3c4cd8/tempImagePOTQvH.jpg Blog - Casablanca - Make it stand out Our early-morning taxi on Sunday to the Casablanca Mohammed V International Airport had LED pin lights in the headliner—Disco, Disco! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/fa7b40e8-977b-4cc6-aee0-fb3d72ca166a/tempImagecK2lzB.jpg Blog - Casablanca - Make it stand out Oh yeah! Now that’s a positive test! Who knows, I probably have RSV too. https://www.overthehillandacrossthepond.com/blog/marrakesh-again monthly 0.5 2024-07-06 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/813e1470-3e94-4e9b-b88a-5a1ab67ab884/tempImageC5RNDL.jpg Blog - Marrakesh 2 - Make it stand out While walking to the Jardin Majorelle, we saw this cat apparently wishing he could enjoy a spa day too. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/73692274-d1ef-4ab3-a600-6fca0ba6d1b4/tempImageNzYza2.jpg Blog - Marrakesh 2 - Make it stand out Hey, what about cats?! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2f63f91c-5712-4c15-b192-69b7f90a27e0/tempImagekVXwML.jpg Blog - Marrakesh 2 - Make it stand out Cappuccino at Les Cafés Dubois just outside the garden. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/848958ef-8a78-48b2-8367-2a79140981e2/tempImageiRv6TB.jpg Blog - Marrakesh 2 - Make it stand out Andy, Claire, Andy, Dave, & me inside Jardin Majorelle. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0635d8f4-aa48-4c99-b8b4-cd7cdcd6bdf7/tempImageyd7pFh.jpg Blog - Marrakesh 2 - Make it stand out Jacques Majorelle was a French painter who settled in Marrakech in 1919. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a1e59b8e-8e9c-403f-86ac-50774bcbeee2/tempImageGjejTj.jpg Blog - Marrakesh 2 - Make it stand out Majorelle chose Berber blue for his studio and as a motif running through the iconic garden where he cultivated a large collection of cacti and palms. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a3aa6641-04c0-4aa4-805e-79e68c2d6108/tempImage8EmjGq.jpg Blog - Marrakesh 2 - Make it stand out The garden was restored in the 1980s by fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e90decf7-25d9-4a9a-8efc-934599f983f0/tempImageFJboKQ.jpg Blog - Marrakesh 2 - Make it stand out In a small exhibition on love, I think you were supposed to find the year you found love. I guess I found it in 1990, but I’ll settle for the year we were married. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/06965987-bd30-412d-a759-70ebd8dfb940/tempImageGUvIlR.jpg Blog - Marrakesh 2 - Make it stand out Ah, memories…back in the good ol’ days when smoking was cool. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b9349f28-a351-4d66-a5c2-092346f1349d/tempImage2MiHv0.jpg Blog - Marrakesh 2 - Make it stand out Random shot https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ec7e7cb3-7f93-4be5-a6cd-1be5a6fb3a22/tempImageU1d1iV.jpg Blog - Marrakesh 2 - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c804b80f-a50c-48b0-b32b-07ba8dc05a76/tempImage0eBVUn.jpg Blog - Marrakesh 2 - Make it stand out THE Eight: Dave, Andy, Andy, Claire, Cayla, Carey, me, and Natasha ready for lunch on the rooftop at Manzah l'koutoubia. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1a0b9bbb-2fad-48b0-a67c-96c4650503b8/tempImageL4gaup.jpg Blog - Marrakesh 2 - Make it stand out Quinoa bowl for our rainy lunch at Manzah l'koutoubia. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ba4c5a40-bf9a-40d7-bf3d-d570b9f2f0a2/tempImageTHH20T.jpg Blog - Marrakesh 2 - Make it stand out Walking back to our hotel after lunch. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5fa30428-6810-4cf6-93bf-d14b41defdeb/tempImagezPEz3l.jpg Blog - Marrakesh 2 - Make it stand out Eight of us went to dinner at Folk Restaurant. Notice the Folk symbol appears to be a stylized version of the symbol for the Berber peoples. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d6ab62cf-290d-4435-8810-d5f051bc1bdd/tempImage3w2PcQ.jpg Blog - Marrakesh 2 - Make it stand out Dave and Cayla with Claire photobombing. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4d56969b-da0c-4eb9-a28c-b6ceb0c26fff/tempImagelw9hpc.jpg Blog - Marrakesh 2 - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/33a1076b-e25a-4d55-828c-cc9594c70077/tempImagebPrkyf.jpg Blog - Marrakesh 2 - Make it stand out My dinner at Folk: falafel burger on a pita bun. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9ea4d218-11c0-43cf-84a8-228db729ae61/tempImageHtdqmx.jpg Blog - Marrakesh 2 - Make it stand out Me, Claire, Andy, Cayla, Dace, Carey, Andy, and Natasha. https://www.overthehillandacrossthepond.com/blog/marrakesh-1 monthly 0.5 2024-07-06 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5437d4f9-922f-4d07-8dd6-2ec742f47be1/tempImagedfJ6oI.jpg Blog - Marrakesh 1 - Make it stand out Fountain in front of Koutoubia Mosque. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/da08e862-60dd-43e4-97f0-003522818a16/Group+Photo.jpg Blog - Marrakesh 1 - Make it stand out Scott, Sam, Claire, Andy, Tina, me, Natasha, Cayla, Carey, Abdul, Dave, May, Scott, Jane, clay, Joe, Tim, Andy, Fanny, and Joe. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/984e34a5-3945-4ecd-a502-3ccc7da9ea32/tempImage8u54vp.jpg Blog - Marrakesh 1 - Make it stand out Kitty near the ATM. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c670ad1f-18e2-4818-81da-72f578f9c1a9/tempImageQmdZRc.jpg Blog - Marrakesh 1 - Make it stand out Kitty at the door. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/dd4a59a0-1736-4549-b386-069fb3463c61/tempImageq7e9og.jpg Blog - Marrakesh 1 - Make it stand out Abdul orders us cappuccinos in Jemâa el-Fna Square. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d778fd9f-e4eb-4f1a-8630-1959552e984a/tempImageZ8a2eK.jpg Blog - Marrakesh 1 - Make it stand out In many ways, Jemâa el-Fna Square is far more tame during daytime hours than at night. In other ways, however, it is less so. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/33fa6479-fc70-4439-b8b1-80ef5a9e74d1/tempImage4xxtVp.jpg Blog - Marrakesh 1 - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/92626218-2a9a-4203-8792-3f194a74b0d6/tempImageiwQAqT.jpg Blog - Marrakesh 1 - Make it stand out Inside the medina. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e2e4e75a-f764-457c-996e-922673bce397/tempImageCeUF4f.jpg Blog - Marrakesh 1 - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/cabdb7e2-96c9-43b7-ab8e-08406f0ff28e/tempImageULkwqo.jpg Blog - Marrakesh 1 - Make it stand out The Grand Riad inside Bahia Palace. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e707f076-601b-4b92-8b27-0e03fe159141/tempImage6zhUXg.jpg Blog - Marrakesh 1 - Make it stand out Bahia Palace is a mid to late 19th-century palace in Marrakesh. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f9db375a-f294-4256-a576-06fcfec4d1b3/tempImage3as7wD.jpg Blog - Marrakesh 1 - Make it stand out Gorgeous tile work https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/eae82284-1e2f-4943-bcc4-75f00b6afd4b/tempImagex7J8b6.jpg Blog - Marrakesh 1 - Make it stand out Caution https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/31d68ad3-87d9-40e3-8647-1cd2ed289324/tempImagegzYP9k.jpg Blog - Marrakesh 1 - Make it stand out Local transportation crossing https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/93cbce99-2ebe-406e-9b58-08a177b8f061/tempImage4Ru7uS.jpg Blog - Marrakesh 1 - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/93c4ad21-1ae4-4e6c-953d-03596d2508eb/tempImageInIao6.jpg Blog - Marrakesh 1 - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/03e978f5-a756-41ba-8a76-bdf8c9b46412/tempImage5cselH.jpg Blog - Marrakesh 1 - Make it stand out Local color https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7df02a4c-7d85-4069-93cd-d5bb143a6a2d/tempImageCkQmtk.jpg Blog - Marrakesh 1 - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/44a6e648-6d35-4778-9380-6d3a9ffe7332/tempImageDgIOZF.jpg Blog - Marrakesh 1 - Make it stand out They finally sucked me in with the pure Moroccan argon and prickly pear seed oils! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0e36e859-00d8-41ed-a43f-0f4b4551ee38/tempImageATCbwD.jpg Blog - Marrakesh 1 - Make it stand out I may be a sucker, but I was most certainly not the only one! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1e655967-7699-4c30-a767-6768fefa6cd8/Marrakesh+Lunch.JPG Blog - Marrakesh 1 - Make it stand out Lunch on the rooftop at Marjana Terrasse Restaurant with the Koutoubia Mosque in the background. (Abdul, Natasha, me, Joe, Carey, Dave, & Cayla) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c877735d-bb74-44c1-8d68-28567a4c5675/tempImageFBWLUT.jpg Blog - Marrakesh 1 - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/013476df-ba0f-4094-8fd3-7637287b2bce/tempImagefLC33C.jpg Blog - Marrakesh 1 - Make it stand out Yummy vegetable cous cous. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/cbee1c2a-0578-4149-bc95-32bd56c2596c/tempImageNt4MyU.jpg Blog - Marrakesh 1 - Make it stand out Camel burger https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/15843cc4-3561-4f86-9d5b-06d8138f689e/tempImagez0puTV.jpg Blog - Marrakesh 1 - Make it stand out Thought I was kidding? Check out the bottom right. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/89c3e951-bb31-44e9-ad9a-37aa6fc0b565/tempImaged7YP0n.jpg Blog - Marrakesh 1 - Make it stand out They served a variety of Pastelillos throughout our travels. They were always a phyllo dough stuffed with meat or cheese. Apparently they make vegetable pastelillos, but I never saw it on a menu or I certainly would have tried one. Everyone who ordered them seemed to enjoy them. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8ccde65f-e644-42c5-b130-7996b5fc208f/tempImage2Dc3C4.jpg Blog - Marrakesh 1 - Make it stand out Back inside the Marrakesh medina. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/325ff99b-6f61-44aa-8960-e2227267491c/tempImage3fO8Pk.jpg Blog - Marrakesh 1 - Make it stand out The Moroccan flag inside the medina. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3e6b8a36-17a4-4088-a412-ad7a60731b91/tempImagewNCQSE.jpg Blog - Marrakesh 1 - Make it stand out Natasha, Cayla, and Carey with their henna done in Jemâa el-Fna Square. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7de795c3-8a8e-4b07-aa2b-ee576aa1ffaf/tempImagezkb3vU.jpg Blog - Marrakesh 1 - Make it stand out Walking back to our bus. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/57d5036e-9f4a-48e9-a605-eb503ad81870/tempImageqSyTtP.jpg Blog - Marrakesh 1 - Make it stand out The view over the rooftop pool at Sky Bar. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2dc7476a-5388-4866-9547-f9395efa0b2a/tempImage7HrxXr.jpg Blog - Marrakesh 1 - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ca2f574a-cd5c-4faa-8326-64aa4aca9108/tempImageBsZNgP.jpg Blog - Marrakesh 1 - Make it stand out Andy, Carey, Claire, Jane, Clay, Scott, Tim, Andy, Natasha, Dave, & Cayla all waiting for our drinks. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d0347989-4dcb-4f94-90d3-d4a3390d252b/tempImageVlKDDr.jpg Blog - Marrakesh 1 - Make it stand out Morocco produces its own wine, and it’s cheap—so a lot of these bottles were drank by the group. What varietal is it you may ask? Well, the label reads, “Vin Rouge du Maroc” which is French for “red wine from Morocco,” so you know it’s a red, but that’s about it. But it’s a “Reserve,” so you just know it’s good! https://www.overthehillandacrossthepond.com/blog/ouarzazate-kasbah-ait-ben-haddou-tizi-ntichka-amp-jema-el-fna-square monthly 0.5 2024-07-06 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c3c18932-ebf4-4d00-8c4a-f2b988ce63a3/tempImageOOB8MF.jpg Blog - Ouarzazate, Kasbah Ait-Ben-Haddou, Tizi n'Tichka, & Jemâa el-Fna Square - Make it stand out Our bus in front of the Hotel La Perle du Sud in Ouarzazate, Morocco’s movie capital. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/50208b2f-b573-4c29-b1e1-d1239006a0ce/tempImageFkRyoh.jpg Blog - Ouarzazate, Kasbah Ait-Ben-Haddou, Tizi n'Tichka, & Jemâa el-Fna Square - Make it stand out The 11th century Kasbah Taourirt in Ouarzazate, used in films like Gladiator for obvious reasons. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4c9a7572-81c0-474d-a2a9-a8ee17a9f10d/tempImageBAwZ9n.jpg Blog - Ouarzazate, Kasbah Ait-Ben-Haddou, Tizi n'Tichka, & Jemâa el-Fna Square - Make it stand out Two gladiators in Ouarzazate—not! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/32e7cfb1-05d5-4d3c-acd5-d907ad221327/tempImageLOB4DI.jpg Blog - Ouarzazate, Kasbah Ait-Ben-Haddou, Tizi n'Tichka, & Jemâa el-Fna Square - Make it stand out City scenes in old Ouarzazate. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/30b05b61-62f2-42ec-a151-63fa75a04bd8/tempImageisHoZQ.jpg Blog - Ouarzazate, Kasbah Ait-Ben-Haddou, Tizi n'Tichka, & Jemâa el-Fna Square - Make it stand out City scenes in old Ouarzazate. Notice the symbol for Berber painted on the building and on the sign. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/03370746-0cc7-4d14-9465-a49daf2b1cbb/tempImageWzXdbu.jpg Blog - Ouarzazate, Kasbah Ait-Ben-Haddou, Tizi n'Tichka, & Jemâa el-Fna Square - Make it stand out Apparently the loud speaker isn’t enough to dissuade storks from nesting. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/cd1f48f5-537d-4e50-9468-cf6cc951cf56/tempImageu8gKJh.jpg Blog - Ouarzazate, Kasbah Ait-Ben-Haddou, Tizi n'Tichka, & Jemâa el-Fna Square - Make it stand out Local hammam (bath house) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/54d0f1a6-73cd-4725-81e9-1c1b8830ee5a/tempImageJVwGhl.jpg Blog - Ouarzazate, Kasbah Ait-Ben-Haddou, Tizi n'Tichka, & Jemâa el-Fna Square - Make it stand out City scenes in old Ouarzazate. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a1b7827b-ac77-4cf4-bab5-59b72a3d5e3f/tempImageFHGGei.jpg Blog - Ouarzazate, Kasbah Ait-Ben-Haddou, Tizi n'Tichka, & Jemâa el-Fna Square - Make it stand out Traditional cedar window coverings. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2b9eccac-f73a-4c23-8bf9-76d570ccbb8c/tempImageauYIdD.jpg Blog - Ouarzazate, Kasbah Ait-Ben-Haddou, Tizi n'Tichka, & Jemâa el-Fna Square - Make it stand out Jewish temple in old Ouarzazate. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/99f12d38-6e2d-4feb-a4f7-bd7fe7d4dab3/tempImageHOtO57.jpg Blog - Ouarzazate, Kasbah Ait-Ben-Haddou, Tizi n'Tichka, & Jemâa el-Fna Square - Make it stand out The symbol of a hand, often with an eye in the center, is known as the hamsa or hand of Fatima. It is most commonly used in religious traditions from the Middle East and North Africa. In Jewish communities, it is most often seen in the Mizrahi and Sephardi Jewish ethnic subgroups, which tend to be more closely aligned with Judaism's Middle Eastern roots. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ed322821-cf0b-47d1-b68d-29e827ab546b/tempImagemrUyK0.jpg Blog - Ouarzazate, Kasbah Ait-Ben-Haddou, Tizi n'Tichka, & Jemâa el-Fna Square - Make it stand out Another stork https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6ecd7899-95b7-456d-b9e9-597412ee47f5/tempImagelEErDK.jpg Blog - Ouarzazate, Kasbah Ait-Ben-Haddou, Tizi n'Tichka, & Jemâa el-Fna Square - Make it stand out One more sad but friendly street dog. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f41a3a79-5bbc-450f-bcf5-30cfb1166598/tempImageW1RgXm.jpg Blog - Ouarzazate, Kasbah Ait-Ben-Haddou, Tizi n'Tichka, & Jemâa el-Fna Square - Make it stand out Kasbah Taourirt from the Ouarzazate Cinema Museum. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7c520ecf-53de-4ace-9d47-c1a80c65f8e5/tempImagek2iq8M.jpg Blog - Ouarzazate, Kasbah Ait-Ben-Haddou, Tizi n'Tichka, & Jemâa el-Fna Square - Make it stand out Kasbah Taourirt https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/dbfd6810-1577-414e-a327-73eefda192ff/tempImageqPFXy7.jpg Blog - Ouarzazate, Kasbah Ait-Ben-Haddou, Tizi n'Tichka, & Jemâa el-Fna Square - Make it stand out There is a strong connection with the USA here because of the movie industry. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/bbee422e-fefe-4761-ab52-32f1a0c672f5/tempImage5k3Nb3.jpg Blog - Ouarzazate, Kasbah Ait-Ben-Haddou, Tizi n'Tichka, & Jemâa el-Fna Square - Make it stand out Kasbah Taourirt https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e82b361b-5c18-4c95-86d9-782644701527/tempImagej0gRe2.jpg Blog - Ouarzazate, Kasbah Ait-Ben-Haddou, Tizi n'Tichka, & Jemâa el-Fna Square - Make it stand out The pigeons of Kasbah Taourirt https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/51820085-79a3-4921-a9c5-8dac7ec3fedc/tempImagejI8B2A.jpg Blog - Ouarzazate, Kasbah Ait-Ben-Haddou, Tizi n'Tichka, & Jemâa el-Fna Square - Make it stand out The Ouarzazate Cinema Museum. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1aefb817-d4a2-441c-93f7-27f20c0eed0e/tempImageCVJztT.jpg Blog - Ouarzazate, Kasbah Ait-Ben-Haddou, Tizi n'Tichka, & Jemâa el-Fna Square - Make it stand out No idea which movie(s) this set is from. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/54175154-1410-44a7-9146-8bf78fe4f56f/tempImage5lckzP.jpg Blog - Ouarzazate, Kasbah Ait-Ben-Haddou, Tizi n'Tichka, & Jemâa el-Fna Square - Make it stand out Bad Clay! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/15edf2e1-18e7-4eeb-8edc-3e55dbf795c8/tempImage0cCyy1.jpg Blog - Ouarzazate, Kasbah Ait-Ben-Haddou, Tizi n'Tichka, & Jemâa el-Fna Square - Make it stand out Wish I knew my movie sets better. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/33d808ad-0502-4433-ab2e-4a684915d16a/tempImagespo6ch.jpg Blog - Ouarzazate, Kasbah Ait-Ben-Haddou, Tizi n'Tichka, & Jemâa el-Fna Square - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2a087870-9fc5-4bc6-8617-ef925fee9224/tempImageqNRuOH.jpg Blog - Ouarzazate, Kasbah Ait-Ben-Haddou, Tizi n'Tichka, & Jemâa el-Fna Square - Make it stand out These courtyards have probably appeared in many films. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8c090263-5b21-4f0e-ab2b-56ee6c8c2561/tempImagesS2Q6x.jpg Blog - Ouarzazate, Kasbah Ait-Ben-Haddou, Tizi n'Tichka, & Jemâa el-Fna Square - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/720500e5-bcac-4573-a380-18dde8a320fb/tempImageuRBbzF.jpg Blog - Ouarzazate, Kasbah Ait-Ben-Haddou, Tizi n'Tichka, & Jemâa el-Fna Square - Make it stand out The Oscar Hotel by Atlas Studios, built in 1983 by a Moroccan investor to accommodate Hollywood film crews. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/fb26ee1e-6ead-4719-8fdb-b86fdde8e037/tempImage7iMZx2.jpg Blog - Ouarzazate, Kasbah Ait-Ben-Haddou, Tizi n'Tichka, & Jemâa el-Fna Square - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0756b18e-b6b5-4a0b-8405-6a85b422692d/tempImageMki3cp.jpg Blog - Ouarzazate, Kasbah Ait-Ben-Haddou, Tizi n'Tichka, & Jemâa el-Fna Square - Make it stand out Kasbah Ait-Ben-Haddou https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/81a130f3-6b81-4cbb-949a-6d0a0af73380/tempImageqoXe41.jpg Blog - Ouarzazate, Kasbah Ait-Ben-Haddou, Tizi n'Tichka, & Jemâa el-Fna Square - Make it stand out Painted on a door while walking up to the hilltop: Hand of Fatima, symbol of the Berber peoples, flag of Morocco, another Berber symbol. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/182ec64a-1f65-49ba-9e0f-0191fac34f20/tempImageVq9JYe.jpg Blog - Ouarzazate, Kasbah Ait-Ben-Haddou, Tizi n'Tichka, & Jemâa el-Fna Square - Make it stand out Near the summit; the bridge we crossed before staring our climb is below. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8b5b418b-80d7-4b37-8106-b2af9c276839/tempImageFHqvQZ.jpg Blog - Ouarzazate, Kasbah Ait-Ben-Haddou, Tizi n'Tichka, & Jemâa el-Fna Square - Make it stand out At the summit. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a348fbc5-1cff-4500-ab56-0dcd400d62cd/tempImageljcQIy.jpg Blog - Ouarzazate, Kasbah Ait-Ben-Haddou, Tizi n'Tichka, & Jemâa el-Fna Square - Make it stand out The ruin on the summit, probably freshly damaged after the 6.8 earthquake on September 8, 2023. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/23627166-37a9-4257-bdbb-f23b9ffc5d6d/tempImageNnpv8f.jpg Blog - Ouarzazate, Kasbah Ait-Ben-Haddou, Tizi n'Tichka, & Jemâa el-Fna Square - Make it stand out Memorial cairns on the summit https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a28d06d5-32bd-4bcd-8ee6-9862b84f2a35/tempImagezz7I5b.jpg Blog - Ouarzazate, Kasbah Ait-Ben-Haddou, Tizi n'Tichka, & Jemâa el-Fna Square - Make it stand out Now there’s a restaurant with a view! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4bd21f98-c982-469d-90e2-88dd9a6ca449/tempImageOBQZt8.jpg Blog - Ouarzazate, Kasbah Ait-Ben-Haddou, Tizi n'Tichka, & Jemâa el-Fna Square - Make it stand out Beautiful architecture https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/491df04a-6b0e-48af-9292-2badf46acc3c/tempImageOD1uwb.jpg Blog - Ouarzazate, Kasbah Ait-Ben-Haddou, Tizi n'Tichka, & Jemâa el-Fna Square - Make it stand out More beautiful architecture https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8b2cc429-cfa2-4a01-a85b-02523e7b1479/tempImageOjMFba.jpg Blog - Ouarzazate, Kasbah Ait-Ben-Haddou, Tizi n'Tichka, & Jemâa el-Fna Square - Make it stand out The entrance to the Kasbah Ait-Ben-Haddou. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d1640dea-6174-45b6-8ddb-05e9273ecb21/tempImage2PcnaJ.jpg Blog - Ouarzazate, Kasbah Ait-Ben-Haddou, Tizi n'Tichka, & Jemâa el-Fna Square - Make it stand out On the roof of the Kasbah Ait-Ben-Haddou with the city behind. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6d6faa5f-0060-4690-999e-9c66af1ec317/tempImagep7DjCV.jpg Blog - Ouarzazate, Kasbah Ait-Ben-Haddou, Tizi n'Tichka, & Jemâa el-Fna Square - Make it stand out Lunch at Cafe Rafik. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/27200b30-bc2b-42e3-a4e6-c556e2213189/tempImagelJlFUT.jpg Blog - Ouarzazate, Kasbah Ait-Ben-Haddou, Tizi n'Tichka, & Jemâa el-Fna Square - Make it stand out The Col du Tichka summit marker on N9 says 7,415 feet, but apparently 7,234 feet is more accurate. The climb from the south was impressive, but the views as we continued over the summit were even more impressive. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/22b0df1e-c3c3-4c13-82d5-db6417180f12/tempImagexG24So.jpg Blog - Ouarzazate, Kasbah Ait-Ben-Haddou, Tizi n'Tichka, & Jemâa el-Fna Square - Make it stand out It’s hard to capture from ground level, but it’s probably the most impressive spaghetti-maze of roads I’ve ever seen snaking its way through a mountain pass. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/29a3d0ef-2f3f-402f-9561-f74368d03b0c/tempImageEZgoQf.jpg Blog - Ouarzazate, Kasbah Ait-Ben-Haddou, Tizi n'Tichka, & Jemâa el-Fna Square - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/06a10ffc-5be6-4ffe-ba21-1665867ef884/tempImage9EDw0Y.jpg Blog - Ouarzazate, Kasbah Ait-Ben-Haddou, Tizi n'Tichka, & Jemâa el-Fna Square - Make it stand out On our way to Marrakesh, we saw dozens of these double-decker trucks with livestock (usually cattle) standing in the pens on top and covered with a net, as if the net was enough to hold them in. Definitely wouldn’t pass a CHP inspection. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/24767e9e-77be-4c12-b7c3-e53a58e36763/tempImageo9BECq.jpg Blog - Ouarzazate, Kasbah Ait-Ben-Haddou, Tizi n'Tichka, & Jemâa el-Fna Square - Make it stand out Marrakesh was strikingly modern and metropolitan. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ddb5c992-d503-4c4d-b3c4-549dba17d44f/tempImageUElAmr.jpg Blog - Ouarzazate, Kasbah Ait-Ben-Haddou, Tizi n'Tichka, & Jemâa el-Fna Square - Make it stand out They even had a mall…with a liquor store inside. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e3b6bcb0-a796-4bc0-90ce-7fc24ceedfbf/tempImagePERRF2.jpg Blog - Ouarzazate, Kasbah Ait-Ben-Haddou, Tizi n'Tichka, & Jemâa el-Fna Square - Make it stand out Wow! Beer in men’s size: 17 whole ounces in a single can! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a5c77e0c-98fe-4694-b11e-f45b78ea11f6/tempImage3HJj8y.jpg Blog - Ouarzazate, Kasbah Ait-Ben-Haddou, Tizi n'Tichka, & Jemâa el-Fna Square - Make it stand out Pretty funny that Abdul had us stop at the mall and purchase alcohol, and then there is a sign at our hotel emphatically stating we could not bring said alcohol into the hotel (that’s our beer in the red bag right next to the sign). Not even bottled water! They seemed to turn a blind eye, probably because we were a large group bringing a lot of business to the hotel. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8ad7bb09-b96e-414d-9664-f6b439038265/tempImageen4CuI.jpg Blog - Ouarzazate, Kasbah Ait-Ben-Haddou, Tizi n'Tichka, & Jemâa el-Fna Square - Make it stand out Leaving our hotel for the horse carriage ride to Marrakesh’s famous Jemâa el-Fna outdoor market space. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b4a296f0-b8eb-4d94-9ef3-bb81f71e011b/tempImageliOWOA.jpg Blog - Ouarzazate, Kasbah Ait-Ben-Haddou, Tizi n'Tichka, & Jemâa el-Fna Square - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d54837d1-2552-43f6-b625-647c911e53f9/tempImageS5mqOA.jpg Blog - Ouarzazate, Kasbah Ait-Ben-Haddou, Tizi n'Tichka, & Jemâa el-Fna Square - Make it stand out The 12th century Koutoubia mosque. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1f5e7372-7155-4986-a407-85909f7c9061/tempImageSSXYg5.jpg Blog - Ouarzazate, Kasbah Ait-Ben-Haddou, Tizi n'Tichka, & Jemâa el-Fna Square - Make it stand out Even at 9 pm, the Jemâa el-Fna outdoor market was still in full swing. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8662d6d1-dd94-43c9-9b64-42c6dbbc31a7/tempImagezBDsVy.jpg Blog - Ouarzazate, Kasbah Ait-Ben-Haddou, Tizi n'Tichka, & Jemâa el-Fna Square - Make it stand out So magical at night! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5ec4d7db-af26-405a-93af-dd3609ddb395/tempImageMmnwf9.jpg Blog - Ouarzazate, Kasbah Ait-Ben-Haddou, Tizi n'Tichka, & Jemâa el-Fna Square - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8d867a3a-054d-4bc2-954f-06e78d7b88ad/tempImage0L9hyx.jpg Blog - Ouarzazate, Kasbah Ait-Ben-Haddou, Tizi n'Tichka, & Jemâa el-Fna Square - Make it stand out Carnival-style games https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f9715b1f-bf09-475c-b029-3e7b49464386/tempImageNMTByt.jpg Blog - Ouarzazate, Kasbah Ait-Ben-Haddou, Tizi n'Tichka, & Jemâa el-Fna Square - Make it stand out Market stalls (the restaurant we go to later is the tall building) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/361a9761-fe72-4e0d-b6df-d3f6e6207daa/tempImageZpEUGf.jpg Blog - Ouarzazate, Kasbah Ait-Ben-Haddou, Tizi n'Tichka, & Jemâa el-Fna Square - Make it stand out Escargot https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/22185fc9-ec87-47b5-87c3-8f7da2350800/tempImageyFBHvj.jpg Blog - Ouarzazate, Kasbah Ait-Ben-Haddou, Tizi n'Tichka, & Jemâa el-Fna Square - Make it stand out Easy there Natasha! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/94b1065e-ca2f-4c23-a11f-919fea14ffe7/tempImage2eA6oz.jpg Blog - Ouarzazate, Kasbah Ait-Ben-Haddou, Tizi n'Tichka, & Jemâa el-Fna Square - Make it stand out Carey & Cayla go nuts https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ff220263-25a6-4c0e-9027-da7ab55a552c/tempImageVJAXyv.jpg Blog - Ouarzazate, Kasbah Ait-Ben-Haddou, Tizi n'Tichka, & Jemâa el-Fna Square - Make it stand out In front of Argana restaurant where we had dessert on the upstairs terrace. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8b49978f-6500-43ee-9085-dbbfdec1a33e/tempImageXv0Ig2.jpg Blog - Ouarzazate, Kasbah Ait-Ben-Haddou, Tizi n'Tichka, & Jemâa el-Fna Square - Make it stand out Our view over the market from Argana restaurant while we enjoyed ice cream and sorbet. The Jemâa el-Fna market must be visited at night for the full experience! What a night! https://www.overthehillandacrossthepond.com/blog/todgha-gorge-rose-valley-ouarzazate monthly 0.5 2025-05-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/32b42268-ba3e-4e35-aeff-0b95c01c33ff/tempImageGxfoUK.jpg Blog - Todgha Gorge, Rose Valley, Ouarzazate - Make it stand out Sunrise in the Sahara Desert (jackets required) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/050264ca-c523-413c-b324-767310827e83/tempImagerlytIr.jpg Blog - Todgha Gorge, Rose Valley, Ouarzazate - Make it stand out Sunrise in the Sahara Desert https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/cc2c0bfc-8b2a-4a4d-ae97-929a145275c7/tempImageBxPS7J.jpg Blog - Todgha Gorge, Rose Valley, Ouarzazate - Make it stand out Sunrise in the Sahara Desert https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d6a30073-f4ca-4c1c-bbd4-4209628774e1/tempImageGbiVAN.jpg Blog - Todgha Gorge, Rose Valley, Ouarzazate - Make it stand out Sunrise over camp https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0467d826-8795-435b-9c84-72ee00ff4bd3/tempImage4Ht4CX.jpg Blog - Todgha Gorge, Rose Valley, Ouarzazate - Make it stand out Sunrise over camp; the dining tent in the back center. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/51543fad-d3fc-4172-b8cf-2fa380e41ca5/tempImageBDkAa2.jpg Blog - Todgha Gorge, Rose Valley, Ouarzazate - Make it stand out Back in the 4x4 with the best driver in the bunch: Hassan. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d2dd7724-c5d9-4c52-b440-e4cb48e8dd82/tempImageiJYvbe.jpg Blog - Todgha Gorge, Rose Valley, Ouarzazate - Make it stand out Located in south Erfoud: Macro Fossiles Kasbah. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4ceda2c9-208a-4d87-96ca-8e9af602ca34/tempImageycsBaU.jpg Blog - Todgha Gorge, Rose Valley, Ouarzazate - Make it stand out Everyone needs one of these in their entryway. The long, tapered fossils were an ancient form of squid. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/51b39598-6391-4d42-aed8-7c21549f51e5/tempImage8cg1jf.jpg Blog - Todgha Gorge, Rose Valley, Ouarzazate - Make it stand out Who knows what these wild looking creatures were. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/94ac8f83-e711-4361-977c-1c7316f574a4/tempImagebSkdcV.jpg Blog - Todgha Gorge, Rose Valley, Ouarzazate - Make it stand out Gigantic underwater pill bugs? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e425ec16-6157-4824-be32-bbd1817f9d5b/tempImageG0MJeF.jpg Blog - Todgha Gorge, Rose Valley, Ouarzazate - Make it stand out Pretty cool how the remove they surrounding stone to reveal the embedded ancient sea life. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d6cd6f37-8e01-4682-81fa-59a2a78a41a6/tempImageevBEdE.jpg Blog - Todgha Gorge, Rose Valley, Ouarzazate - Make it stand out If this is too ostentatious, they have entire place settings (plates, bowls, etc.), all with fossils embedded—much more workaday. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7a630867-23f0-4c45-840e-26212ab0cb18/tempImage36y9Yq.jpg Blog - Todgha Gorge, Rose Valley, Ouarzazate - Make it stand out Just outside Erfoud are what look like giant molehills but are in fact part of an ancient irrigation system. Most wells involve digging a vertical shaft downward until it reaches the watertable, and then hauling or pumping water to the surface. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c0804c52-009c-48c7-b750-e3bf24481461/tempImagezfP75C.jpg Blog - Todgha Gorge, Rose Valley, Ouarzazate - Make it stand out Qanats consist of gently inclined horizontal tunnels dug into sloping terrain. When the horizontal tunnel hits the watertable, gravity causes water to simply flow downhill in the channel toward outlets at the base of the slope. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8d7adf26-1099-4a2c-8425-86a3b17782d2/tempImagelopAiB.jpg Blog - Todgha Gorge, Rose Valley, Ouarzazate - Make it stand out Daily market as we passed through a random town. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/24835fa0-d673-4b74-b046-4756f2570c59/tempImageS19lc5.jpg Blog - Todgha Gorge, Rose Valley, Ouarzazate - Make it stand out Sadly, this is by far not the most over-packed vehicle we saw. Morocco’s vehicle laws are a bit like the USPS: “If it fits, it ships.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/360dde59-aa42-4e75-8a25-21ff584c5ff9/tempImageN4XbGN.jpg Blog - Todgha Gorge, Rose Valley, Ouarzazate - Make it stand out Letter Z from the Berber alphabet, typically used to represent the Berber peoples. The Berber peoples are a diverse grouping of distinct ethnic groups indigenous to North Africa, who pre-date the arrival of Arabs. Most highway signs are now being resigned with the Arab language first, followed by Berber, and finally French. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/dd46459a-e4ba-4ebc-a1d1-3bd03fa3c199/tempImagedMPQeq.jpg Blog - Todgha Gorge, Rose Valley, Ouarzazate - Make it stand out Morning toilet and cappuccino break at Café Restaurant Itran (and the last box of Moroccan cookies from the bakery outside Fes). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c2a932fd-5fe5-4df7-82b6-8d21874c4e05/tempImageWsL9Xu.jpg Blog - Todgha Gorge, Rose Valley, Ouarzazate - Make it stand out Looking over Tinghir. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a3e6b2e3-3cd1-49fe-96cd-eeb47ff723d6/tempImageDXds1I.jpg Blog - Todgha Gorge, Rose Valley, Ouarzazate - Make it stand out Looking over Tinghir. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/38ea641e-6e9d-4825-8e2b-1e970db2b44b/tempImageCF377m.jpg Blog - Todgha Gorge, Rose Valley, Ouarzazate - Make it stand out Looking over Tinghir. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6926a461-c0c9-4521-a819-d97046e607af/tempImageNarCJG.jpg Blog - Todgha Gorge, Rose Valley, Ouarzazate - Make it stand out Tinghir https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/15aedb77-1610-46e6-aedd-1c1f2353c398/tempImage1WwDmJ.jpg Blog - Todgha Gorge, Rose Valley, Ouarzazate - Make it stand out Todgha Gorge https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ed56c05f-069d-495b-8730-877309eb73c7/tempImageMZnXVi.jpg Blog - Todgha Gorge, Rose Valley, Ouarzazate - Make it stand out Young goat herder in the gorge. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a9650f32-7f15-4740-ba24-4078bf84e810/tempImagehbF4gJ.jpg Blog - Todgha Gorge, Rose Valley, Ouarzazate - Make it stand out Goats, as usual, eating literally anything. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6f0ef23c-166b-4d39-b538-402e68de97b2/tempImageXkgbaC.jpg Blog - Todgha Gorge, Rose Valley, Ouarzazate - Make it stand out Locals in a section of dry riverbed in the gorge. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f9135bd1-d1c2-4819-957f-9eb69af93035/tempImageMLkJYX.jpg Blog - Todgha Gorge, Rose Valley, Ouarzazate - Make it stand out Local vendors in the gorge. Can anyone identify the car? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2af310ee-351a-4069-9c95-6e34ccddc171/tempImageZ3RGon.jpg Blog - Todgha Gorge, Rose Valley, Ouarzazate - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b241e9b8-bbd2-45fb-92d6-35dce3934094/tempImageHk7KsC.jpg Blog - Todgha Gorge, Rose Valley, Ouarzazate - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c1d44448-5181-4141-b87d-a3de89ebce99/tempImageJXmTxv.jpg Blog - Todgha Gorge, Rose Valley, Ouarzazate - Make it stand out Cool water-diversion canal. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/63c79053-25ab-46e9-8890-6a2c182c4dc6/tempImage5PxPqx.jpg Blog - Todgha Gorge, Rose Valley, Ouarzazate - Make it stand out The alleyway seemed a bit sketch at first, but turns out Dar Ayour Guest House at the end puts on a really great lunch. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3cb1c525-2012-4dfd-b83c-0f49ed3506f2/tempImageKpATzp.jpg Blog - Todgha Gorge, Rose Valley, Ouarzazate - Make it stand out Welcome! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/036eea37-858e-4d24-8e27-5fd2c1cc17b7/tempImageYiwzu3.jpg Blog - Todgha Gorge, Rose Valley, Ouarzazate - Make it stand out Fun interior overlooking the river (just outside the windows) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5e6a6829-ce6f-4d03-901c-b61108da3d7c/tempImagedLZcfi.jpg Blog - Todgha Gorge, Rose Valley, Ouarzazate - Make it stand out Me, Cayla, and mom Carey (Andy from N. Wales). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/bfc19345-d252-4589-8184-1b8d853a142a/tempImageNK3kUT.jpg Blog - Todgha Gorge, Rose Valley, Ouarzazate - Make it stand out More of the exceptional black olives…and vegetable tagine served sizzling hot! Delicious! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d9bc8828-6b6e-4326-aace-ba3fb7877e42/tempImageiGeVO9.jpg Blog - Todgha Gorge, Rose Valley, Ouarzazate - Make it stand out The hotel and restaurant. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9e5c0dad-b5cc-4e8b-b10a-39a8ff0835fe/tempImageumopow.jpg Blog - Todgha Gorge, Rose Valley, Ouarzazate - Make it stand out After lunch we passed through Valley of the Roses. Much like Midelt’s apple fountains, roses feature strongly throughout the city. Each April and May the valley is flooded with local women picking roses to be shipped off to factories in nearby Kalaat. Here they are turned into everything from shampoo to hand creams; cure-alls and nasal decongestants. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ad989bb7-7d0c-4c21-8916-afc96bead6fd/tempImageeExmSJ.jpg Blog - Todgha Gorge, Rose Valley, Ouarzazate - Make it stand out Even the local taxies are painted pink to go with the city’s rose theme. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/de3f3721-0639-48fa-b57e-8c2c7e198bb4/tempImageHltbV6.jpg Blog - Todgha Gorge, Rose Valley, Ouarzazate - Make it stand out We stopped to get a few gifts. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4b0731fd-2fae-4c97-a91a-2f107fc91388/tempImage7fghQk.jpg Blog - Todgha Gorge, Rose Valley, Ouarzazate - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/40d0681a-db2c-4c88-9a01-9bcc169e6fae/tempImagecyZJGW.jpg Blog - Todgha Gorge, Rose Valley, Ouarzazate - Make it stand out All things rose. I got Amanda rose water, rose essential oil, and fresh rose perfume. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9c5a895f-7f47-42bb-a0f5-bc371f711ac8/tempImagecFhUyR.jpg Blog - Todgha Gorge, Rose Valley, Ouarzazate - Make it stand out From here we drove to our hotel in Ouarzazate: Hotel La Perle du Sud (the pearl of the south hotel). Maybe not a fresh-water pearl, but I’ll settle for a cultured pearl. Good night Ouarzazate! I said goodnight! https://www.overthehillandacrossthepond.com/blog/ifrane-midelt-amp-sahara-desert monthly 0.5 2024-05-14 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/07a80692-23b1-4192-9ffc-d556416c7f13/tempImage4md7kb.jpg Blog - Ifrane, Midelt, & Sahara Desert - Make it stand out Sunrise from the bus shortly after departing Fes. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/34dc3426-e358-4e22-9112-9278042a6220/High+Atlas.png Blog - Ifrane, Midelt, & Sahara Desert - Make it stand out The major mountain ranges of Morocco: Rif, Middle Atlas, High Atlas, & Anti-Atlas https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4aa64287-a791-4848-960b-bcf507d48713/tempImage6oWkFe.jpg Blog - Ifrane, Midelt, & Sahara Desert - Make it stand out A wonderful cappuccino at Café Restaurant LA PAIX in Ifrane, the Little Switzerland of Morocco found high in the Middle Atlas Mountains. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5d69465a-1f3e-4224-875e-76449e780494/tempImagedhCmuP.jpg Blog - Ifrane, Midelt, & Sahara Desert - Make it stand out Outside the café. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/51d9176a-7e1d-42ce-a9b1-aed5f18fc45a/tempImageDtQig2.jpg Blog - Ifrane, Midelt, & Sahara Desert - Make it stand out Ifrane’s stone lion was carved by a German soldier during WWII, when Ifrane was used briefly as a prisoner-of-war camp, in exchange for the prisoner's freedom—or so the story goes. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2b9f26c0-2999-4e2f-b933-e7b3b2af9613/tempImageph1B1v.jpg Blog - Ifrane, Midelt, & Sahara Desert - Make it stand out The statue commemorates the last wild Atlas lion, which was shot near here in the early 1920s. Not the cheeriest backstory, which is not unlike the grizzly bear on the California flag I suppose. Having your picture taken with the lion is something of a ritual for Moroccan day trippers (and tourists alike, apparently). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e4b5ba45-a6c4-4004-817e-002825f70978/tempImageR4oXFO.jpg Blog - Ifrane, Midelt, & Sahara Desert - Make it stand out The ever-present stork. The chimney could be either a real plus or a real negative for this stork family, hard to say which. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b74ca0cb-4227-4176-837a-4d374f5505d1/tempImageIsmTwi.jpg Blog - Ifrane, Midelt, & Sahara Desert - Make it stand out Local police vehicle https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c956f289-de71-4682-8939-602a8cd0b9e2/tempImageDTn2CV.jpg Blog - Ifrane, Midelt, & Sahara Desert - Make it stand out Our new bus arrives https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/bd342bf1-8fc9-4888-bff0-22d59a41a25b/tempImagexrgn33.jpg Blog - Ifrane, Midelt, & Sahara Desert - Make it stand out Pine forest in Morocco—unexpected. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5b1868fe-3690-4dbc-ab6d-fb84b8be2745/tempImageUj266w.jpg Blog - Ifrane, Midelt, & Sahara Desert - Make it stand out Vasts deserts with nomadic peoples—expected. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/609e66d5-23ea-443e-b72c-6a28b652facd/tempImage1UMaRg.jpg Blog - Ifrane, Midelt, & Sahara Desert - Make it stand out A city known for apple production—didn’t see that one coming either. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a145b37b-8a89-4f8e-8458-cb2c4bef0b97/tempImageWQlnV1.jpg Blog - Ifrane, Midelt, & Sahara Desert - Make it stand out Midelt is very proud of their apples… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/10e7fde9-52b5-4dea-9737-768b342f9d12/tempImagerqRmDA.jpg Blog - Ifrane, Midelt, & Sahara Desert - Make it stand out Very proud. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1f0dc9ca-12ef-4a76-9a8b-b4735c337035/tempImage76Ejt5.jpg Blog - Ifrane, Midelt, & Sahara Desert - Make it stand out A little on the mealy side for my tastes, but not bad. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4f1484b0-53ed-45ed-b0f1-c643b613b616/tempImagejO8kef.jpg Blog - Ifrane, Midelt, & Sahara Desert - Make it stand out I tried to catch it earlier, but that’s a tight, one-vehicle-at-a-time tunnel behind us—wild! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d1af1ccb-d3c0-446f-9b8e-e28400cd1d09/tempImagez1EaWe.jpg Blog - Ifrane, Midelt, & Sahara Desert - Make it stand out You may see the landscape in the American Southwest, but not the building. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a3bf760e-95ae-4ce3-a751-72ce7a7ebb0a/tempImage9m50u4.jpg Blog - Ifrane, Midelt, & Sahara Desert - Make it stand out Passing the locals. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/037d208e-5f4d-4608-b407-56f600f4957c/tempImageJWsrFN.jpg Blog - Ifrane, Midelt, & Sahara Desert - Make it stand out Step 1: Jump in Hassan’s 4x4, crank up Desert Rose by Sting, and head for the great Sahara Desert! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b6d2b085-6f3d-4ebb-ade6-76b8e956776f/tempImageTb31dU.jpg Blog - Ifrane, Midelt, & Sahara Desert - Make it stand out Step 2: Climb onto an ornery camel. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9e5a0e41-7739-41cb-8817-3d9186bacf9c/tempImage87lKRh.jpg Blog - Ifrane, Midelt, & Sahara Desert - Make it stand out Step 3: Ride off into the sunset. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c372788b-4583-4458-bd81-1f75780b6ab1/tempImagedL9m2i.jpg Blog - Ifrane, Midelt, & Sahara Desert - Make it stand out Dave, me, Claire, & Andy https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8fcf4bdb-7969-41b8-aa96-f63b225b1624/tempImagesKLXVH.jpg Blog - Ifrane, Midelt, & Sahara Desert - Make it stand out Caravan in the sand https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e36995a1-b05c-4c8f-afc7-af615944a219/tempImagen827gB.jpg Blog - Ifrane, Midelt, & Sahara Desert - Make it stand out Dave & me (Look ma: no hands!) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3d3d688b-1a90-4c64-a642-a06fcef8679a/tempImageNaZ7vj.jpg Blog - Ifrane, Midelt, & Sahara Desert - Make it stand out My friend Edmund Camel https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/04c429c0-73d8-4f71-8182-149930ca2998/tempImagev1c33o.jpg Blog - Ifrane, Midelt, & Sahara Desert - Make it stand out Pawprints from a desert fox. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8b3888f4-2aa1-47e2-b635-dd5fabc15bf7/tempImagepOyenF.jpg Blog - Ifrane, Midelt, & Sahara Desert - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/872a42a1-ffbe-4831-962a-1baf3c294f7a/tempImagerYfhyd.jpg Blog - Ifrane, Midelt, & Sahara Desert - Make it stand out Holding the sun https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f77f63bb-9f3a-4cb4-aab8-36f0ca5971ae/tempImage5YTdcH.jpg Blog - Ifrane, Midelt, & Sahara Desert - Make it stand out Dave https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c69de63c-eabc-4e66-a352-9e5b51f8c334/tempImage2rX4JJ.jpg Blog - Ifrane, Midelt, & Sahara Desert - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/60524ab9-2e6e-4830-a6ba-ebb2773719eb/tempImageL1EmmE.jpg Blog - Ifrane, Midelt, & Sahara Desert - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6f402165-3a57-45d0-9e34-5b3bcace179e/tempImagesWtBCy.jpg Blog - Ifrane, Midelt, & Sahara Desert - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/16c39bad-d863-48e8-881d-b7e1817a810b/tempImageRMDFR6.jpg Blog - Ifrane, Midelt, & Sahara Desert - Make it stand out Heading…ouch…to…ouch…camp. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/75fd9bc3-5cde-4a21-af38-a6824541562a/tempImageKxhrTO.jpg Blog - Ifrane, Midelt, & Sahara Desert - Make it stand out The moon hangs over our not-so-humble abodes (the little boxes between the tents are individual water heaters). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9ec1d3d7-e830-4c84-8282-1cfa550a6540/Desert+Diner+1.JPG Blog - Ifrane, Midelt, & Sahara Desert - Make it stand out At dinner: Carey (Canada), Dave, me, Joe & Sharon (Bay Area), Cayla (Canada), & Andy (Southampton, UK). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5d4e5eb7-8029-47cc-ae67-096e5f7eb2cc/Desert+Dinner+2.JPG Blog - Ifrane, Midelt, & Sahara Desert - Make it stand out Sam (China), Steve & Tina (South Carolina), Scott & Clay (Colorado), our guide Adbul, Natasha (Dallas), Andy (North Wales), and May (China). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8303d3a9-37f3-48e7-8e13-41136bcb2268/tempImageaFkZcb.jpg Blog - Ifrane, Midelt, & Sahara Desert - Make it stand out The typical shared salad, although this one was exceptionally good: carrots, potatoes, mixed grains, eggplant/aborigine, and green beans. I don’t know how they prepared the green beans, but they were some of the best I’ve ever enjoyed. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/190347cc-1da9-4ee4-b2fc-06920e29866b/tempImagewK6qEy.jpg Blog - Ifrane, Midelt, & Sahara Desert - Make it stand out Traditional Moroccan music around the campfire. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c791c7ee-6098-4c67-9b93-f0bfbb7102e7/tempImagegzGRfi.jpg Blog - Ifrane, Midelt, & Sahara Desert - Make it stand out Good night Morocco. I said goodnight! https://www.overthehillandacrossthepond.com/blog/mdina-de-fs monthly 0.5 2024-04-21 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0b2c60bf-d7ff-49e8-9b71-c7ba6b97d32b/tempImageenc9uH.jpg Blog - Médina de Fés - Make it stand out Sunrise over Fes as seen from the Hôtel L’Escale restaurant. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c7e8dc76-4e48-40a3-909b-48dfea104b92/tempImageUwgsyv.jpg Blog - Médina de Fés - Make it stand out The main gates to The Royal Palace in Fes. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/cf537425-6261-4ff1-8766-dba322dba21e/tempImageE1o97Q.jpg Blog - Médina de Fés - Make it stand out Close-up of the elaborate detail on the gates at The Royal Palace. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/130ff02f-f1c6-4fe7-a956-097f1c243949/tempImageeufWVP.jpg Blog - Médina de Fés - Make it stand out The northern part of Rue Bou Ksissat, with its luxurious and richly decorated homes largely owned by Jewish immigrants from Spain. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a19b71ce-93bc-495e-b75c-56fd660da02d/tempImagefHoGyk.jpg Blog - Médina de Fés - Make it stand out More storks https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f9ab6e59-0886-431d-acdf-dd21af96bd73/tempImagenKqknu.jpg Blog - Médina de Fés - Make it stand out Bab Semmarine (“Gate of the Farriers”) is the monumental and highly fortified southern gate into the old city, featuring a double set of walls. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a16fc47e-0944-489e-86c3-56f99547249c/tempImage2JxRLq.jpg Blog - Médina de Fés - Make it stand out Jews used the smaller gate to the right of Bab Semmarine. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1fa1215e-3c53-4c79-b92e-b3ab5730dab6/tempImage0VAK8W.jpg Blog - Médina de Fés - Make it stand out The American Fondouk was founded in 1927 at the behest of Amy Bend Bishop, an American traveler who was distressed by the poor conditions of the many working animals in Fes Medina. At the time, there were 40,000 pack animals living in and around Fes. As in any country dependent on subsistence agriculture, Morocco’s draft and pack animals were worked hard by owners who were often poor and uneducated. The animals needed good veterinary care, improved husbandry and nutrition, and humane handling—both for their own sake and for the sake of the families who depended on their labor. Upon her return to the U.S., Mrs. Bishop contributed $8,000 in memory of her mother as seed money to build a refuge for these animals. With this donation, some hard work, and the help of a few dedicated friends, the American Fondouk was established. With limited resources and an endless need, contributions of any size make a tremendous difference in the Fondouk’s ability to treat the maximum number of animals in need of care. The American Fondouk continues to be a charitable veterinary hospital, providing free treatment for thousands of animals each year. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d4061d73-d639-4ff4-a00f-1b20e5972b4e/tempImageq4hcj7.jpg Blog - Médina de Fés - Make it stand out From the vantage point of Borj Sud (South Fort), the massive Fes Medina resides amongst the sprawling sea of buildings that engulf the valley below. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/77304a73-4a1a-4ab9-8aed-22ad3a4a3ff4/tempImagedPzPdc.jpg Blog - Médina de Fés - Make it stand out At South Fort https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/cec112fc-9ca2-416a-8ad2-5a5bed799ce3/tempImagevJCNKD.jpg Blog - Médina de Fés - Make it stand out We’re goin’ in! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/09807164-c94d-4f45-a7a6-aff4ebb8b795/tempImageDjHCjb.jpg Blog - Médina de Fés - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1f25dc90-14c5-4f4b-8fa7-97d5088a7b6e/tempImageJZqE5w.jpg Blog - Médina de Fés - Make it stand out The 1200-year old walled Fes Medina contains 9,454 cobbled alleyways and some 300 mosques. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/141e1665-8020-4905-83ed-a476a9e9e541/tempImage6Z1Q0d.jpg Blog - Médina de Fés - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2179c471-6ff8-4880-a724-9efdb7b94762/tempImageXVerCJ.jpg Blog - Médina de Fés - Make it stand out Yum https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/be70a8a0-dfb1-4981-bd37-eecf2b9c08d3/tempImageTKdaoz.jpg Blog - Médina de Fés - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5a432389-4d46-4313-aacc-3d52c31a6665/tempImageMUU2S7.jpg Blog - Médina de Fés - Make it stand out I ate more olives during these ten days than I’d probably eaten in my previous lifetime; the black olives were particularly flavorful! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4869b96b-4bbc-4140-91f6-18ab2464fcb7/tempImageX9QcnJ.jpg Blog - Médina de Fés - Make it stand out Such wonderful presentation of the various offerings. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8ff58333-33ea-4aed-a06a-b1891071aeec/tempImageSepJ5A.jpg Blog - Médina de Fés - Make it stand out Dave, Natasha, and me. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b8ef10fc-03da-4616-9648-e6cf8d604f60/tempImagemdg7ku.jpg Blog - Médina de Fés - Make it stand out Cloth dying vat https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/265b7094-9b0c-469d-88bd-89300cdba6a0/tempImagezQOC0w.jpg Blog - Médina de Fés - Make it stand out Dyed cloth hanging everywhere. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/33b0aa2d-0769-4698-b705-c79c618956f1/tempImageL0CF6G.jpg Blog - Médina de Fés - Make it stand out Metal engraving is an ancient craft, and it means engraving on copper, silver, and gold. The craft began in Morocco in the late twelfth century and early thirteenth century in the city of Fes. Over the years it spread to other cities in Morocco, especially Marrakesh. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/bf236969-4d31-465a-89c4-43d861d5af9c/tempImagelulDlt.jpg Blog - Médina de Fés - Make it stand out Finished product: in this case a wedding platter with 7 intertwined rings representing the days of the week, surrounded by a necklace on the inner platter, and a belt around the outer platter. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e950092e-e828-4f05-8d8e-008d1f4a9e8d/tempImage6p5TiK.jpg Blog - Médina de Fés - Make it stand out Completely designed by hand. Today the trade is supported by UNESCO in order to protect this vital part of Morocco’s “intangible heritage.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f217b161-8924-479b-ab49-7501fb7dc4e2/tempImageBSHQOb.jpg Blog - Médina de Fés - Make it stand out The metal work and engraving shop. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/26a70f38-9acc-4796-b29d-9c2ecd4691be/tempImage0p8vBb.jpg Blog - Médina de Fés - Make it stand out We visited a rug dealer. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/154ff7a5-92e9-4ebf-aeaf-36d8c7c3b562/tempImagedA0fRj.jpg Blog - Médina de Fés - Make it stand out They plied us with mint tea to soften us up. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7205b0e7-30e0-473d-be2c-bab64ac771ea/tempImagesgpFw7.jpg Blog - Médina de Fés - Make it stand out “We can ship rugs anywhere in the world!” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c166175e-0094-4f66-bc97-4bb310a12986/tempImagefFBifZ.jpg Blog - Médina de Fés - Make it stand out I wasn’t tempted to buy a rug, but I almost brought back for Amanda some cedar kitchen utensils. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d70b78a2-89ad-475d-a5b5-e9315ed51cd7/tempImage8ezWBQ.jpg Blog - Médina de Fés - Make it stand out Peering inside a mosque deep inside the medina. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4629c420-6a3e-479a-9525-a56a87c2596f/tempImage6Suo5h.jpg Blog - Médina de Fés - Make it stand out Intricate carvings. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d49d2781-83b5-43e9-b85c-bc8126db9966/tempImageu5d4Ys.jpg Blog - Médina de Fés - Make it stand out Another of the mosque’s entrances. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9dce2a19-63c1-45a8-8a66-cdfe20b953c0/tempImageGyt5YL.jpg Blog - Médina de Fés - Make it stand out Built in the 18th century, Funduq Barka is one of four recently rehabilitated funduqs in the medina of Fes. Funduqs provided services and accommodations for merchants and travelers from outside the city. Animals were stabled on the ground level, goods intended for sale could be stored, and guests stayed in the upper levels. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c57ac64e-eb8a-4ef0-bd3c-65630e5d8952/tempImage9WFL37.jpg Blog - Médina de Fés - Make it stand out Funduq Staouniyyin was founded in the 14th century. The name Staouniyyin or Tetwaniyyin means "people from Tetouan" (a city in northern Morocco), suggesting that merchants in Fes were historically grouped together by origin. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/75247198-327c-4855-b581-d57fb9e31a7f/tempImageuDTmnY.jpg Blog - Médina de Fés - Make it stand out Seffarine gets its name from the coppersmiths who practice one of the most important handcraft jobs in the history of Fes. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f6136472-51df-49bf-b38c-f668152ada54/tempImagemC9uuG.jpg Blog - Médina de Fés - Make it stand out Possessing ancestral knowledge, coppersmiths and boilermakers still work in the square, pounding copper and brass in a remarkable orchestra of sound. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/64ef24f1-afa9-4d7e-bff3-9fa55357b463/tempImagezXKPZh.jpg Blog - Médina de Fés - Make it stand out Out of their expert hands come a wide variety of utensils and tools, such as pots, pans, buckets, incense burners, trays, teapots, tea and sugar boxes, footed strainers, kettles, couscous steamers, samovars, and more. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e6eb204a-5a97-43f4-9375-08326a77489b/tempImageI6YNwC.jpg Blog - Médina de Fés - Make it stand out The only mode of moving large or heavy goods through the medina. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/dfbedfce-8782-4ea7-bd76-71b6e08957b3/tempImage53sJUu.jpg Blog - Médina de Fés - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/26d5ead4-620f-4b54-965c-adf36e02217a/tempImage8QpFmG.jpg Blog - Médina de Fés - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/03834f89-3cec-4c77-9f59-d34b683e9c55/tempImageVpeQ9x.jpg Blog - Médina de Fés - Make it stand out Qaraouiyine Mosque, the most emblematic landmark of the city of Fes and a true icon of Moroccan architecture. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a75d9464-5880-4666-9e48-d1a721f2993d/tempImageaKHSha.jpg Blog - Médina de Fés - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b855aa5a-ca81-4607-a1a4-8987cd254c29/tempImagenRJMJP.jpg Blog - Médina de Fés - Make it stand out While we couldn’t enter the mosque, we were able to visit Al Attarine Madrasa—a 14th-century school for Islamic studies featuring ornate tile work & dramatic architecture https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7296c242-eb3a-4b8d-b66a-478096b1e88a/tempImageUuX8e2.jpg Blog - Médina de Fés - Make it stand out In a cloth shop, Cayla demonstrated proper headwear for full sun protection (SPF 1,000). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4828def2-ceae-4603-8de7-60bf3390d67d/tempImageZG7vyq.jpg Blog - Médina de Fés - Make it stand out Andy rocking it in shades of grey. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7cc20cec-928d-434a-a8b6-216986aa01b6/tempImageAuq30e.jpg Blog - Médina de Fés - Make it stand out Dave sporting a more professorial look. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6425732b-3357-46a5-8576-fced1c110246/tempImageRa61pC.jpg Blog - Médina de Fés - Make it stand out Lunch deep inside the Medina at Le Patio Bleu consisted of a mixed salad shared by the table (above). (A “salad” in Morocco is in the truest sense of the definition: a dish consisting of mixed ingredients, frequently vegetables. Here you see carrots, olives, beans, beets, squash, and bread.) Everything was delicious! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b3d0f666-1de3-4c29-be3d-8fa9abf548bb/tempImageY9YGu5.jpg Blog - Médina de Fés - Make it stand out My main dish was vegetable couscous with potatos, carrots, squash, chickpeas, and raisins. Spoon on broth for added flavor; but, the real zest was in the spicy red sauce—just a dab with each bite gave the plate the perfect zing! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/036c1cee-79a2-468e-aac3-1fddc618a665/tempImagesfqzok.jpg Blog - Médina de Fés - Make it stand out Wash it all down with a Flag Spéciale pilsner. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8377410d-ccfa-4822-b73a-7f9e1316ca99/tempImagee2olFZ.jpg Blog - Médina de Fés - Make it stand out The last stop in the medina was a vegan’s delight: a massive leather vendor with views overlooking Chouara Tannery. Chouara Tannery is one of three tanneries in the city of Fes. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0c60b1bf-62c8-4ebd-ae53-8c5b5fe94db1/Chouara_Tannery_-_154_-_Marokko_Handybilder_2018_-_Fes_%2827347707917%29.jpg Blog - Médina de Fés - Make it stand out When in full swing (above), it’s even more richly colored than during our visit. (It probably also smelled a lot more of pigeon poop and urine, key ingredients in the vats.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8606e86c-1a05-4827-b592-57ab1f54de5d/tempImageRqQoRe.jpg Blog - Médina de Fés - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a5b7e9cc-e4e4-459a-9ab7-38e385efd4dd/tempImage7hEvLN.jpg Blog - Médina de Fés - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5d9d4c84-de2b-449e-8c57-8ba90f1cdeae/tempImage9Bwu6B.jpg Blog - Médina de Fés - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7fb2e21f-2f70-4e27-9ddc-c0ae0c558a67/tempImageN0dnrr.jpg Blog - Médina de Fés - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8490f707-1be7-4678-bc0d-e130b4d9577e/tempImageTZprke.jpg Blog - Médina de Fés - Make it stand out An array of leather house slippers for sale. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ccab46e0-2e46-4a19-b4f9-92e4528c4bad/tempImage5RodGQ.jpg Blog - Médina de Fés - Make it stand out Our guide Abdul prearranged for this guy (I’m so sorry I don’t remember his name) to be the “sweep” for our group as we wondered the vast warren of the medina. He was a real character who, if you hung out at the back, would drag you off to cool side highlights and then run to catch back up with the group. He ensured no one got left behind, but also made our time in the medina especially memorable. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/483f7c5d-81fb-44e0-9cb7-0ec64a1b0310/tempImageWOaHYD.jpg Blog - Médina de Fés - Make it stand out We eventually departed the medina, but made one final stop at Art D’Argile, a large shop specializing in Moroccan mosaics and ceramics. My boys would have loved to “throw down” on the pottery wheel. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b8f1b6af-6b69-4797-829c-9eb31e201eea/tempImageAurmST.jpg Blog - Médina de Fés - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3b6a8a44-0d05-441d-9e81-175ee21f5e85/tempImagePvZdtS.jpg Blog - Médina de Fés - Make it stand out Beautifully handcrafted work by true artisans. What a day! Now back for a second night in our hotel in Fes. We spend tomorrow night in the Sahara Desert. https://www.overthehillandacrossthepond.com/blog/tangier-chefchaouen-amp-fes monthly 0.5 2024-04-21 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/adf4a6a7-c4f4-4aa5-8a26-7f2cfea86f81/tempImagenYlKbZ.jpg Blog - Tangier, Chefchaouen, & Fes - Make it stand out Sunrise as seen from breakfast at Fredj Hotel in Tangier. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2b2dc448-2acc-4bda-95f5-87b47059dd13/tempImageUY51WV.jpg Blog - Tangier, Chefchaouen, & Fes - Make it stand out Another view of the sun rising on our first day in Morocco. Below is a quick video showing my hotel room at Fred Hotel in Tangier: https://youtu.be/sskwSECS_hE https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9337efef-3248-4761-9378-692a033fedc1/tempImage2EesaR.jpg Blog - Tangier, Chefchaouen, & Fes - Make it stand out Leaving the hotel, ready to board our bus. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ea317dda-3c53-4a78-8d78-04c14c362a5c/tempImageW85x6r.jpg Blog - Tangier, Chefchaouen, & Fes - Make it stand out Tangier from the upper overlook. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/613289cb-428c-4ed9-ba29-5d8bbf6ef6a3/tempImageV4Vvjg.jpg Blog - Tangier, Chefchaouen, & Fes - Make it stand out The Spanish and French balconies of Tangier. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7369a565-bbc0-438d-992c-51bae4116317/tempImage2xnJDE.jpg Blog - Tangier, Chefchaouen, & Fes - Make it stand out Famous Grand Socco market square with Sidi Bouabid mosque behind. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/eafb728b-62f0-4a4d-94ed-18f47e4d6d2c/tempImageJjvgb7.jpg Blog - Tangier, Chefchaouen, & Fes - Make it stand out Right off the market square rests Bab Al Fahs. Bob means gate and Al Fahs is Arabic for “hinterland.” This is the main gateway to the south of the medina, which links the old town to the new town. You may recall that the City of York calls their gates “Bars,” so very similar terms. Medina is a city in Saudi Arabia, the second most holy city of Islam (after Mecca), which contains the tomb of Mohammed. However, a medina (small m) is the old part of a town or city, found in many countries of North Africa, not just Morocco. It is typically walled, and contains narrow streets, fountains, palaces, and mosques. Many medinas are car-free as there is not enough space in the alleyways for cars to pass. The word "medina" is also now a generic term for city or town in modern-day Arabic. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0070ff33-de7b-475d-a47e-024437cb3936/tempImageP9T4hK.jpg Blog - Tangier, Chefchaouen, & Fes - Make it stand out Beautiful green mosque. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d9c57a78-e3bb-413d-a520-14c5b42a965a/tempImageFm2xm1.jpg Blog - Tangier, Chefchaouen, & Fes - Make it stand out At the end of our walk through old town Tangier, before boarding our bus. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2a2a7aaf-3b93-4029-a344-e011967ea7ad/tempImageNsxKVJ.jpg Blog - Tangier, Chefchaouen, & Fes - Make it stand out Not sure why these were made doors instead of windows…just saying! Sold “as is.” Railing not included. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/74b74c4f-45e1-457e-b4bb-cda636535d04/tempImagehJUfac.jpg Blog - Tangier, Chefchaouen, & Fes - Make it stand out Dogs are considered unclean, so there are considerably more feral cats than dogs (as you’ll see). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1cc7c643-bafa-4747-8401-1ce411de12c3/tempImageFMrWYd.jpg Blog - Tangier, Chefchaouen, & Fes - Make it stand out Morocco is a rather large country, so in addition to a lot of touring each day, we also did a lot of driving. We had a nice coach, so it was pleasant enough. The drive from Tangier to Chefchaouen (above) was just over two hours. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b6514820-d92e-4d0d-b995-3e702a829ead/tempImage3iCCke.jpg Blog - Tangier, Chefchaouen, & Fes - Make it stand out Inside the narrow winds of Chefchaouen’s souk (marketplace). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/db8272b1-6718-4d63-add8-599320b13bf2/tempImageAktxfn.jpg Blog - Tangier, Chefchaouen, & Fes - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f8c72d61-613c-4a93-bb01-c20690e92dbc/tempImageY8DhoO.jpg Blog - Tangier, Chefchaouen, & Fes - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1e383ca1-1e51-43d4-8272-809ce766bb6b/tempImage40O1Hy.jpg Blog - Tangier, Chefchaouen, & Fes - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e44012e4-072a-4a6d-b59d-4eb686805c35/tempImageXs1TaC.jpg Blog - Tangier, Chefchaouen, & Fes - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f7f65a2c-7ceb-45c0-a3f5-965f5abb7f6f/tempImage7HDSMj.jpg Blog - Tangier, Chefchaouen, & Fes - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/34704608-bf48-4d81-83d8-6bcc68d32d71/tempImage40aaRm.jpg Blog - Tangier, Chefchaouen, & Fes - Make it stand out Here a cat, there a cat, everywhere a cat cat! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/56ff0011-681b-4d11-8a69-fd23e9ed5a51/tempImageo1eg1j.jpg Blog - Tangier, Chefchaouen, & Fes - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/12d497f5-f6b5-4da2-9aba-aec79f3302cb/tempImage6Lc0xK.jpg Blog - Tangier, Chefchaouen, & Fes - Make it stand out The jillaba is a long, loose-fitting outer robe with full sleeves that is worn in much of North Africa. I think I know where the Jawa’s from Star Wars got their look. They do look warm and cozy! And in Abdul’s case, very stylish. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f361b28c-1892-423c-bd3a-85d1c8107eea/tempImage6T8Kbe.jpg Blog - Tangier, Chefchaouen, & Fes - Make it stand out From the rooftop of La Lampe Magique casa Aladin, “looking at the horns”—the two mountain peaks presiding over their namesake. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a2c2b73f-2a9a-46a5-a422-ce5cfd6ab0a1/tempImageDdPP0h.jpg Blog - Tangier, Chefchaouen, & Fes - Make it stand out On the rooftop of La Lampe Magique casa Aladin with the kasbah behind. A kasbah, also spelled qasba, qasaba, or casbah, is a fortress, most commonly the citadel or fortified quarter of a city. It is also equivalent to the term alcazaba in Spanish. Google the song "Rock the Casbah" by The Clash from 1982 and you’ll find the story behind the lyrics interesting. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5f908b03-bd17-43f6-836e-43ddc0445fe6/tempImageJl2wzo.jpg Blog - Tangier, Chefchaouen, & Fes - Make it stand out Overlooking Chefchaouen from the roadside heading south out of the city on our way to Fes. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a7d815e3-a218-4e87-815d-b46f0182b30f/tempImage1WdzAH.jpg Blog - Tangier, Chefchaouen, & Fes - Make it stand out During the 3.5 hour drive to Fes we passed a lot of massive stork nests found in the most awkward places. It suddenly made sense why one of Morocco’s beers is named Stork—the others are Spéciale Flag (pilsner) and Casablanca (also a lager). Dave and I found we liked Casablanca the best. On my torturous ride home on the Amtrak bus, there was a stop in Solvang. Lo and behold I noticed something I had never seen before: fake storks and their nests on top of several buildings. I guess 1,500 miles north, Denmark must have these pesky nests in their country as well. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a43cc0e0-d5f7-4b58-ad46-d25fa0be5c9a/morocco-842660_1920.jpg Blog - Tangier, Chefchaouen, & Fes - Make it stand out This image is from Jethro Hardeman on Pixabay, but it gives you a pretty good sense of why it took us so, so, so long to get from Chefchaouen to our hotel in Fes. There were dozens of these trucks sharing the two-lanes roads with us. It was difficult, to say the least, for our bus driver to repeatedly have to pass these dangerous monstrosities on wheels. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a97f61ac-dcc3-4443-a427-2e2e9cd3b581/tempImageE43y0t.jpg Blog - Tangier, Chefchaouen, & Fes - Make it stand out Finally to our hotel in Fes: Hôtel L’Escale—which means “the stopover” in French. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a72f414e-15a7-48c2-b24e-7deb1df6ec22/tempImagezbr8qh.jpg Blog - Tangier, Chefchaouen, & Fes - Make it stand out In a conservative culture, perhaps cute half-pint bottles make sense. What did everyone at the tables around us do?—ordered bottles three at a time! The La Noce Restaurant was way too smoky to stay for long. Good night Fes. I said goodnight! https://www.overthehillandacrossthepond.com/blog/lax-paris-casablanca-amp-tangier monthly 0.5 2024-04-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b59cbe80-69e0-48d8-a107-f8b6073921bd/tempImageFtn9Dl.jpg Blog - LAX, Paris, Casablanca, & Tangier - Make it stand out Dave and I at LAX just before boarding our flight to Paris. https://www.overthehillandacrossthepond.com/blog/epilogue monthly 0.5 2024-04-04 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c4b9b6b6-27fc-40cf-8632-e40b55fb01a5/tempImage1Cpibb.jpg Blog - Appendix 3—The Details - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f636c0bf-15ff-41b2-95ca-04a3a10d97b3/266520_tescoveganvegetarianaisle_593887.jpg Blog - Appendix 3—The Details - Make it stand out If you’ve read our blog, you’ll know that the UK (England in particular) is leaps and bounds ahead of the US when it comes to plant-based foods. Where in the US finding plant-based foods is often difficult, you just look for the gigantic banners is most UK stores (like the one above). In grocery stores and restaurants alike, you’ll find vastly more options. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b170750d-67b8-4d0b-b1cb-d6071a488e76/tempImagebGrhNx.jpg Blog - Appendix 3—The Details - Make it stand out Here are a few of the everyday foods we’ll sorely miss when home. Oh how we loved our Plenish—organic, unsweetened oat milk with no oil (what?)! Probably our best grocery store discovery, it was absolutely delicious and perfect with cereal. You could not use it in the frother, however, because milk must contain oil in order to foam. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/067289b2-74ec-471a-85ad-6004658802f6/tempImageIGqlPq.jpg Blog - Appendix 3—The Details - Make it stand out I enjoyed discovering the small tweaks make from one country to another: like Frosted Flakes becoming Frosties. I’d be really interested to know why “Frosted Flakes” didn't sound right to the UK ear. Amanda loved her vanilla Cheerios. Finding them could be really hit-and-miss, so we always stocked up when we found them on the shelf. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/21318257-2538-4e23-9d7f-2aedba59a0d9/tempImageuzySxc.jpg Blog - Appendix 3—The Details - Make it stand out On the topic of breakfast, you’re looking at every morning here: crumpets with jam and tea. The potato scones are only available in Scotland—I mean literally, you cross the border and you won’t find them anywhere. So, when in Scotland, enjoy the potato scones! Now, when it comes to crumpets, there is one and only one brand: Warburtons. Every other one we tried paled in comparison. And yes, we did have the Trader Joes English-style crumpets once we returned home and they are average at best. Basically, it's Warburtons or nothing! Warburtons also made a potato scone—available only in Scotland of course—that was delicious. Similarly, Fords The Bakers, an Edinburgh-based baker, sold a delicious 24-pack of potato scones at the Edinburgh Costco—I imagine those are available exclusively at the Edinburgh Costco store. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a80b5a50-ab61-45ff-9b84-a6c9a6c127b2/tempImageoriMjW.jpg Blog - Appendix 3—The Details - Make it stand out This was my favorite jam on crumpets—Scottish bramble berry preserve, whilst Amanda preferred blackberry. BTW, the English delineate between jam, marmalade, and preserves. However, “jelly” means Jell-O, and they would never refer to jam as jelly. Both terms are, of course, interchangeable in the US. The good news is you can get Mackays at Cost Plus World Market, although I’ve never seen the Bramble preserve. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e6ff37d8-6c92-4a1d-a7ab-329261c0e65c/tempImageZeIeJA.jpg Blog - Appendix 3—The Details - Make it stand out Speaking of tea, Amanda found that Tesco dark chocolate digestives are the only ones on the market to not include milk as an ingredient. So, these added to our waistlines over the course of 10 months—knowing we would never have them again once we returned home. Quite some time ago McVitie’s removed milk from their original digestives, so we are able get these from Cost Plus World Market. Oddly, McVitie’s still adds milk to their dark chocolate digestives. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/41ab9803-0284-4178-a3e6-78f4343e3a67/tempImageMCJTL0.jpg Blog - Appendix 3—The Details - Make it stand out The ideal sweetener for your tea is Demerara sugar—something you’ll rarely find Stateside—and the best brand is Billington’s. In the smaller stores you typically found the store brand versions (Sainsbury’s or Tesco), but the larger stores sold Billington’s. We found the cubes a poor substitute for the granular. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c27c7076-ea23-4225-80d3-9f07a57bffba/tempImagePqWLct.jpg Blog - Appendix 3—The Details - Make it stand out The “This Isn’t” brand was brilliant! We loved their chicken pieces in our stir fries—a perfect substitute! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3452072a-bb10-4294-9c1e-ebbabe850ff5/tempImageUXBVAv.jpg Blog - Appendix 3—The Details - Make it stand out This became another favorite, an easy go-to for stir fries—just open and add; it’s already marinated and cubed. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/129d27fe-3f46-4e75-9fac-13637f1f6382/tempImageXUHpmE.jpg Blog - Appendix 3—The Details - Make it stand out Bacon is interesting in the UK. What we think of as “bacon” in the US, they call “streaky bacon.” If you order “bacon,” you’ll get a slab of fatty ham (just like “Canadian bacon”). Unlike their “streaky” brethren, bacon rashers are thicker, meatier slices. The This Isn’t bacon rashers were amazing! I loved them on sandwiches and cut them up for salads. I really wish this brand would go International—so good! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f08832eb-acb1-4977-a3bd-a3735b9d07c6/tempImagecW8qVU.jpg Blog - Appendix 3—The Details - Make it stand out Another great UK brand was VFC. The crispy coating was the best and the “meaty” insides rivaled any actual chicken patty I ever ate. We had their nuggets for “chicken and French fries” and their fillets were perfect for “chicken parmigiana”—for which Tesco made a great plant based grated parmesan topping. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b57c640c-5917-4f9e-9977-67b930a013a0/tempImagejQphWv.jpg Blog - Appendix 3—The Details - Make it stand out Squeaky Bean made some delicious products. Their sliced deli meat made excellent sandwiches and their chicken pieces were great in tacos (oddly enough, the BBQ flavor blended well with the taco seasoning). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8e6b27a2-4d7b-4603-9c6f-5de1348f7506/tempImageLEJgS4.jpg Blog - Appendix 3—The Details - Make it stand out Ah yes, potato crips! Every time we ordered French fries we had to remember to ask for “chips” and every time we were at a pub and wanted a quick snack we had to ask for “crisps.” Surprisingly, the haggis crisps were not only delicious, but they were also vegan—a double surprise. https://www.overthehillandacrossthepond.com/blog/appendix-2knockers-numbers-amp-nonsense monthly 0.5 2023-11-20 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c2925a60-ff26-4cc6-b289-4da39976e0d7/tempImagefCAT8G.jpg Blog - Appendix 2—Knockers, Numbers, & Nonsense - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/cfe492e5-89c5-4e2f-900b-050f7e529967/tempImageqMoYSH.jpg Blog - Appendix 2—Knockers, Numbers, & Nonsense - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/85291e14-dbdf-45d9-a5ee-f1b716124992/tempImagexJ8Jdb.jpg Blog - Appendix 2—Knockers, Numbers, & Nonsense - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/754a12bb-cccf-45d4-9d49-b3a09222ed27/tempImagev4cFAU.jpg Blog - Appendix 2—Knockers, Numbers, & Nonsense - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7e0037d5-a06c-4714-b5ce-896e13b6803b/tempImageeTz7II.jpg Blog - Appendix 2—Knockers, Numbers, & Nonsense - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/80eee33d-1880-4841-ae7d-346d54ca1d22/tempImagedePCA4.jpg Blog - Appendix 2—Knockers, Numbers, & Nonsense - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/14f6b5bc-3ae6-4de7-adc3-e2259684dcca/tempImagesrurK0.jpg Blog - Appendix 2—Knockers, Numbers, & Nonsense - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c4cf253c-88c5-4a82-aa82-77c2b21c4767/tempImageFHDV8m.jpg Blog - Appendix 2—Knockers, Numbers, & Nonsense - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5e4a4f85-acb8-44cc-b6a9-48ff6924ce46/tempImage48Ufod.jpg Blog - Appendix 2—Knockers, Numbers, & Nonsense - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ebd62b0e-591b-41a5-984f-6ae4a51df955/tempImagepoPk1A.jpg Blog - Appendix 2—Knockers, Numbers, & Nonsense - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6e94b64b-16bf-4132-80af-2379754c6431/tempImageh50lgJ.jpg Blog - Appendix 2—Knockers, Numbers, & Nonsense - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/bf557bdd-e2ae-42d4-979b-c610d3377d3e/tempImageNWav2t.jpg Blog - Appendix 2—Knockers, Numbers, & Nonsense - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/db986732-d634-41e0-89e0-21573b44bc34/tempImageJ8xWqk.jpg Blog - Appendix 2—Knockers, Numbers, & Nonsense - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/389c08c3-64d7-468f-b2d8-83ff94a0ec54/tempImageD0aVad.jpg Blog - Appendix 2—Knockers, Numbers, & Nonsense - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0db1b10c-496b-4ba6-a189-3da44fbabf6b/tempImage8dFLr5.jpg Blog - Appendix 2—Knockers, Numbers, & Nonsense - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/578eaa68-08dd-4bae-903c-1694ae5fcc6b/tempImagexEZRkf.jpg Blog - Appendix 2—Knockers, Numbers, & Nonsense - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8a6d439d-3edc-4a7e-a0ce-99fc7f2752f1/tempImageXqfrLE.jpg Blog - Appendix 2—Knockers, Numbers, & Nonsense - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/82828075-c334-4e26-8286-63bfb79a371d/tempImagez9Mu6j.jpg Blog - Appendix 2—Knockers, Numbers, & Nonsense - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/754c70d0-8577-461c-acb0-d62239c7b211/tempImageHd7yId.jpg Blog - Appendix 2—Knockers, Numbers, & Nonsense - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/883bf66b-66b1-4b7e-9b8c-c0a57493d0b6/tempImageLEWoZz.jpg Blog - Appendix 2—Knockers, Numbers, & Nonsense - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/913579c0-b859-4be5-abeb-2a2aee7ad1b2/tempImage2xeCG8.jpg Blog - Appendix 2—Knockers, Numbers, & Nonsense - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d2110c0c-7b61-4a26-aeb2-54094ef89ff6/tempImage0P4lv1.jpg Blog - Appendix 2—Knockers, Numbers, & Nonsense - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b1fcb2a7-2104-4026-8b9e-9afd521449cf/tempImagebx9bkk.jpg Blog - Appendix 2—Knockers, Numbers, & Nonsense - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4ae6458f-cc9c-4d6f-bbf3-e2fe37d45c50/tempImageMzYKaz.jpg Blog - Appendix 2—Knockers, Numbers, & Nonsense - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/bfc2f56d-fed9-451b-945c-ac3577652e24/tempImageQSg4Jw.jpg Blog - Appendix 2—Knockers, Numbers, & Nonsense - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1b0c8e8a-ccca-4bd2-9b9d-43f8fa946030/tempImageE8wpBs.jpg Blog - Appendix 2—Knockers, Numbers, & Nonsense - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/50c5ad19-89fa-4d9f-894a-ef995f593680/tempImageksQcl6.jpg Blog - Appendix 2—Knockers, Numbers, & Nonsense - Make it stand out The door from 10 Downing Street when Winston Churchill was Prime Minister—complete with lion door knocker, of course. Do you think anyone ever knocked on this door? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/35f7d34d-d7b0-43a7-b6c3-cc8b366e9374/tempImagerpjPRB.jpg Blog - Appendix 2—Knockers, Numbers, & Nonsense - Make it stand out Option 1: All 11 numbers in a row with no spaces. Confusing and prone to errors. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1673973c-9bc3-4634-ae69-b5ed5fc40c49/tempImageaiGAeJ.jpg Blog - Appendix 2—Knockers, Numbers, & Nonsense - Make it stand out Option 2: 5 + 6. The first 5 numbers are a prefix, much like our area code. Here parentheses are placed around that prefix, much like the way we typically put the area code in parentheses in the USA. Makes sense, but as you’ll see, only to some people. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3d635026-57a2-48fd-ac65-bcce5111a533/tempImage9KGAKb.jpg Blog - Appendix 2—Knockers, Numbers, & Nonsense - Make it stand out Option 3: 1 + 4 + 6 The first number is always a 0, which sometimes you need to dial and sometimes you don’t (I still have no idea when and why). But here the 0 is the only number in parentheses, so this is a modified “prefix” pattern where the 0 is isolated because it isn’t always needed. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5243cf75-4474-4906-99dd-6f5567542fff/tempImage8XQOdB.jpg Blog - Appendix 2—Knockers, Numbers, & Nonsense - Make it stand out Option 4: 5 + 6 Back to the first pattern but sans parentheses. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/23677a0e-308e-41e1-a5c2-ff33f906b5e4/tempImageBu5T3N.jpg Blog - Appendix 2—Knockers, Numbers, & Nonsense - Make it stand out Option 5: 5 + 2 + 4 (plus Option 4: 5 + 6) Even on the same sign, they aren’t consistent (except that we started with 5 numbers I suppose). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c712eb64-41fa-4015-bc1b-455a2d6dfb02/tempImageT56AyR.jpg Blog - Appendix 2—Knockers, Numbers, & Nonsense - Make it stand out Option 6: 5 + 2 + 2 + 2 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ffe37f04-e450-4339-a1dd-525ccd41cbf1/tempImageyzK3Yg.jpg Blog - Appendix 2—Knockers, Numbers, & Nonsense - Make it stand out Option 7: 0 + 6 Sometimes they simply presume, based on location, you’ll know the first 5 numbers. (Unless you live there, how would you know?) Turns out the prefix for Lerwick is frequently 01595 (aka 1595). But a quick search of Lerwick numbers will reveal 07733 is also a Lerwick prefix. So, which prefix should you use? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/580842c9-dd56-489d-b36e-8e70735a762c/tempImagezRxwST.jpg Blog - Appendix 2—Knockers, Numbers, & Nonsense - Make it stand out Option 8: 4 + 3 + 4 And then, just like that, the 5-digit prefix pattern is out the window (or on the window in this case). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/91c92fd1-d5ce-47cc-9f8c-dd0a68bef13d/tempImagedq4NKb.jpg Blog - Appendix 2—Knockers, Numbers, & Nonsense - Make it stand out Option 9: 4 + 7 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d0c3e91a-bc12-4884-8bd6-d5291d6d8526/tempImageYD6bki.jpg Blog - Appendix 2—Knockers, Numbers, & Nonsense - Make it stand out Option 10: 4 + 3 + 4 Like Options 2 & 3, numbers are bracketed at the beginning of the phone number, but by now you should expect that any old bracketing will do. This van was part of the Stranger Things experience. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4295bbaa-d57c-4e85-9825-771abe371dac/tempImagezHXhjP.jpg Blog - Appendix 2—Knockers, Numbers, & Nonsense - Make it stand out Option 11: 3 + 4 + 4 Oh screw it, lets just mix it up completely and go with a 3-digit prefix! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3439c4cb-0be9-40af-872e-4a69ebf5ff92/tempImages02NsI.jpg Blog - Appendix 2—Knockers, Numbers, & Nonsense - Make it stand out Option 12: 4 + 2 + 2 + 2 You won’t need your toes to count here as there are only 10 digits in this number, including the initial 0. So, what the heck is the 11th digit? Magically, ther’re no need…if you Google the number, it comes up with Wernick Hire, with photos of their vans that have this very same number on the side. Yet all the other number phone numbers on their website (and everywhere else for that matter) are 11-digits long! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/660c5205-16d6-42d8-af24-2816587088a4/tempImagee0WAr4.jpg Blog - Appendix 2—Knockers, Numbers, & Nonsense - Make it stand out Pillar Box https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/620e957b-99c6-412f-a51f-0b45b00241fc/tempImagezC20Q8.jpg Blog - Appendix 2—Knockers, Numbers, & Nonsense - Make it stand out Wall Box https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/72c2550e-f7a0-46d8-b33d-834ad19f5513/tempImageo9AlMx.jpg Blog - Appendix 2—Knockers, Numbers, & Nonsense - Make it stand out Lamp Box https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c193bc9f-77b7-4aa1-8f27-46c2f903a7f4/Mail+Box+Cyphers.png Blog - Appendix 2—Knockers, Numbers, & Nonsense - Make it stand out These are the cyphers found randomly throughout the UK, and here are some that we saw: https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/38d28b3b-8740-4e52-bdf7-d38422fcf5ae/tempImagev9nKja.jpg Blog - Appendix 2—Knockers, Numbers, & Nonsense - Make it stand out Queen Victoria—Style 1 (I love the unusually ornate top and hexagonal shape) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/061371f8-9866-4ba1-88fa-c7de47ef8996/tempImage3KkvMi.jpg Blog - Appendix 2—Knockers, Numbers, & Nonsense - Make it stand out Queen Victoria—Style 2 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2d7d85d1-fe12-4532-818b-cc3f87cfa922/tempImagexJCaA1.jpg Blog - Appendix 2—Knockers, Numbers, & Nonsense - Make it stand out Edward VII—Son of Queen Victoria and Albert. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1d081a87-8b61-45a6-b42c-c40f0e0085ec/tempImage4WUaGE.jpg Blog - Appendix 2—Knockers, Numbers, & Nonsense - Make it stand out George V—Opted for a simpler font and did not have the letters GR interwoven as his father and grandmother had done. Edward VIII—With a reign of only 326 days, he was one of the shortest-reigning British monarchs to date (and thus the most difficult cypher to find; I searched but never found one). The great-grandson of Queen Victoria and the eldest child of King George V, Edward infamously abdicated the throne in order to marry American socialite Wallis Simpson. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/fcc12006-5345-4928-b253-d17e15339bb2/tempImageqplN2V.jpg Blog - Appendix 2—Knockers, Numbers, & Nonsense - Make it stand out George VI—Albert became king when his older brother Edward abdicated. He took the regnal name George VI and returned to the more historical presentation for his cypher. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8e4e5e42-281b-4195-9473-c28b987f77a3/tempImageuhAGhf.jpg Blog - Appendix 2—Knockers, Numbers, & Nonsense - Make it stand out Elizabeth II—The late and longest reigning Queen, and the eldest daughter of George VI. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/754cf7e4-79ea-4304-af77-09f6bd1ded66/tempImagezYAPh6.jpg Blog - Appendix 2—Knockers, Numbers, & Nonsense - Make it stand out Scottish Crown—Found on many post boxes in Scotland. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/65ab6c6e-97aa-4f97-a298-7b37522ce679/Charles+III.png Blog - Appendix 2—Knockers, Numbers, & Nonsense - Make it stand out In September 2022, King Charles III revealed his cypher. There were likely no new post boxes installed during the few months we were in country following his coronation, so we were unlikely to have seen any post boxes with this new cypher. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b069f895-87d9-4083-9f92-b6b5772d437c/tempImage4zIpcD.jpg Blog - Appendix 2—Knockers, Numbers, & Nonsense - Make it stand out Double pillar box with a sign pointing to the nearest post office. Franking is an in-house, pre-paid postage system. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5622730c-c5ae-432a-80d7-162f68872eaf/tempImageiP98hA.jpg Blog - Appendix 2—Knockers, Numbers, & Nonsense - Make it stand out Pillar box typical of those found inside a grocery store. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/db311eeb-0919-41df-a51b-0bd6d9dec87c/tempImageYA4Je1.jpg Blog - Appendix 2—Knockers, Numbers, & Nonsense - Make it stand out Old postage stamp dispenser in wall. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/15c69c20-a443-4d4e-869b-33733a23f240/tempImageH2MG4x.jpg Blog - Appendix 2—Knockers, Numbers, & Nonsense - Make it stand out Old pole box converted for fowl mail. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/91c76aff-7be1-4cd5-a64f-0f3867590187/tempImagejhtuTQ.jpg Blog - Appendix 2—Knockers, Numbers, & Nonsense - Make it stand out Very different connotation when you don’t have the money as a reference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3c2fb927-b50e-42eb-98a1-73d8e4ce6607/tempImageDbzwXe.jpg Blog - Appendix 2—Knockers, Numbers, & Nonsense - Make it stand out I think the “sceptic” typo was inadvertent; although, it works in a way. And, talk about anthropomorphizing an inanimate object—it’s like the septic system will have an emotional breakdown if the wrong items are placed into the tank. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4c13884f-2bd2-4bb8-8f68-bca853f9b98d/tempImage5mPblo.jpg Blog - Appendix 2—Knockers, Numbers, & Nonsense - Make it stand out Only in England would this sign include tea bags! By the way, nearly every toilet (don’t refer to them as bathrooms!) in a public building like a restaurant is virtually guaranteed to be up or down a long flight of stairs. There is no such thing as “accommodation” in much of England. Except for this strange example: https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/90f83abe-8389-4127-8f2c-cd8e67bb9708/tempImageMl0zUA.jpg Blog - Appendix 2—Knockers, Numbers, & Nonsense - Make it stand out Very generous of the establishment I suppose, but were all the images truly necessary? What really sets this sign apart, however, is its location. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/398c0a01-9d21-41ba-b17a-c60088f53970/tempImagezk49Jt.jpg Blog - Appendix 2—Knockers, Numbers, & Nonsense - Make it stand out Say what?! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/54c64705-918a-49b5-aa32-d83ea48aa82a/tempImagerixw90.jpg Blog - Appendix 2—Knockers, Numbers, & Nonsense - Make it stand out This is a genuine product—hilarious! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/216d2c6a-3ab1-454f-967c-2e876088a505/tempImageIPEl2i.jpg Blog - Appendix 2—Knockers, Numbers, & Nonsense - Make it stand out Now that’s some Fried-Green-Tomatoes-level stuff right there! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/27293ccf-df96-4dd3-a795-aa3ef64ff828/tempImagerfaS5b.jpg Blog - Appendix 2—Knockers, Numbers, & Nonsense - Make it stand out Long before the Crips and Bloods in Los Angeles, and their red and blue colors, there were the OG Cornish and the Devonians—the two English counties famous for cream teas—with their red and white. To this day, the battle rages on: Cornish cream tea will do jam then cream, while Devonians do jam on top of their cream. You must pick a side! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/89df24e5-fa21-4920-bffa-10aa731f4bc4/tempImageb7VqT2.jpg Blog - Appendix 2—Knockers, Numbers, & Nonsense - Make it stand out Oh how the British believe this—mind, body, and soul! There was isn’t a book narrative, TV show situation, or movie plot where, at the first hint of trouble, a character won’t immediately head for the kitchen and say, “I’ll put the kettle on.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d7c572c1-2d7b-4c4a-b00d-214e04af0b38/tempImageGHO2iD.jpg Blog - Appendix 2—Knockers, Numbers, & Nonsense - Make it stand out Many of our houses had what they referred to as a mortice lock, which was operated by this old-fashioned looking key. It made us feel a little like Hagrid every time we used one. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f2cdbce3-5fd8-4b76-9627-ab98f281c24a/tempImagejUFn5i.jpg Blog - Appendix 2—Knockers, Numbers, & Nonsense - Make it stand out Eggs—always on the store shelves; never refrigerated. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/677157d0-9b4b-4452-b91b-d2907a4d2c64/tempImageLy3UMG.jpg Blog - Appendix 2—Knockers, Numbers, & Nonsense - Make it stand out America is certainly way behind Europe when it comes to food quality, public transportation, contactless payments, and universal health coverage. However, I can safely report that we are leaps and bounds ahead when it comes to home appliances such as microwaves, stoves, ovens, washing machines, and clothes dryers (for some reason dishwashers were pretty easy to figure out). It’s more than just the poor quality of their appliances though. The “universal” symbols used on many appliances will absolutely leave you scratching your head. I wish I had taken more pictures of the symbols used on certain ovens; I simply couldn’t make any sense of them whatsoever. The symbols are often so nonsensical, there are webpages dedicated to their explanation. The oven pictured above isn’t so bad, but it’s still not completely clear. The oven symbols above are (clockwise): P = Power, 0 = Off, oven light on, oven defrost, pizza/crisp (I think?), grill (top element only), grill plus fan. The symbols vary widely, so figuring out how to use an oven or microwave often proved rather challenging. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/82765935-b465-4141-a7c2-21becf63a1e3/tempImagep1f0xm.jpg Blog - Appendix 2—Knockers, Numbers, & Nonsense - Make it stand out We only had a few ovens with digital temperature settings. This oven actually has 10 degree increment markings, but most didn’t. So baking something at 220℃ can be nothing more than a rough approximation. Now, don’t even get me started on washing machines! They were the absolute worst! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/63726b5a-e468-4849-8bec-673fa218380e/tempImagethmFcI.jpg Blog - Appendix 2—Knockers, Numbers, & Nonsense - Make it stand out Virtually every sink in the country still uses split faucets, you know—from back when indoor plumbing was first invented. It’s like the UK was never let in on the invention of single, blended faucets. Your choices are (on the right) cold and (on the left) cold…then momentarily warm…then melt-the-skin-off-your-bones hot. Enjoy! Lastly, the UK has a serious case of PTSD. Apparently the 1666 Great Fire of London really scared the nation straight. They are utterly consumed with fear of fire, so much so that every damn outlet has its own switch—and God-forbid you leave that switch in the on position if you’re not actively utilizing the appliance connected to that outlet—it may spontaneously combust! (As an aside: The entire country has apparently never heard of a GFCI outlet. You will never see an outlet in a bathroom—you can’t be trusted!) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/125b8f90-5147-41e9-be10-0b44ef0a15d1/tempImage6v7jM6.jpg Blog - Appendix 2—Knockers, Numbers, & Nonsense - Make it stand out But here’s the truly crazy thing: so, so many doors we encountered had locks that required a key be inserted on the inside in order to exit the building. Frequently these locks were installed high on the door, so as you’re crawling along the floor to escape the fire, you’re forced to stand up into the deadly smoke to open the upper lock—that is if you remembered to leave the key in lock. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/931b05cd-ee23-499c-97dc-4a9e021716a6/tempImagekvMTJU.jpg Blog - Appendix 2—Knockers, Numbers, & Nonsense - Make it stand out You’re still not home-free yet. A large number of these very same doors had a lower latch that had to be twisted in order for the door to open. So you needed both hands free to open the door—like synchronizing keys to open a safe (just set the baby down on the floor while you open the door!). It’s the absolutely most unsafe locking system we’ve ever encountered—so much for fire safety! I’m Safety Steve, and I don’t endorse these blatantly unsafe designs. Anyway, I hope you enjoyed a little good-natured ribbing of our friends across the pond. I miss it already! https://www.overthehillandacrossthepond.com/blog/for-the-love-of-dogs monthly 0.5 2023-09-14 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/86aeb9da-c9c2-4dde-be90-6829fee18b24/tempImageRvcVjy.jpg Blog - Appendix 1—Dogs - Make it stand out Dogs in parks… Born Free Forever lion pride statues, The Meadows, Edinburgh, Scotland https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/fe884f15-eff4-465b-8ab1-e63d6af9fd42/tempImageVbekOn.jpg Blog - Appendix 1—Dogs - Make it stand out Dogs in palace cafés… Food Hall, Palace of Holyroodhouse, Edinburgh, Scotland https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5074efdd-bf65-4d70-8362-b3a158cafdad/tempImagewakZi6.jpg Blog - Appendix 1—Dogs - Make it stand out Dogs in coffee shops… Aran Café, Linlithgow, Scotland https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4fa6340d-9db0-415b-9e04-fd79c4e5ffed/tempImagebY5GnQ.jpg Blog - Appendix 1—Dogs - Make it stand out Dogs in city centres… Penzance, Cornwall, England https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c5053bc6-ac04-42c6-bbd1-f44e85627c92/tempImageVLOyAC.jpg Blog - Appendix 1—Dogs - Make it stand out Dogs on park paths… Water of Leith Walkway, Edinburgh, Scotland https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a88f3627-9488-49ca-8be9-8c752e6315b5/tempImageE2UGuD.jpg Blog - Appendix 1—Dogs - Make it stand out Dogs in forests… Tall Trees Trail, New Forest, England https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/edde396d-c8f9-40d4-8645-6655dcaaea1a/tempImagekjSXcy.jpg Blog - Appendix 1—Dogs - Make it stand out Dogs in pubs… Deacon Brodies Tavern, Edinburgh, Scotland https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/dbdb4e81-9372-48c6-aa4a-775f939f5177/tempImagelJiCGr.jpg Blog - Appendix 1—Dogs - Make it stand out Dogs on beaches… St Ives Harbor, Cornwall, England https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4b7f7020-738f-4415-b12e-3253232cef0f/tempImageix8S1L.jpg Blog - Appendix 1—Dogs - Make it stand out Dogs at public monuments… Tintagel Castle, Cornwall, England https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/cd574362-c031-4878-a07a-bcd187f8912c/tempImage5Si5pT.jpg Blog - Appendix 1—Dogs - Make it stand out Dogs in shops… Stables Shop, Chatsworth, Peak District, England https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/914ace22-5c8f-4260-8400-69a66133427a/tempImagecqTLTK.jpg Blog - Appendix 1—Dogs - Make it stand out Dogs in visitor centres… Buxton Visitor Centre, England https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7f5592c0-8027-4f0c-85ce-7bcfd0ee0ab1/tempImagejkAAcs.jpg Blog - Appendix 1—Dogs - Make it stand out Dogs at sweets shoppes. Port Issac, Cornwall, England https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/cd97b229-7eb4-42dd-89df-153d8839c817/tempImageIE0X7Z.jpg Blog - Appendix 1—Dogs - Make it stand out Did I mention dogs in pubs? The Golden Lion, Port Issac, Cornwall, England https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/43f01cbf-ea0d-45dd-a313-282a97e8ec8a/tempImageBy54c2.jpg Blog - Appendix 1—Dogs - Make it stand out Here’s a sign you can expect to see often. Food Hall, Palace of Holyroodhouse, Edinburgh, Scotland https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/66b06650-5530-449b-a23e-f70cfc0369c1/tempImage1VPGis.jpg Blog - Appendix 1—Dogs - Make it stand out Beyond pubs, stores everywhere go out of their way to let you know your furry friend is allowed inside. Glasgow, Scotland https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0be9a245-bd4b-42ba-8a5e-18b18ca4c1ae/tempImageA9e3GT.jpg Blog - Appendix 1—Dogs - Make it stand out Inside neighborhood cafés. Shetland, Scotland https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e8f345c0-538a-4963-b5bb-0d1cfa1f2c54/tempImagexj92Cg.jpg Blog - Appendix 1—Dogs - Make it stand out Even more upscale restaurants like Pickles of Broughton Street let you know your hound is welcome inside. Edinburgh, Scotland https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/22437905-b98a-463a-baee-88b28fc96629/tempImage36hnBT.jpg Blog - Appendix 1—Dogs - Make it stand out Going to the bookstore? Yep, dogs welcomed and given treats! Bath, England https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b1735c14-3907-4d10-92cc-ea4e68d8f1dd/tempImageVpzsOp.jpg Blog - Appendix 1—Dogs - Make it stand out What about famous bookstores? Of course! Just one caveat. Barter Books, Alnwick, England https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7783ebf8-62fe-4a36-9fae-bccc26f9610c/tempImageBcSRGE.jpg Blog - Appendix 1—Dogs - Make it stand out Going to the clubhouse? Your pooch is welcome, and even pampered. Buxton, England https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1eae4dea-b3de-4912-b000-4be13a919a9f/tempImagelWvS2w.jpg Blog - Appendix 1—Dogs - Make it stand out No matter the weather; you and your four-legged friend are cordially invited inside. The Old House at Home, Burton, England https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/29a6f506-a6db-461c-938b-69ca6a3331d5/tempImageVgP5BX.jpg Blog - Appendix 1—Dogs - Make it stand out On your way to visit Hadrian’s Wall? Of course your pup is welcomed, and encouraged to stay well hydrated. Housesteads Visitor Centre, Hexham, England https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/94233885-a71b-4fe9-beba-9979c40e8f4b/tempImageKDgN1Y.jpg Blog - Appendix 1—Dogs - Make it stand out Maybe you and your pooch are into Outlander so you’re visiting Castle Fraser. Not to worry, Jamie will fill up the stone bowls for your dogs. Castle Fraser, Inverurie, Scotland https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/87203219-e372-4bd3-93ad-989509e6d499/tempImageLQm6co.jpg Blog - Appendix 1—Dogs - Make it stand out Even whilst inside the store, you’ll often find water, snacks, and cleaning-up supplies. Barbour clothing store, Frederick Street, Edinburgh, Scotland https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1e88098a-673d-42a1-b182-7cab5be403dc/tempImage35lTC5.jpg Blog - Appendix 1—Dogs - Make it stand out Staying in a hotel? Oh yeah, they offer your pet a smorgasbord of options. Atholl Arms Hotel, Dunkeld, Scotland https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/066e4b19-ea73-4231-b92d-fce81680c5cf/tempImagepZ2HYI.jpg Blog - Appendix 1—Dogs - Make it stand out Enjoying food and drink on a lovely riverside terrace? Surely your best friend must enjoy the experience equally. Outdoor Terrace, Atholl Arms Hotel, Dunkeld, Scotland https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f7f7ba95-70d3-4230-a723-28915c3a080f/tempImagejGW7al.jpg Blog - Appendix 1—Dogs - Make it stand out Nope! Not kidding! Wait…its gets better… Stow on the Wold, Cotswolds, England https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/cbb89a26-1621-4cb0-b3b5-8e9f5ee16a5a/tempImageBmDa7B.jpg Blog - Appendix 1—Dogs - Make it stand out Your dog will be absolutely spoiled for choice! Stow on the Wold, Cotswolds, England https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/343da95d-1deb-4fd8-aead-ac3b71aaf3e7/tempImageEWXSdk.jpg Blog - Appendix 1—Dogs - Make it stand out If you visit Bolton Abbey and your dog decides to frolic in the Rover Wharfe, the visitor centre includes a dog wash station to clean up Fido before the drive home. Bolton Abbey, Skipton, North Yorkshire, England https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/712135d1-27cb-48b5-b21b-19a6b1096f92/tempImagehSIWs7.jpg Blog - Appendix 1—Dogs - Make it stand out This walking trail not only had a dog wash, it had a full bathing station! Cardinham Woods, Outside Bodmin, Cornwall, England https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5547886a-d324-46de-9d13-cc81a7e19893/tempImagezzBCgC.jpg Blog - Appendix 1—Dogs - Make it stand out If you're feeling a bit self-conscience, it may be because you’re being evaluated by the dogs. Seaview B&B, Fionnphort, Isle of Mull, Scotland https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8465ffe8-0664-49da-a6d2-f7db46057bed/tempImageyBopeG.jpg Blog - Appendix 1—Dogs - Make it stand out They have public statues to dogs. Greyfriars Bobby was the first dog issued a license in Edinburgh and is loved the world over. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/fb93d66b-686d-4771-86ba-598b68bc85b0/tempImageRd1KAG.jpg Blog - Appendix 1—Dogs - Make it stand out Bum is perhaps slightly less well know, but San Diego and Edinburgh both have matching statues of both dogs, and each year ceremonies are held in both cities to commemorate the loyalty and love of Bum and Bobby. Bum was the first dog issued a license in San Diego. Outside The Parish Church of St Cuthbert, Edinburgh, Scotland https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ca30d5fe-2f9a-4bc0-bd53-b174ae7b917d/tempImagetQ7932.jpg Blog - Appendix 1—Dogs - Make it stand out Bob was the regimental pet of the lst Battalion, Scots Fusilier Guards. The regiment adopted him when it was based at Windsor in 1853. A year later he accompanied it to the Crimean War where he distinguished himself by chasing cannonballs at the Battle of Inkerman. In recognition of his courage, he was awarded the special medal attached to his collar. He was preserved after his death in 1860 and is now displayed in a museum (which is good because Bob looks a bit creepy, and I can definitely see him pawing his way out of the ground in a pet cemetery movie ). National War Museum, Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh, Scotland https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/24695353-bdbb-4ef9-b13b-e1f49ff148b9/tempImagerwcepf.jpg Blog - Appendix 1—Dogs - Make it stand out There were pet cemeteries at many large houses we visited, including this very formal one at Edinburgh Castle. We also visited pet cemeteries at Powerscourt Estate and Gardens in Ireland, and Balmoral Castle in Scotland. Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh, Scotland https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ba414b13-edf0-4d51-ac51-af19825fa523/tempImagepHGvdq.jpg Blog - Appendix 1—Dogs - Make it stand out It’s not all fun and games though. After all, you have a pet; you have a responsibility! Outside Glasgow Cathedral, Glasgow, Scotland https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3e5782e9-aba4-416b-8845-f19a6663fa5e/tempImageOTw3UA.jpg Blog - Appendix 1—Dogs - Make it stand out Love the sub-script, “Keep Britain Tidy.” The Brits really love their alliteration. .Chipping Campden, Cotswolds, England https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9cf315f8-9d83-4c55-a7f7-4d7556b8d8d1/tempImageg3R4vV.jpg Blog - Appendix 1—Dogs - Make it stand out Now that is a foul. St Lawrence's Church, Eyam, Peak District, England https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/eeb0afc9-4614-452c-a34b-fe3e25ba6394/tempImagecbouhX.jpg Blog - Appendix 1—Dogs - Make it stand out I just love the title, “The Dogs Fouling of Land Act.” The imagine is getting a bit more graphic, but still not too odious. Footpath to Solsbury Hill, Bath, England https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d3b789e0-3c7e-4bfe-8416-52bb7bcf77f4/tempImagefQnG2Z.jpg Blog - Appendix 1—Dogs - Make it stand out Leave it to the Welch to ratchet things up! Outside Caernarfon Castle, Caernarfon, Wales https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4fcfeacd-e6a7-4255-bf0e-f0abff0c44ed/tempImageY6SEOY.jpg Blog - Appendix 1—Dogs - Make it stand out Not to be outdone, the Cornish added some steam to make it a hot dump. Outside Jubilee Pool, Penzance, Cornwall, England https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e232fc17-f0fb-4c5b-b03f-f3c1d69aa514/tempImagettsaEv.jpg Blog - Appendix 1—Dogs - Make it stand out My absolute favorite! Near St Michael’s Mount, Marazion,, Cornwall, England https://www.overthehillandacrossthepond.com/blog/au-revoir monthly 0.5 2023-11-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5d140359-5ca9-4136-a5ea-1bf3c7a07f32/tempImageLcOMD7.jpg Blog - Au Revoir - Make it stand out Waiting for the museum to open, the glass pyramid motif repeated inside the mall. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0adf0290-9f6b-4e04-ba90-fa68a79c9983/tempImageTQusO4.jpg Blog - Au Revoir - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d8abd2dc-12f4-48e4-9969-d185cb63ccc6/tempImageOvYEq9.jpg Blog - Au Revoir - Make it stand out Hearing horror stories about how large the crowds can get in front of the Mona Lisa, we headed straight for the famous painting. The painting was bigger than we had expected (everyone says how small it is) and the crowds were no where near as over-whelming as we had anticipated. We walked right up to the front—easy peezy lemon squeezy. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/94d7c531-fa18-47c1-a2c6-a75f59e092be/tempImage3qd2P8.jpg Blog - Au Revoir - Make it stand out The Virgin of the Rocks, by Léonard de Vinci https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a1106ee2-63bf-408c-9cb7-c8f415df9d0d/tempImageXOBdgK.jpg Blog - Au Revoir - Make it stand out The Consecration of the Emperor Napoleon and the Coronation of the Empress Joséphine in Notre-Dame Cathedral on 2 December 1804, by Jacques Louis David It’s a monstrous painting! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1a76f835-6a62-4f8c-ba7a-997ac4475a45/tempImagePLQbZG.jpg Blog - Au Revoir - Make it stand out The Soul Breaking the Ties that Bind her to Earth, by Pierre Paul Prud'hon This painting is one of Prud'hon's final works. The artist, who lived his last years in misery, presents death as the victory of the soul; battered by tempestuous waters and tormented by the snake of Envy, the Soul frees herself from her earthly binds and rises into the light of immortality. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/328b973e-6268-4a4b-9b4d-e611543446f5/tempImageuSizdm.jpg Blog - Au Revoir - Make it stand out Liberty Leading the People, by Eugène Delacroix Both elated and frightened by the three-day revolution that overthrew King Charles X, Delacroix depicted the event in all its ambiguity. The horror of the corpses and filth of the rebels are transcended by the passion of the crowd that gathers around the sensual, superhuman allegory of Liberty. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ceffa24e-b0eb-41d1-9e75-790839c940fb/tempImage0fkJvE.jpg Blog - Au Revoir - Make it stand out The Winged Victory of Samothrace dates from the Hellenistic period (3rd-1st century BC). Greek sculptors at the time began to diverge from classical tradition and adapt their approach to create statues made for the three-dimensional settings in which they were to be placed. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/49f08f54-97af-49e6-9ceb-7ab35926492a/tempImagec8O5qa.jpg Blog - Au Revoir - Make it stand out The Winged Victory, for example, was not intended to be looked at front-on but rather from a three-quarter left angle. It is from this perspective that the monument—of the Greek goddess Nike (Victory) landing on this huge ship's prow base—can be fully appreciated. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f6ae1baa-0f8b-4db8-b0c6-aa8c4fa795f7/tempImagew7uQfr.jpg Blog - Au Revoir - Make it stand out The statue's powerful forward-moving stride, swept-back wings, and sophisticated drapery were designed with the aforementioned viewpoint in mind. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e8296e89-9c74-44af-a958-87de5619ca3c/tempImagea2tiUn.jpg Blog - Au Revoir - Make it stand out Crown of Louis XV, king of France from 1715 to 1774 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/47a9daa8-58f0-4cfb-8687-cc18291501ec/tempImage0dsMKk.jpg Blog - Au Revoir - Make it stand out The Venus de Milo https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6306c5f4-5670-41d2-8096-7cd76b9a89d5/tempImagetrNEBK.jpg Blog - Au Revoir - Make it stand out The Venus de Milo statue is believed to depict Aphrodite, goddess of Love, known to the Romans as Venus. This masterpiece of Greek marble sculpture, whose sculptor is unknown, is dated from about 120 BC. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/fd3e580c-b146-4470-bf86-f96585c7f111/tempImageMIobyq.jpg Blog - Au Revoir - Make it stand out The Great Sphinx of Tanis is a granite sculpture of a sphinx, whose date may be as early as the 26th century BC. It was discovered in the ruins of the Temple of Amun-Ra in Tanis, Egypt's capital during the 21st Dynasty and the 23rd Dynasty. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c3901381-2948-451a-b658-f51ca6ad5664/tempImageLxuciz.jpg Blog - Au Revoir - Make it stand out The Code of Hammurabi is a Babylonian legal text composed during 1755–1750 BC. It is the longest, best-organized, and best-preserved legal text from the ancient Near East. The text is inscribed on a basalt stele that is just over 7 feet tall. This stele is the primary copy of the Code and was rediscovered in 1901 at the site of Susa in present-day Iran, where it had been taken as plunder six hundred years after its creation. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a1daeebf-1923-4390-b8d8-2a4ae78afc9f/tempImageMkmtdx.jpg Blog - Au Revoir - Make it stand out The top of the stele features an image in relief of Hammurabi with Shamash, the Babylonian sun god and god of justice. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/af64c760-0085-4f63-8896-f949f1c6f80b/tempImagexV1O5Z.jpg Blog - Au Revoir - Make it stand out Below the relief are about 4,130 lines of cuneiform text: one fifth contains a prologue and epilogue in poetic style, while the remaining four fifths contain what are generally called the laws. The text is read right to left. It is written in the Old Babylonian dialect of Akkadian, purportedly by Hammurabi, sixth king of the First Dynasty of Babylon. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/50250f46-fd56-48ef-8063-a7b9d32b7792/tempImageKxqDdz.jpg Blog - Au Revoir - Make it stand out Sleeping Hermaphrodite—Hermaphroditus, son of Hermes and Aphrodite (goddess of sexual love and beauty, aka Venus), rejected the advances of the nymph Salmacis. Zeus agrees to her wish to merge their two bodies into a single being with both genders. The original Greek work, now lost, is attributed to Polycles (about 150 BC). In 1619, Bernini sculpted the mattress beneath the ancient marble statue. We’ll just leave you with the back view. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7053f68e-f858-40dc-8f5a-bc14f97d8399/tempImagesdDrEQ.jpg Blog - Au Revoir - Make it stand out Cupid and Psyche, by François Édouard Picot We moved this painting here because it goes with the statue below. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/13a350d3-f208-433b-84a9-0f477125aa66/tempImage0C8zTi.jpg Blog - Au Revoir - Make it stand out Psyche Revived by Cupid's Kiss, by Antonio Canova This was one of our favorite pieces in the Louvre. Psyche, poisoned by the fumes from a flask she was instructed not to open, is on the brink of death. Cupid rushes to her rescue, pricking her with a charming arrow and reviving her with a kiss. Having been recently awakened, Psyche reaches up towards her lover, Cupid, as he gently holds her by supporting her head and breast. It shows the mythological lovers at a moment of great emotion. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b4ee4e55-056a-4ae4-9147-307bef73ddee/tempImagebnZnhi.jpg Blog - Au Revoir - Make it stand out The complex composition and subtle carving of the marble are a testament of Canova's skill: the figures' skin seems almost real to touch. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/caf0cd15-1a6a-4eca-8f68-cd5388ba4fc4/tempImagetTJABq.jpg Blog - Au Revoir - Make it stand out Fine curls and lines make up the hair and light feathery details create realistic wings upon the landing Cupid—his wings appearing almost translucent. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3cbab28e-f697-4fc2-a041-1793a1877146/tempImagenrcNDb.jpg Blog - Au Revoir - Make it stand out In Apuleius, Psyche had been warned by Venus against opening the jar she was given to collect a scrap of beauty from Proserpina for Venus, "But I give you one especially strong warning. Do not open or peep into the [jar] you carry, and repress all curiosity as to the Imprisoned Treasure of Divine Beauty.” But Psyche gave way to curiosity just as she had returned from her voyage into the Underworld, peering into the jar to take some of the Divine Beauty for herself. However, Proserpina had not filled it with the Beauty, but rather with the "Sleep of the Innermost Darkness, the night of Styx, which freed from its cell rushed upon her and penetrated her whole body with a heavy cloud of unconsciousness and unfolded her where she lay." It is the moment in which Psyche is "a corpse asleep" revived by Cupid that Canova chose to depict. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d63117c3-de00-44bf-b3b2-2dc0c54ee316/tempImageI0UOJ4.jpg Blog - Au Revoir - Make it stand out This sculpture represents the myth where Apollo kills the Python snake (actually he used to hold a sword). It is now popularly called the “selfie statue.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/55dc6ea1-5838-471d-bd8a-10ac2936c042/tempImagezE1ASs.jpg Blog - Au Revoir - Make it stand out I was surprised to learn the Louvre Pyramid was designed by Chinese-American architect I. M. Pei. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7d870b54-c79c-47f2-9b2f-129505d596da/tempImageONykjP.jpg Blog - Au Revoir - Make it stand out We’re standing in the lobby under the large glass-and-metal structure. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7c765dbd-ac56-49e5-a805-a6813c8eef03/tempImageBuS6x4.jpg Blog - Au Revoir - Make it stand out The Louvre Pyramid from above, in the main courtyard. This is where you queue and enter if you haven't pre-purchased tickets. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f4135ad9-d6b3-4988-aaec-eb0af9553ff7/tempImageOjOKj9.jpg Blog - Au Revoir - Make it stand out The Panthéon is a monument in the 5th arrondissement. It stands in the Latin Quarter, atop the Montagne Sainte-Geneviève. Among those buried in its necropolis are Voltaire, Rousseau, Victor Hugo, Émile Zola, Jean Moulin, Louse Braille, Jean Jaurès, and Marie Curie. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/27255cf4-55f8-40b0-8dac-d7485a99b023/tempImagevY2vXj.jpg Blog - Au Revoir - Make it stand out The lovely Place de l'Estrapade in the 5th arrondissement. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/80df31ed-25f3-4ab8-8e79-f63ba2ff5433/tempImageXtXbrC.jpg Blog - Au Revoir - Make it stand out The rue des Fossés Saint-Jacques, running on either side of the building, is where you'll find all Emily's home bases, including the apartment where she lives with Gabriel as her downstairs neighbor. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/579152e0-75bc-45e8-985e-6753aeb29a4f/tempImage3KOk1U.jpg Blog - Au Revoir - Make it stand out The square comes complete with a fountain at the center (though the history is less sweet since it earned its name by being the site of public floggings). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e26b8e69-174e-4733-be75-76096122be40/tempImagenjrF0v.jpg Blog - Au Revoir - Make it stand out For Gabriel's restaurant, originally Les Deux Compères and renamed Chez Lavaux in S2, the production use Terra Nera, an Italian family bistro at No 18. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/caa7e73b-559c-4ecc-a1db-941bc3ccb558/tempImagenQRXwc.jpg Blog - Au Revoir - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/797e0a29-33cc-4548-a5cf-4fb144f31141/tempImagezXfZex.jpg Blog - Au Revoir - Make it stand out This is the small plaza directly in front of the apartment complex where Emily and Gabriel live, and where they set up Emily’s outdoor birthday party. It is here that Camille gets up to make a toast and reveals Emily’s deception. High drama! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/719d8103-5192-4d5e-a16d-373b3c35a303/tempImagebdxr9q.jpg Blog - Au Revoir - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a28e01b2-6366-46a9-a4e1-e2ad940e794f/tempImageC7Eoml.jpg Blog - Au Revoir - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7caeed20-a60e-430b-a198-03b658e93475/tempImagexF1oV2.jpg Blog - Au Revoir - Make it stand out A nearby street mural in honor of the first woman to win a Nobel prize, the first person to win a Nobel Prize twice, and the only person to win a Nobel Prize in two scientific fields. Her husband, Pierre Curie, was a co-winner of her first Nobel Prize, making them the first-ever married couple to win the Nobel Prize and launching the Curie family legacy of five Nobel Prizes. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/14098307-7878-4db3-a9cd-6db90010baf6/tempImageSp3ynb.jpg Blog - Au Revoir - Make it stand out Large swaths of the Left Bank rest upon rich limestone deposits. This stone was used to built much of the city, but it was extracted haphazardly resulting in a series of mine cave-ins beginning in 1774. The need to eliminate skeletal remains gained urgency in 1780 when a basement wall in a property adjoining a cemetery collapsed under the weight of the mass grave behind it. All burials within the city were forbidden after 1780, but the problem of what to do with the remains crowding the cemeteries was still unresolved. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a3c1820f-a87d-4810-aaca-a531a89c7aba/tempImagesJm4Cs.jpg Blog - Au Revoir - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3765cb51-9f58-4b61-9ae6-547dc315484b/tempImageu1LsUD.jpg Blog - Au Revoir - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2e6b1ebd-3b5b-4b91-b805-78318162b70d/tempImage83qdb5.jpg Blog - Au Revoir - Make it stand out The catacombs in their first years were a disorganized bone repository, but Louis-Étienne Héricart de Thury, director of the Paris Mine Inspection Service, had renovations done that would transform the caverns into a visitable mausoleum. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/49ecc0a8-0c8e-4e77-89ce-2228f0a1d7b5/tempImageqK8b1P.jpg Blog - Au Revoir - Make it stand out In addition to directing the stacking of skulls and femurs into the patterns seen in the catacombs today he used the cemetery decorations he could find to complement the walls of bones. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b2826ad3-c112-4a77-abe8-47a61e4664a1/tempImageK1px6e.jpg Blog - Au Revoir - Make it stand out Skulls and tibias were arranged into façades of decorative designs following the medieval ossuary tradition. These walls became known as “hagues.” The result is this captivating spectacle—intended to honor, rather than exploit, the dead. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/bbdefd5b-a190-4946-8838-d6bfad1a9c46/tempImageXUDvNF.jpg Blog - Au Revoir - Make it stand out Héricart de Thury also added monumental tablets and archways bearing ominous warning inscriptions, and also added stone tablets bearing descriptions or other comments about the nature of the ossuary, and to ensure the safety of eventual visitors. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/49c02578-b60e-41fa-9804-73a4578e3a1c/tempImageK9SkCG.jpg Blog - Au Revoir - Make it stand out The ossuary remained largely forgotten until it became a novelty-place for illicit concerts and other private events in the early 19th century. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1ab1dcea-2ce4-49cb-a4e8-bb4382c1ef98/tempImageNKIJiN.jpg Blog - Au Revoir - Make it stand out The ossuary was walled off from the rest of the Left Bank’s extensive tunnel network. After the construction of an access point, the ossuary was opened to public visitation in 1874. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4fc53253-a272-4b6d-a4f7-f0ec2b3d3970/tempImageOuBDoL.jpg Blog - Au Revoir - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8592e6c1-67de-4e16-9321-577f5c1a4da3/tempImageB91taV.jpg Blog - Au Revoir - Make it stand out The original well used when the quarry was active. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/58cd745a-3f85-4275-82bf-a753ba72d45f/tempImagepq2dvH.jpg Blog - Au Revoir - Make it stand out An homage to the less respectable and haphazard manner in which the remains were initially disposed. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/80a3f166-50ed-4bfa-850d-95d4f5709f32/tempImagega6AVf.jpg Blog - Au Revoir - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f68f7c85-070d-42d3-bd16-9bd59f1d353d/tempImagez1P6dk.jpg Blog - Au Revoir - Make it stand out Tombstone of Françoise Gellain https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0c3edb04-6e63-4ce6-873d-6c41486bb136/tempImageRXKg20.jpg Blog - Au Revoir - Make it stand out We’re missing a lot of skulls here! Someone is slacking off and heads are going to roll! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4d6fb7ae-1ff1-41c8-bc65-173066f8bc66/tempImage8R55jJ.jpg Blog - Au Revoir - Make it stand out Watch your head! ☠️ https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/90a1bcc7-c2f2-4c3b-a1bf-c3bcdbb5dd22/tempImagezEkyvV.jpg Blog - Au Revoir - Make it stand out In an area of the Catacombs called the Crypt of the Passion, is this barrel-shaped structure made largely of femurs and skulls. It was meant to be shaped like Obelix from the cartoon Asterix and Obelisk and is the top thing to see in the Paris Catacombs. This eerie yet impressive display was made famous in 1897 when an illegal concert was held in the crypt. The concert held in the middle of the night included 45 musicians and over 100 guests, and featured Chopin’s “Funeral March” and the “Danse Macabre” by Camille Saint-Saens. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/57ff9d8a-4dd2-467f-81b8-7bc609595a91/tempImageW2FlnW.jpg Blog - Au Revoir - Make it stand out Such precision in their placement. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9f8d3864-4099-4a60-ae48-1b76a7e0b363/tempImagexb2EhR.jpg Blog - Au Revoir - Make it stand out Such an amazing place to visit! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/cece4d25-fe41-45e8-a477-630185cd023c/tempImageYlZCl1.jpg Blog - Au Revoir - Make it stand out On the Metro crossing the Seine. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/18aba48a-2441-4259-a11a-819041917625/tempImagewQLSFD.jpg Blog - Au Revoir - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c2b464e1-e243-4c2a-9215-4dd1e9e035c9/tempImageCM8PnH.jpg Blog - Au Revoir - Make it stand out The roundabout with the Arc de Triomphe as its center could easily be a clock, given it has an amazing 12 roads that spoke off from its center. This is one roundabout I certainly never want to try and navigate. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d04a10a8-98df-4e54-876d-0f6fb4563aa3/Screenshot+2023-09-10+at+3.32.28+PM.png Blog - Au Revoir - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/30cbbcdf-574c-495a-9ea3-e3f78b552164/tempImager9BTk0.jpg Blog - Au Revoir - Make it stand out Having cleared French and then British border controls, here we are on the walkway to board our 8:10 pm Eurostar train back to London. A quick peak at my Fitness app for the three days in France shows we walked 27.6 miles (averaging 9.2 miles/day) and took 61,558 steps (averaging 20,519 steps/day). No wonder we feel so tired! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b0bfda08-12e6-457b-9d3a-41f30126c235/tempImage3Z2q04.jpg Blog - Au Revoir - Make it stand out From our train window, a glorious sunset over the French countryside. Au revoir France! You were a truly magical and romantic way to end our European tour de force. We arrived back in London at 9:30 pm (having lost an hour due to the one hour time difference). And just like that…our trip was over! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/41a84a57-68f9-4e3d-a91e-f16f5ead5970/tempImageixiJle.jpg Blog - Au Revoir - Make it stand out We checked out of our London hotel and schlepped all our stuff onto the Piccadilly Line train—next stop Heathrow Terminal 5. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4843996b-10da-422e-9c9e-beffbb725b6e/tempImagejhVWlR.jpg Blog - Au Revoir - Make it stand out Mixed emotions! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e39cda13-63f7-4204-b342-3271b66bdfa6/tempImageqctVbS.jpg Blog - Au Revoir - Make it stand out Sunday, September 3, 2023—Boarding our brand new Airbus A350, British Airways Flight 273, departing Heathrow at 1:50 pm and arriving in San Diego at 5:05 pm (so a short 3 hours and 15 minute flight—perfect! ). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/dd491e0a-4d76-4ebb-bd71-b7ba52e68267/tempImageqFsrCe.jpg Blog - Au Revoir - Make it stand out About to take the runway. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6cb28d61-eab2-4e74-8323-acd4a49904b7/tempImageaLccKS.jpg Blog - Au Revoir - Make it stand out It’s Over. We’re going home! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7f09c341-ea66-4251-aba7-b2ed3cb84752/tempImagePeoeRq.jpg Blog - Au Revoir - Make it stand out Thanks for watching over us throughout our travels Keith; it was fun having you along and we’re so glad you could join us! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3b40644e-783a-4970-96a4-63aed60125ba/tempImagee0UbaF.jpg Blog - Au Revoir - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/842a114f-54e8-49be-b05c-772d4083363d/tempImageGODPkD.jpg Blog - Au Revoir - Make it stand out As we drove into Paso Robles, we turned on Chris Daughtry: I don't regret this life I chose for me But these places and these faces are getting old I said these places and these faces are getting old So I'm going home I'm going home T H E E N D https://www.overthehillandacrossthepond.com/blog/bonne-soire monthly 0.5 2023-11-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/927e88ef-b49c-4260-8426-f60e54986c92/IMG_3961.jpg Blog - Bonne Soirée - Make it stand out Midway on our 40-minute journey to Versailles. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/38b42790-f682-4f34-a1bf-4c7cff5b077a/tempImageqWjXVi.jpg Blog - Bonne Soirée - Make it stand out Louis XIV greets us in front of the Palace of Versailles. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/175c3e1f-1b51-41b5-9efb-b7253ada5d69/tempImagen4vxlt.jpg Blog - Bonne Soirée - Make it stand out The château was originally built as a hunting lodge for Louis XIII in the 17th century. It was later expanded and transformed into a grand palace by Louis XIV, the self-proclaimed “Le roi soleil” (the Sun King), in the late 17th century. The palace became the political and administrative center of France, with the royal court moving to Versailles in 1682. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/33e1c03c-4582-42e6-ad0a-15bf06a6b0ad/tempImageEM9qEb.jpg Blog - Bonne Soirée - Make it stand out As Louis XIV fancied himself the Sun King, gold features heavily throughout the Palace. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4a930f6c-e897-4ef7-b444-dced285780f7/tempImageqzbcpl.jpg Blog - Bonne Soirée - Make it stand out Les toilettes https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/acd347d8-b82b-4d87-81c3-c0203f521d2c/tempImagedvIHNB.jpg Blog - Bonne Soirée - Make it stand out Upon seeing Versailles two things become immediately clear—the palace defies description and you understand why the French Revolution occurred. It is absolutely massive. I can’t even compare it to the largest place we visited in England—Blenheim Palace perhaps? Everything simply pales under the scale and grander of Versailles. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e6d3e00b-29bd-4dd5-b08a-4334c155652b/tempImage5RRhYQ.jpg Blog - Bonne Soirée - Make it stand out The Royal Chapel was the fifth and final chapel built in the Palace. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4856bcdc-7c03-4c86-a8ea-590116457729/tempImageELXLDW.jpg Blog - Bonne Soirée - Make it stand out The Hercules Room was the last room to be built by Louis XIV at the end of his reign. The Apotheosis of Hercules by Francois Lemoyne provides the most stunning 3D visual effect—combining the vault of the ceiling, a perimeter of statues, and the largest ceiling painted on canvas in Europe. Louis XIV be damned, but the masons, painters, sculptures, and other artists he hired were supremely talented. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/321d49e2-6315-4bd8-ad8f-887076420159/tempImageNlUfKQ.jpg Blog - Bonne Soirée - Make it stand out Corner after corner, there is simply no end to the finery, detail, and artistry. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9c9585fd-5d9a-4f75-b151-53d37b851819/tempImageXbvJt8.jpg Blog - Bonne Soirée - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/dc4a14c1-1ee3-4a6d-a103-ae84c316fdd8/tempImagevYZzck.jpg Blog - Bonne Soirée - Make it stand out And then we turned the corner—and we both audibly gasped. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b90cc21a-847d-44e7-b375-4500eb7a879b/tempImageL9Pm9a.jpg Blog - Bonne Soirée - Make it stand out Hall of Mirrors—The grandiose ensemble of the hall and its adjoining salons was intended to illustrate the power of the absolutist monarch Louis XIV. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ca676fc4-26e6-44e6-b95c-ab066529bdf4/tempImage35Knn0.jpg Blog - Bonne Soirée - Make it stand out If it was the king’s intention to leave you speechless, then mission accomplished! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e3a6c925-dd60-4653-8785-8066c486e7ee/tempImageH5EMLG.jpg Blog - Bonne Soirée - Make it stand out If the Hall wasn’t enough, then you arrive in Marie Antoinette’s bedroom. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/088b371e-e886-420d-b009-da2e1d4bf226/tempImagenXhY3e.jpg Blog - Bonne Soirée - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7052d181-c6cb-4be2-9549-a1ed08c4a3a9/tempImageJI9MTU.jpg Blog - Bonne Soirée - Make it stand out It’s hard to imagine such a precipitous fall from grace—from having this bed canopy over your head to the guillotine. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/28ff2475-bbe7-4993-b5de-915b436ef6ce/tempImagebhS5bV.jpg Blog - Bonne Soirée - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/baf73e6d-9271-42de-b3ce-2de310313b81/tempImagejeQHRO.jpg Blog - Bonne Soirée - Make it stand out Marie Antoinette was reportedly a devoted mother to her four children—Marie-Thérèse-Charlotte, Louis-Joseph, Louis-Charles, and Sophie—who provided emotional solace for the troubled French queen. The French Revolution would tear France—and Marie’s family—apart, leading to the deaths of Louis, Marie, and one of their sons. In the end, their sole surviving daughter was left to cope with the trauma and tragedy of the family’s fate. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b6f46971-600d-4e46-ba6c-415a9ad47969/tempImage7ayHRK.jpg Blog - Bonne Soirée - Make it stand out You’ll find no references to the Revolution inside the Palace. Into the vacuum left by Louis XVI’s execution rose the self-possessed Napoleon Bonaparte, riding upon the good fortune of his “lucky star.” In the center of the Coronation Room (where he crowned himself and his wife!) stands the Column from the German Campaign, also called the “Austerlitz Column,” which Napoleon commissioned to commemorate his first imperial victories. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e7ada219-3c93-4ac9-a38f-88ff2bef3312/tempImageafBYeq.jpg Blog - Bonne Soirée - Make it stand out The French certainly never suffered from an inferiority complex. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5eb4897a-a62f-40aa-b55d-b9b900e56c3f/tempImagesDfhLv.jpg Blog - Bonne Soirée - Make it stand out The Gallery of Great Battles is the most important of the historic Galleries created by Louis-Philippe in the Palace of Versailles. It covers almost the entire first floor of the South Wing of the Palace and depicts nearly 15 centuries of French military successes, from Clovis to Napoleon, through 30 or so paintings. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d6a38f34-33af-4798-b677-c8c8617c0162/tempImage6Cq8H5.jpg Blog - Bonne Soirée - Make it stand out The Gallery includes this painting of Joan of Arc, a patron saint of France. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/27049675-fd36-4e1e-af4d-415cd50b121f/tempImageUNaBPw.jpg Blog - Bonne Soirée - Make it stand out The ol’ rascal Louis XIV. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1ad4e739-1216-4698-ad93-c397e873daba/tempImagecVftAF.jpg Blog - Bonne Soirée - Make it stand out The Orangerie contains more than one thousand (primarily orange) trees. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/74c9ee86-297b-4b4d-9aec-0c3b8f9afe1c/tempImageHZf2sJ.jpg Blog - Bonne Soirée - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/23c6a5c0-7bb5-4ab6-916e-0eff270a634d/tempImageSWxQ1u.jpg Blog - Bonne Soirée - Make it stand out Amanda in the Middle Formal Gardens. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5a8e61f8-353c-4f4c-9917-de243e51a383/tempImagekCBTN8.jpg Blog - Bonne Soirée - Make it stand out At the Water Parterres. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1e782a0b-251a-4537-96ff-faf0d5410376/tempImageba05Vd.jpg Blog - Bonne Soirée - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ea0a4072-09f4-4fb5-8383-efe6d99ce106/tempImagedyXn47.jpg Blog - Bonne Soirée - Make it stand out Standing above the Latona Fountain with the gardens and park stretching beyond. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a41e1dbb-0dee-473e-97b5-5c9501d797ea/tempImage6VizaT.jpg Blog - Bonne Soirée - Make it stand out As far as the eye can see is part of the gardens. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/efde546b-c86f-40f0-a529-58b54ac19e9f/tempImageEGTPlI.jpg Blog - Bonne Soirée - Make it stand out North Formal Gardens https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6e1dcc06-0e34-487f-9ce0-a1d8758a30f5/tempImagePJH3JH.jpg Blog - Bonne Soirée - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7800a15c-3ea5-4292-8997-5051b90b6c05/tempImageyGIJoo.jpg Blog - Bonne Soirée - Make it stand out The many water features leading down to the Neptune Fountain. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/773d7079-f144-4fd7-90ef-c6b64e790f1e/tempImage8q0HG8.jpg Blog - Bonne Soirée - Make it stand out Dancing Waters in the Neptune Fountain. If you want to get some idea of the scale of the gardens, you can play the short video below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jj6JCwiZlck https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/609e2faf-46fd-4682-b892-6248f202a82f/tempImaged4cTCQ.jpg Blog - Bonne Soirée - Make it stand out Rue Montorgueil is a street in the 1st and 2nd Arrondissements lined with restaurants, cafés, bakeries, produce stands, and flower shops—essentially a place for Parisians to socialize while doing their daily shopping. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/05b4f21f-f8ee-4e9c-afd8-1be79531e865/tempImageSNR3gT.jpg Blog - Bonne Soirée - Make it stand out Look how Amanda blends with these gorgeous hydrangeas. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/90372a7a-5c0f-43c7-a966-90ee02968d57/tempImage0M46lv.jpg Blog - Bonne Soirée - Make it stand out We came to Rue Montorgueil specifically to have the vegan croissants at Cloud Cakes. As advertised, the croissants were amazing, and the chai tea latte was the best I’ve ever had—so bonus! As it turned out, we really came to love this street. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/425fa23a-33d3-47e4-a28c-2715fad293f0/tempImage9AAezZ.jpg Blog - Bonne Soirée - Make it stand out You do not eat an early dinner in Paris. Most restaurants do not open until 6:30 pm or, more likely, 7 pm. Yesterday we had our nighttime tickets for the Eiffel Tower, so a late dinner at Végét'Halles was perfect. However, after the long day at Versailles, we really wanted to eat early and then go back to our hotel for the night. But where to eat an early dinner in Paris? Enter POKAWA Poké Bowl right here on Rue Montorgueil. Delicious! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/32447ce5-a247-4a3d-9e4b-c6aa1ddb1a92/tempImagejyqGQh.jpg Blog - Bonne Soirée - Make it stand out We ordered champagne (you can really call it champagne in France!) and toasted to another wonderful day in Paris, to our amazing view of the Eiffel Tower, and to the greatest adventure of our lives these past many months. À ta santé https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/42040300-0361-42e0-ac1e-1795cb168052/tempImageWD09PM.jpg Blog - Bonne Soirée - Make it stand out À ta santé Indeed! https://www.overthehillandacrossthepond.com/blog/bonjour monthly 0.5 2023-11-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8610d5fe-2369-48ed-a595-7b39a38cdea4/tempImagerSm3Wo.jpg Blog - Bonjour - Make it stand out One thing that we knew would be easy was getting from London to Paris. Eurostar trains whisk you non-stop between London and Paris at speeds up to 186 mph (300 kph). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/dd7cbe7d-9505-479e-98ba-9fc273f2338f/IMG_3837.PNG Blog - Bonjour - Make it stand out Here we are (blue dot) having just come out of the tunnel from 130 feet under the English Channel and into the open air of France. Our 7:00 train departed London right on time, and we arrived in Paris Gare du Nord at 10:20, a mere 2 hours and 20 minutes later (Paris is ahead of London by one hour). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0cae01b0-26a3-45ed-8467-81afc5aaff51/tempImage8lk2HZ.jpg Blog - Bonjour - Make it stand out Paris has a vast subway network that consists of Metro lines (numbered lines) and suburban light rail, known as RER (lettered lines). From the Eurostar station we navigated our way to the RER platform that took us to the station near our hotel. I’m not going to lie, it was not as straightforward as the London Underground; it left us scratching our heads more than a few times, but we managed. Was I singing “riding on the Metro” as we rode along? You bet your rad ‘80’s butt I was! I was on a Paris train, I emerged in London rain And you were waiting there, swimming through apologies… I remember a night we walked along the Seine Riding on the Metro -The Metro, Song by Berlin What a trip seeing these old music videos: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_UXtort76gY https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/afd8a775-4c12-49b8-8abb-fa40ec843508/tempImageQeRwBN.jpg Blog - Bonjour - Make it stand out The Gare de Lyon station is right next to our hotel, thus the name of our hotel: Courtyard by Marriott Paris Gare de Lyon. The hotel is near the where the 2nd & 11th Arrondissements meet on the Right Bank, and the 5th & 13th Arrondissements meet on the Left Bank. It ended up being a perfect location. We requested a room on a high floor with a view of the Eiffel Tower, and it was an absolutely amazing moment to walk into our room and see the Eiffel Tower for the first time! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/05d1271f-3edf-44d8-89f5-c5d41deefcd0/tempImageghillg.jpg Blog - Bonjour - Make it stand out After dropping off our stuff in our room, it was back on the Metro for brunch. We were thrilled to learn of Land & Monkey, the first all plant based boulangerie (bakery) in Paris. If you didn’t know better, the appearance, flakiness, and taste of the pain au chocolat would give you no hint that it was anything other than a traditional French pastry. The baguette was equally amazing. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ef25d856-78fa-4bd8-9c85-6873a9a5e6dd/tempImagexYHa1j.jpg Blog - Bonjour - Make it stand out Île de la Cité (City Island) is an island in the river Seine in the heart of Paris. Traces of a Neolithic settlement (c. 4500 BC) have been found nearby, and a larger settlement was established on the island (c. 300 BC)—which is to say that modern day Paris grew up around this small island. It was likely an important crossing point of the Seine, the intersection of land and water trade routes. Today the island is most notably the home of the medieval Catholic cathedral Notre-Dame de Paris (Our Lady of Paris). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9a2962e9-8064-4bb4-a9e7-5a541bc80eb3/tempImageAuxacd.jpg Blog - Bonjour - Make it stand out Of course back in 2019 a fire broke out under the eaves of the cathedral’s roof, engulfing the spire and most of the roof. Thankfully, the main structure including the bell towers and rose windows were saved, and nobody was injured. The Catholic relics housed in the cathedral and priceless works of art were rescued and brought to safety. I can still remember four years ago, feeling so sad seeing the first images of the fire on the news. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/32b4f798-e094-4534-b871-e5d57c058c4b/tempImage6LIVvV.jpg Blog - Bonjour - Make it stand out Thankfully, the iconic West Façade still looks pristine. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f567ebf7-691b-4392-a88a-841145558bcf/tempImageae3mCK.jpg Blog - Bonjour - Make it stand out On the Petit Pont bridge over the Left Bank of the River Seine. Behind is the Pont au Double bridge. The bridge name refers to the "double" denier (penny) toll was once charged to cross the bridge. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7fef52a7-d7c5-48ce-935e-3f7fb3fac0cf/tempImage746Cq1.jpg Blog - Bonjour - Make it stand out If you love books (and who doesn’t?) and visit Paris, stopping at Shakespeare and Company book sellers is akin to a pilgrimage. Shakespeare and Company is an English-language bookshop in the heart of Paris, on the banks of the Seine, opposite Notre-Dame. Since opening in 1951, it’s been a meeting place for anglophone writers and readers, becoming a Left Bank literary institution. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ce962667-9b0d-4331-b502-a95c45ae0212/tempImage85FfsF.jpg Blog - Bonjour - Make it stand out The bookshop was founded by American George Whitman at 37 rue de la Bûcherie—Kilometer Zero, the point at which all French roads begin. Above, the stairs leading to the upstairs reading loft. “I wish I could show you, when you are lonely or in darkness, the astonishing light of your own being. -Hafiz of Shiraz https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/bf1225a7-1fb6-4d16-9275-fc60676808d3/tempImageSvYd7K.jpg Blog - Bonjour - Make it stand out When the store first opened, it was called Le Mistral. George changed it to the present name in April 1964—on the four-hundredth anniversary of William Shakespeare’s birth—in honor of a bookseller he admired, Sylvia Beach, who’d founded the original Shakespeare and Company in 1919. Her store at 12 rue de l’Odéon was a gathering place for the great expat writers of the time—Joyce, Hemingway, Stein, Fitzgerald, Eliot, Pound—as well as for leading French writers. (Remember the 2011 film Midnight in Paris?) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/184adf76-edf2-4f24-a337-cb20a70971bf/tempImageHuyUie.jpg Blog - Bonjour - Make it stand out And having a tote bag from Shakespeare and Company is something of a minor status symbol. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/981e2752-afa9-47b4-8029-8a85e8de5f43/tempImageE9WvTO.jpg Blog - Bonjour - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b26e0947-9948-4e60-b136-1cac0c3e0245/tempImageubZvpn.jpg Blog - Bonjour - Make it stand out Next we visited the Musée d'Orsay with its major 19th- & 20th-century European art collections housed in a monumental, former railway station. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/196bd30c-940f-4490-97e4-d09ab959b6e3/tempImageRq0gWA.jpg Blog - Bonjour - Make it stand out Which way do the hands of a clock turn? Clockwise, of course. Not if you’re inside the clock. The Musée d’Orsay is said to have the largest collection of impressionist masterpieces in the world, to include: Monet, Manet, Degas, Renoir, Cezanne, Seurat, Gaugin, and Van Gogh. Just a few pictures of us… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/838b8c38-f547-446d-862d-09d7de846969/tempImagebYHnti.jpg Blog - Bonjour - Make it stand out Water Lillies by Claude Monet https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/fa76af99-6c9e-4290-8907-8ec8f8eaacf4/tempImagePjIGlJ.jpg Blog - Bonjour - Make it stand out Poppies by Claude Monet https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/52991369-6fd1-4ca3-a810-c493a4a015d6/tempImageu3XUYD.jpg Blog - Bonjour - Make it stand out Woman with a Parasol by Claude Monet https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f2e3ab9d-9d68-43fe-83fd-4e87fcb17970/tempImageiNeyMJ.jpg Blog - Bonjour - Make it stand out Starry Night Over The Rhône by Vincent Van Gogh Truthfully, the museum was absolutely packed to the gills with people. It was hard to keep reminding ourselves to appreciate the experience, in spite of sharing the space with so many others. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/45dc6e21-efc0-42b1-ae11-e54786d27568/tempImageTaesyD.jpg Blog - Bonjour - Make it stand out Back onto the Metro and look what Amanda found—a 10 euro cent coin. There was a time when I think Keith would have objected to visiting France, but apparently he’s changed his mind. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7dcc0c65-50dc-4f9a-bec4-a3f5492c9825/tempImagej2epRK.jpg Blog - Bonjour - Make it stand out Thursday night (Aug 31) dinner at Végét'Halles was amazing. And it needed to be because our time slot on the Eiffel Tower wasn’t until late that night. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e41a70a0-b30a-45d5-b381-0be8f57693f6/tempImagekRQzhU.jpg Blog - Bonjour - Make it stand out A very romantic sunset from the Pont Neuf bridge. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3bc42a9f-0d86-4f0a-aa4c-269462d5fa4b/tempImageSdPhw1.jpg Blog - Bonjour - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/daed06a3-fa65-4ff5-a003-fa7b80b5c2a1/tempImagenp4NYH.jpg Blog - Bonjour - Make it stand out The City of Love! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/520589cd-02c9-4744-99c2-1f98ccd48f6d/tempImagerpzyFU.jpg Blog - Bonjour - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/64333ecf-5c97-4dea-bb20-65e2e793db58/tempImagesoyhp8.jpg Blog - Bonjour - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/46255109-8f4e-4cdb-9ae5-3ecfb497844e/tempImageL5xCNO.jpg Blog - Bonjour - Make it stand out Despite the lateness of the night, the garden plaza was full of people…and almost as many rats—straight out of Ratatouille! Ah Paris, the City of Rats. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c5657e12-eb04-4832-9bf6-ec87763cb46f/tempImageTzxvpE.jpg Blog - Bonjour - Make it stand out Time to head up. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/775f71cf-1658-4fce-b26c-e407a873c8ae/tempImageREtqUZ.jpg Blog - Bonjour - Make it stand out The Arc de Triomphe as seen from the top of the Eiffel Tower. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1670e1f3-ce1e-4c8c-a9fe-feabdc96f44c/tempImage5MbSaA.jpg Blog - Bonjour - Make it stand out After a loooong day with a lot of walking, we were knackered, but it was worth it to see the view from the top at night and share the moment with my absolute favorite person in the world—I love you Amanda! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/69911836-7fc9-47be-9812-48c37a52e2af/tempImageFhuziS.jpg Blog - Bonjour - Make it stand out The journey to the top and back was so packed with people that by the time we were walking away from the Eiffel Tower, it was after midnight and the Metro had stopped for the night. We had to catch this taxi back to our hotel! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6b90e378-8779-4c83-91b5-1ab9e1a839c3/tempImagePLmuel.jpg Blog - Bonjour - Make it stand out Finally back in our room, and the Eiffel Tower still there in all her glory—beautiful! Day 1 complete. https://www.overthehillandacrossthepond.com/blog/kew-gardens monthly 0.5 2023-11-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/827bd40e-2c3d-41fd-b571-0031562eeada/tempImageTbN9Fq.jpg Blog - Last Day in the UK - Make it stand out As you can imagine, we were kind of “palaced out” at this point. So when we saw that Kew Palace was just inside the Elizabeth Gate, we decided to make a quick run through the place and then get on with the gardens. Above and below is what is known as Dutch House, one of the remaining parts of a once large complex. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3a7ac924-17ed-4a28-93fc-9ab6a9e979df/tempImageYjun4f.jpg Blog - Last Day in the UK - Make it stand out Despite how much we’ve learned about England, we continue to display our ignorance in spectacular fashion. This past May we watched the Netflix series Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story, a spinoff series which focused on the character Queen Charlotte from Bridgerton. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f4acb464-9e4e-4eff-b488-a56aaac64fc4/tempImageNoUVpf.jpg Blog - Last Day in the UK - Make it stand out Little did we realize, in 1804, it was to Kew Palace that the King—accompanied by Queen Charlotte and their daughters—came for the treatment of his mental and physical illnesses. So, if you watched the series, it was all set at this palace. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3ae22929-4e0b-473d-896f-0963a1c7adab/The_Gardeners%27_chronicle_-_a_weekly_illustrated_journal_of_horticulture_and_allied_subjects_%281897%29_%2814596280168%29.jpg Blog - Last Day in the UK - Make it stand out Dutch House (right) and the service wing (left) in which George III was housed in 1804. His treatment in the service wing was physically painful and many of the so-called treatments we would now consider inhumane. After the treatments in 1804, George never lived at Kew again. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ba73c234-b7a4-4603-9392-c77816f2dbf2/tempImagexpGN0u.jpg Blog - Last Day in the UK - Make it stand out Showing George III as a farmer was a favorite of the political cartoonists of the time. Just like the TV series showed, George spent much time on his estates looking after his farmland. He took this very seriously and was forever finding new ways to grow crops efficiently or to improve livestock. He even published articles on farming in the journal Annals of Agriculture under the pseudonym “Ralph Robinson of Windsor.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ada24f9d-f6f9-4b93-99df-69efb4cec604/tempImageyoMH7H.jpg Blog - Last Day in the UK - Make it stand out In April 1801 Dr Francis Willis tricked George into remaining at Kew for treatment. He brought him into this morning room under the guise of asking him about the self-portrait by Van Dyck, then placed above the fireplace. The King realized that he was being tricked and shouted, “Sir, I will never forgive you whilst I live.” He jumped from his chair and attempted to flee the room, but the doctor's men blocked the door. In 1804 George eventually agreed to be treated at Kew, but only if his family could remain nearby. George’s granddaughter Queen Victoria had the service wing torn down years later. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d8b4c98b-e3e7-4a63-9810-6b9bd42e2c23/tempImageiO0Q8o.jpg Blog - Last Day in the UK - Make it stand out Despite having 15 children, George III had no legitimate grandchildren after his only granddaughter, Princess Charlotte's death during childbirth. His sons and daughters were middle-aged, childless or had only illegitimate children (at least 56 of them). To ensure a legitimate heir, William, Duke of Clarence and Edward, Duke of Kent, made quick and convenient marriages to suitable German princesses. This would result in the birth of Alexandrina Victoria who was later crowned Queen Victoria in 1837. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a301a84d-9808-4b8f-a0cd-ef99538f934a/tempImageVj5Xwt.jpg Blog - Last Day in the UK - Make it stand out On July 11, 1818, a temporary altar was set up and a double wedding took place here in this room. Prince Edward, Duke of Kent married Princess Victoria of Saxe-Coburg (parents to the future Queen Victoria) and Prince William, Duke of Clarence married Princess Adelaide of Saxe-Meiningen. The wedding was held here rather than in more grand surroundings because Queen Charlotte was too ill to travel. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c6d76a0e-36ae-4a04-ba27-8656cb2a7957/tempImageBt836k.jpg Blog - Last Day in the UK - Make it stand out George III and his eldest son, Prince George, had a difficult relationship. The King disapproved of the Prince's love affairs and spending habits. The Prince tried to take power during the King's illnesses and in 1804 they disagreed over the education of the Prince’s daughter, Charlotte. However, that autumn, they met at Kew in the presence of the Prime Minister, the Queen and the Princesses to make a public reconciliation. The cartoon above was coincidentally drawn by none other than James Gillray, the satirist who was the subject of historian Alice Loxley’s Fringe event we attended in Edinburgh and her book UPROAR. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d8227964-6420-451e-bd99-2a9fee2afd34/tempImagej92epx.jpg Blog - Last Day in the UK - Make it stand out Although Queen Charlotte spent her final months in this room, her son Prince George had a chair fitted with wheels that allowed her to be pushed into the Boudoir for her meals. Eventually the Queen could not be moved from the black horsehair armchair and it was here that she died, surrounded by members of her family. Her body was taken to Windsor on December 2, 1818, and was buried in St George's Chapel in Windsor Castle. A thick bed of straw was laid down in the castle courtyard so that the King, who by this time was elderly, frail, and of fragile mind, could not hear and discover that his wife was dead. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d40ea427-8c73-4ae3-88aa-bddf85d786f3/tempImageOMV2We.jpg Blog - Last Day in the UK - Make it stand out On the left is a portrait of King George II, grandfather to George III. George III became heir to the throne when his father Prince Frederick (portrait on the right) died while his grandfather was still king. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9d6a3f79-20f9-47cd-9f5d-3236249361b6/tempImageUU5mX5.jpg Blog - Last Day in the UK - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0b534bc9-2df4-4abc-9c6f-85c88a6bfebc/tempImagefiyuIY.jpg Blog - Last Day in the UK - Make it stand out Queensland Silver Wattle inside the Princess of Wales Conservatory. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a158292a-3132-4048-8239-91790ac4ef77/tempImageIrxCem.jpg Blog - Last Day in the UK - Make it stand out Charles Grimaldi (Angel's Trumpet) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c7ac994f-adab-45b6-bb19-52e306f17be5/tempImageEgG4lX.jpg Blog - Last Day in the UK - Make it stand out Connor Cailean https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4f51aaf7-498f-460f-89a0-11f94a2db118/tempImage9FqSEb.jpg Blog - Last Day in the UK - Make it stand out Aristolochia cauliflora https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/40bb9582-a959-4173-896b-020b068ab867/tempImagen7KEy4.jpg Blog - Last Day in the UK - Make it stand out Stanhopea ruckeri (above and below) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6ecca90a-1302-48a9-afde-bb782337244b/tempImageMtJgpB.jpg Blog - Last Day in the UK - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0ee31a3c-0adb-4555-a520-a87fca5f9c05/tempImagekBVik2.jpg Blog - Last Day in the UK - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6b0f9afe-93c2-4174-a4fa-0dcad0fb0809/tempImagem5HEiS.jpg Blog - Last Day in the UK - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/93d49a0e-818d-455e-b0cb-e975b5f2e727/tempImageKGogBs.jpg Blog - Last Day in the UK - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4bdc8d53-64bb-4904-a69a-79a0468669d0/tempImageQincGF.jpg Blog - Last Day in the UK - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9728387b-7c85-43ae-a55b-4f055a6ed4c5/tempImageX10V4m.jpg Blog - Last Day in the UK - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d4215877-1197-4e9d-a324-b59fa49685de/tempImageUd9MDp.jpg Blog - Last Day in the UK - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3a424fbb-a52e-437d-b5cf-cec5822b535d/tempImage2VLa5u.jpg Blog - Last Day in the UK - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3175f8d7-3517-4ad8-b7fb-d09ebc7bd956/tempImageIjxPL1.jpg Blog - Last Day in the UK - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/aecec336-edeb-4c16-858a-51b8228c36f6/tempImageshPsik.jpg Blog - Last Day in the UK - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0fe222fd-a373-4c83-8813-277f8da4defe/tempImageFEoGtP.jpg Blog - Last Day in the UK - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a8391786-2885-43f1-8728-a5aa04aa1745/tempImagebksF7M.jpg Blog - Last Day in the UK - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/51d1da80-2119-4b40-89b4-aa2d183442cd/tempImagea4BJBO.jpg Blog - Last Day in the UK - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3a0a49c8-daac-4c20-90e6-a1876e2c9725/tempImageuMAPTT.jpg Blog - Last Day in the UK - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/df3e995c-29e1-455b-bb26-a26a369e862c/tempImagemzNjoB.jpg Blog - Last Day in the UK - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2d360d83-763b-4b65-9587-f3187989d3e7/tempImage1blmjm.jpg Blog - Last Day in the UK - Make it stand out Massive Chestnut-leaved oak https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/495002b7-5414-4a6f-b9ae-aedb481136f5/tempImageqOdGN8.jpg Blog - Last Day in the UK - Make it stand out Look at this monster! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a5bc3395-e5dd-4ec2-bd11-c2073fd0535e/tempImagefcrzDW.jpg Blog - Last Day in the UK - Make it stand out Back in Durham I had an incident with a bollard (ask if you’re interested). I figured I’d be in it for at least $1,000, so when the Avis agent quoted me just under $400, I immediately signed on the dotted line. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b8ed71ea-d4c4-462b-88b9-1a56a7aae7dc/tempImageAyZheR.jpg Blog - Last Day in the UK - Make it stand out After 9 1/2 months, I was chuffed (British for “very pleased”) to turn in our rental car and say goodbye to the predictably unpredictable UK roads. We schlepped all our luggage onto the Avis shuttle and over to Heathrow where we took the Underground into central London. We checked into our hotel, dropped off luggage, and hopped on the Underground to complete some last-minute shopping. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/dcca07a0-3706-432a-a622-c86acf7c096f/tempImageAcZYY2.jpg Blog - Last Day in the UK - Make it stand out I love maps. While in Edinburgh I had purchased a nice map of medieval London for £40. So one stop was to The Map House to see if they had a bigger selection of old London maps. Turned out they did… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a76a8f74-9382-4821-afa6-23339a9c4892/tempImage9ghLD6.jpg Blog - Last Day in the UK - Make it stand out Then I realized they only sold original maps and was gobsmacked by the prices! (That’s roughly $1,270 USD!) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/bba20b1d-c747-418d-9a6b-7f43777af045/tempImageG10QEE.jpg Blog - Last Day in the UK - Make it stand out While moving around London Amanda found a dime in the Knightsbridge underground station. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/115b90ff-7930-4a5f-ac12-51aa04df6cbe/tempImage4uxKdy.jpg Blog - Last Day in the UK - Make it stand out Dad is still with us on this crazy journey! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e9113460-bcb1-4bb6-87c4-3ca75640ec67/tempImageVx4co8.jpg Blog - Last Day in the UK - Make it stand out We were leaving on an early train to Paris, so we paid extra to stay at the St Pancras Renaissance Hotel (also from the Harry Potter films), because the Eurostar train departs from directly behind the hotel. Next stop…the one and only Paris! https://www.overthehillandacrossthepond.com/blog/a-queen-amp-a-bear monthly 0.5 2023-11-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/422429eb-3e61-40ff-8057-99bfafccb084/tempImageADMulF.jpg Blog - A Queen & A Bear - Make it stand out In the time of Henry VIII, Hever Castle was the home to Thomas Boleyn and his wife Elizabeth Howard. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6bf480d8-36ce-498b-8adf-958970ac9f5b/tempImagegbxSZO.jpg Blog - A Queen & A Bear - Make it stand out A gorgeous moated castle. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3176d2c4-608d-479d-9589-1e398ede54aa/tempImageQWeqZA.jpg Blog - A Queen & A Bear - Make it stand out On the drawbridge with the first portcullis visible behind Amanda https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4654993c-8b70-4286-b82b-a2ff40bf0bac/tempImageywfplP.jpg Blog - A Queen & A Bear - Make it stand out One of the inner gate doors (with wicket), and a second portcullis. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c26da467-f400-4b2f-896f-6fc40d7cb021/tempImagee3JKrm.jpg Blog - A Queen & A Bear - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f88d59ed-9caa-4d6c-90c1-6bdf65d57b01/tempImage4VMswe.jpg Blog - A Queen & A Bear - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2ad2de7b-226e-4915-be2b-882b881a61cc/tempImagedeu4MC.jpg Blog - A Queen & A Bear - Make it stand out A childhood portrait of Anne’s older sister Mary, with whom Henry had an affair before pursuing Anne. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/afd13530-283d-428a-a9c1-24fdd1b2a0b8/tempImagedDpX2L.jpg Blog - A Queen & A Bear - Make it stand out A young Anne Boleyn https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/61ee168e-fc44-4670-8947-66593462dc2c/tempImagey2K4cu.jpg Blog - A Queen & A Bear - Make it stand out Replica of the clock given to Anne Boleyn by Henry VIll on their wedding day. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5c71b202-8415-4c31-8e5c-f7a5ca85fb08/tempImage2P7Eue.jpg Blog - A Queen & A Bear - Make it stand out Like so many old buildings, Hever Castle was abandoned and in a state of decay until American William Waldorf Astor purchased the castle and its land in 1903. He wanted to preserve the castle itself and to perpetuate its historical associations. He also wanted to live in 20th-century style and comfort, and to entertain lavishly. Astor transformed the space above into a sumptuous Drawing Room to entertain his famous guests. The cottages you see behind the castle were also built by Astor to house his guests. He had them built to look like a small Tudor village. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/de4f9998-db3b-49fe-aed7-069d05b73e9d/tempImageTNeHiB.jpg Blog - A Queen & A Bear - Make it stand out The Great Hall where Henry VIII dined with the Boleyn family. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/be42f292-9def-468d-844f-666c8f670a66/tempImage038hXu.jpg Blog - A Queen & A Bear - Make it stand out Henry VIII had his own locks installed on doors in every place he stayed. This is one of the surviving original locks that was never removed. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d40e6883-a81a-4f0c-ba9a-ef8679e99313/tempImageemcqEr.jpg Blog - A Queen & A Bear - Make it stand out Catherine of Aragon (Henry VIII’s first wife) was a Spanish princes sent to England at 15 to marry Arthur Tudor, the eldest son of King Henry VII. But five months later, her new husband Arthur died suddenly. Her luck got a whole lot worse when she ended up married to Arthur’s younger brother Henry. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/cbd6fe56-8040-4f59-a835-6f1737f2eb10/tempImage2td29K.jpg Blog - A Queen & A Bear - Make it stand out This rare 16th century oak panel is carved with the emblems of King Henry VIll and Queen Catherine of Aragon. The emblem combines a rose motif, relating to the Tudor family, and pomegranates, which are associated with the family and Spanish heritage of Catherine of Aragon. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b327a136-ff7f-4afc-a49d-7d34f1bf2c22/tempImageyKEpD4.jpg Blog - A Queen & A Bear - Make it stand out Anne spent several years in the French court and became very graceful and charming as a result. Three years after she arrived back in England, Anne Boleyn caught the eye of King Henry Vlll who started to send her gifts and love letters, despite already being married to Catherine of Aragon for nearly 20 years. There was one thing Catherine had never given Henry, which was the one thing he wanted most in the world—a son. Henry decided to marry Anne in the hope she would give him a son. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/12e52e1e-78c5-4824-b8fb-2003206ca36c/tempImageQrSzSg.jpg Blog - A Queen & A Bear - Make it stand out This plaque celebrates the marriages of Thomas Boleyn to Lady Elizabetn Howard (left) and King Henry VIll to Anne Boleyn (right). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/35d1755e-2203-492b-abe2-5bfa3c75eb8d/tempImageCgsUYw.jpg Blog - A Queen & A Bear - Make it stand out Anne’s bedroom. The oak and walnut four-poster bed in Anne’s bedroom is c. 1485. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/41cbbc89-dce5-43f3-ae5b-f82cbc6229a5/tempImage3QTkpA.jpg Blog - A Queen & A Bear - Make it stand out The bedroom done up as it likely would have been when Henry stayed at Hever. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/cd71f0ad-ceeb-4c0f-ae66-08713ce3ea9e/tempImageILdf6z.jpg Blog - A Queen & A Bear - Make it stand out Hever’s Long Gallery https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/41d983b8-2d10-4694-9c92-1f374e1b1d4e/tempImage7xNGFm.jpg Blog - A Queen & A Bear - Make it stand out Farewell Hever https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/65d9914a-48be-4b0b-88dd-1da6c8561dfd/tempImageKVJWiK.jpg Blog - A Queen & A Bear - Make it stand out Divorced, Beheaded, Died Divorced. Beheaded, Survived https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/db32919e-3e87-473c-a98f-0f7c8d655dfa/tempImageRJANgX.jpg Blog - A Queen & A Bear - Make it stand out Just outside the entrance to Hever Castle sits the King Henry VIII pub, established in 1597. In case you’re wondering: Henry reigned from 1509-1547. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/30b8b5ae-2ecd-4f29-ae0d-6498d8cf33c5/tempImageXbtMO4.jpg Blog - A Queen & A Bear - Make it stand out I tried a Cruzcampo, which was a Spanish lager on tap; very nice! The pub had actual candles burning throughout. Amazing ambiance. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f02e771d-d9f3-42cd-a9ce-3aa95ccf54c0/tempImageKAZj9e.jpg Blog - A Queen & A Bear - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/bbe42bc9-49e1-43a3-8f96-dd4d2913e3bc/tempImageJElnhJ.jpg Blog - A Queen & A Bear - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1c96c973-d8ff-47f5-998c-87ba88748d70/tempImage9noBlz.jpg Blog - A Queen & A Bear - Make it stand out After 9 1/2 months on the go, this was our final Vrbo/Airbnb! The fingerpost is reminiscent of those in Yorkshire. Here is the town on the map and a short video tour of the apartment: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rVFPwbqWqHc https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/386580ab-49dc-4028-80bd-caee954400ed/tempImagef0cHRO.jpg Blog - A Queen & A Bear - Make it stand out And here we are outside the Royal Tunbridge Wells Sainsbury’s (wishing we had our sunglasses), our last grocery store trip in the UK. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e50a2674-91ee-412e-b01e-c28dbe5cb4b8/tempImageLDzkXD.jpg Blog - A Queen & A Bear - Make it stand out This sign depicts: The Saxon noble Gromen who gave his name to the village. The shields of Kent and Sussex, with the hops and vines of both counties. The Gromen men joining hands over the River Grom uniting the old settlement in Kent with the new one in Sussex. The anvil representing the iron works of the area. The word Groombridge forming a bridge over the Grom and a steam train portraying the growth of the railway and the new village. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/606c9c0c-6b1a-4fe7-9cec-61b6dc414e5a/tempImageECra3q.jpg Blog - A Queen & A Bear - Make it stand out This picture depicts: A very sad tourist who loved Groombridge Place in the Pride and Prejudice film as the Bennett family home. A tourist who knew ahead of time that the house was closed for refurbishment. A tourist who nonetheless really hoped she could at least see the house from the road, but was disappointed that that was not the case. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e1141e62-42a6-4a5f-a64e-aec36e104f70/tempImagejAaokv.jpg Blog - A Queen & A Bear - Make it stand out This sign depicts: The wonderful public right-of-way laws in the UK (the little yellow arrow, not the sheep one). The stubborn determination of the first tourist’s husband to find a way for his wife to see the house. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/24874eb9-3586-458e-aaca-043a0d1b48c5/tempImageSwvoTu.jpg Blog - A Queen & A Bear - Make it stand out The house may be closed for restoration, but we were able to get really close to the house and stand where some of our favorite scenes were filmed! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/fffc5f39-affe-40f4-8a62-c58a146c9e94/tempImageP2CEqM.jpg Blog - A Queen & A Bear - Make it stand out Amazingly, the public footpath takes you nearly to the front door. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/531b2187-d598-4699-bd6a-e51f61811d50/tempImageDysPbi.jpg Blog - A Queen & A Bear - Make it stand out This current house was built in 1662. but it was constructed on the site of a small moated castle from 1239. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b55d06f5-2b02-44e1-a8fe-043573a6da2f/tempImageAbWFD7.jpg Blog - A Queen & A Bear - Make it stand out Apparently the house has been purchased by The Pig, a small upmarket boutique hotel chain and is set to open sometime in 2025. Sadly, it will never be seen again in its original glory as a family home. The front porch and room to the right were seen repeatedly in the film. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/84c576cd-f894-482e-8d08-fff71c07da24/tempImage658s8P.jpg Blog - A Queen & A Bear - Make it stand out The small bridge crossing the moat, which Lizzie is seen crossing as the film opens. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5791613d-4302-4338-b0da-1b740c081755/tempImageem9bEy.jpg Blog - A Queen & A Bear - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/88ebc714-7e50-47a9-8d9e-6ad61d50bf7b/tempImageVUrUb8.jpg Blog - A Queen & A Bear - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/410f9764-1d93-41be-b6f0-96c83445ee17/tempImage5GQmVN.jpg Blog - A Queen & A Bear - Make it stand out This is the spot where Mr Bingley contemplates his botched first attempt at proposal to Jane. You can watch the scene below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4BQZ_uaSf8U https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e77da9bd-bc74-400b-9eca-a27684ce4426/tempImageuoIqwe.jpg Blog - A Queen & A Bear - Make it stand out The building known today as Pooh Corner was, for many centuries, called Sackville Cottage (sign to the right of the door). As well as homes, the cottages later became business premises, notably a bakery and general store. As a boy, Christopher Robin Milne would visit the store here buying bullseye sweets with his Nanny Olive and donkey Jessica. The owner of Sackville sold the cottage in 1978 to Mike Ridley, who established Pooh Corner in honor of Christopher Milne as a tearoom and a gift shop. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/367f618c-bcdd-4617-986d-d5af6c9b58a6/tempImageGxKFxw.jpg Blog - A Queen & A Bear - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1b24405b-6c06-4d21-aecf-6762826bda96/tempImageeYQ0u8.jpg Blog - A Queen & A Bear - Make it stand out Christopher Robin Milne with his grandfather, John Vine Milne, and Edward Bear (better know as Winnie-the-Pooh). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/65713647-9fff-4e30-91e8-64766a71c70f/tempImaget61C64.jpg Blog - A Queen & A Bear - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a5362f39-2595-482a-bf0f-a9b40f4d1bbd/tempImageeZ7Jsw.jpg Blog - A Queen & A Bear - Make it stand out Poo in the corner of Five Hundred Acre Wood in Ashdown Forest. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/fc01c897-368c-47a0-a50b-9d8312eebf2d/tempImageLL2DOZ.jpg Blog - A Queen & A Bear - Make it stand out Christopher Robin’s childhood playground: Five Hundred Acre Wood in Ashdown Forest https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2c3104ad-5b0d-4412-959a-c79e1e6cf871/tempImageXDbybm.jpg Blog - A Queen & A Bear - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ca61f9de-41bd-431a-a427-bcbd7f97fd39/tempImageS9vXEA.jpg Blog - A Queen & A Bear - Make it stand out “Plez cnoke if an rnsr is not reqid.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/88df006b-70a8-494f-acc7-a6bde9ac0ef0/tempImageUTGSxs.jpg Blog - A Queen & A Bear - Make it stand out Piglet is an anxious and shy little pig. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/95b433f9-5205-445d-a709-20432dc171a4/tempImageFShI87.jpg Blog - A Queen & A Bear - Make it stand out “The thing to do, when you’re feeling blue, is to make something useful out of it.” -Piglet https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2716961d-164d-4cd4-8977-2704d4d68cac/tempImageQVAk4g.jpg Blog - A Queen & A Bear - Make it stand out “I’m not afraid of heights. Just…not used to them.” -Piglet https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9e98b88e-429e-4a79-ab12-6494cd56605b/tempImagejurjZO.jpg Blog - A Queen & A Bear - Make it stand out Poohsticks Bridge https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1670a6f6-3cee-4b9f-82dc-9787e9a64519/tempImageSNi68K.jpg Blog - A Queen & A Bear - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e0efe179-3874-4fc5-8526-8da9ebf9f94b/tempImagebYTbPG.jpg Blog - A Queen & A Bear - Make it stand out Poohsticks was invented by A.A. Milne for his son Christopher Robin Milne. The game first came to prominence upon Milne's description in his 1928 book, The House at Pooh Corner. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f4dd4e88-0e67-4144-8829-13b3e34cbda7/tempImageYsX2UC.jpg Blog - A Queen & A Bear - Make it stand out It is a simple game which may be played on any bridge over running water; each player drops a stick on the upstream side of a bridge and the one whose stick first appears on the downstream side is the winner. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a0d89d7e-bf13-4827-93ef-bdaec307910c/tempImageu7X4rj.jpg Blog - A Queen & A Bear - Make it stand out This memorial to the creator of Winnie the Pooh in the heart of the Ashdown Forest’s Five Hundred Acre Wood is inscribed with a quote from The House at Pooh Corner, “And by and by they came to an enchanted place on the very top of the Forest called Galleon’s Lap.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0d530086-b47e-43e6-8b42-a89ea8235878/tempImageDbbLOs.jpg Blog - A Queen & A Bear - Make it stand out Cotchford Hill—The Milne family home. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/00b2ed2f-8c72-45f6-9b19-562e2f05286c/tempImagertSxxu.jpg Blog - A Queen & A Bear - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f7de6392-62ce-4fdf-be02-de6053315f37/tempImageb6SREF.jpg Blog - A Queen & A Bear - Make it stand out This was our second-to-the-last stop in our vast loop of the UK. Tomorrow (Wednesday, August 30) we visit Kew Gardens near London, then it’s Paris and home! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2b145be3-0f33-435b-af1d-b0f926bea6bd/tempImagecUy2iL.jpg Blog - A Queen & A Bear - Make it stand out Our beloved frother! Alas, it’s built for 220v and has a UK plug, so little sense in taking it home with us. Fortunately, we were able to pack it up today and ship it to Jacqueline and Paul—which is quite fitting since they live near Glasgow and we bought it in Glasgow! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ecd92994-0141-4cc6-b751-920a35cb3c75/tempImagelDBQYG.jpg Blog - A Queen & A Bear - Make it stand out We also took a small hoard of other goods to a charity shop in Royal Tunbridge Wells. Time to lighten our load and get ready for our return trip home! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3a823549-2030-4013-81e0-560e728c32cb/tempImageP2Npqe.jpg Blog - A Queen & A Bear - Make it stand out No more use for all these cards, time to throw them away. Boy oh boy did they save us money! https://www.overthehillandacrossthepond.com/blog/knebworth-amp-bletchley monthly 0.5 2023-11-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/66844878-88d8-471a-bb97-b37c40f7589f/tempImageeTDves.jpg Blog - Knebworth & Bletchley - Make it stand out As the song-along is about to begin, Lars and Mita enter the room through this door. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/780cda9f-4754-4dc9-9a56-0e215e392dfc/tempImageKzEILv.jpg Blog - Knebworth & Bletchley - Make it stand out Lemtov and Sigrit enter from here. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d0e036b3-8cd4-4b75-aecb-23790f74fb08/tempImage13Cmpm.jpg Blog - Knebworth & Bletchley - Make it stand out Let the signing commence! Bilal Hassani (France) and Anna Odobescu (Moldova) begin the song-along in this very room. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/179193f0-f701-45bc-91f0-beeac763d925/tempImage1sdRZc.jpg Blog - Knebworth & Bletchley - Make it stand out Loreen (Sweden) continues the song down this staircase. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9774e362-80af-43e1-b7c7-f3ea51829afc/tempImageocTZ1z.jpg Blog - Knebworth & Bletchley - Make it stand out She is joined by Jessy Matador (France) at this landing, where the song-along proceeds outside. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/50697dda-a308-4341-9361-1b0bcf493a1a/tempImage9phGZB.jpg Blog - Knebworth & Bletchley - Make it stand out Loreen (Sweden) exists the house through this door and onto the patio where the song continues with the entire ensamble, including Alex Ryback (Norway) on violin. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d87fdf5d-b7ce-4757-b2f8-a0c50dbca3d8/tempImageUoctln.jpg Blog - Knebworth & Bletchley - Make it stand out The song continues with Jamala (Ukraine) standing on the minstrel’s balcony of The Grand Hall. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8f97d125-ea83-4afe-a332-fea68024eb3e/tempImagexjbgT3.jpg Blog - Knebworth & Bletchley - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6e079cb1-efa1-4714-b8e1-a143da1dea28/tempImageilZD3Y.jpg Blog - Knebworth & Bletchley - Make it stand out Jamala passes the song down from the minstrel’s balcony where it continues on the floor of the Grand Hall. The song then moves into a room that I don’t think we saw during our tour. This is where Elina Nechayeva (Estonia) and Conchita Wurst (Austria) sing while everyone around the room acts like they’re Neo in the Matrix. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a6d5f780-6d78-4f9b-a4d2-771ec3ada9c9/tempImageae3eag.jpg Blog - Knebworth & Bletchley - Make it stand out The song continues at the front of the house with Netta Barzilai (Israel) singing “Tonight’s going to be a good night.” This is the same place where Lars and Sigrit first drive up to the party through the tower at the left. The song returns to the Great Hall for the finale. It was so much fun being in all the same rooms! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/43654ca6-0d04-44bc-8679-144420aa4de8/tempImageIXiPiV.jpg Blog - Knebworth & Bletchley - Make it stand out Just so you don’t think it was all fun and games, here is the Great Hall as painted by Winston Churchill (he was friends with the owner of Knebworth). I must say, the exterior of Knebworth also included the coolest collection of grotesques we’ve ever seen on a house. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/860425fa-1e48-4000-a541-a18bffb61cf9/tempImagePY7hEV.jpg Blog - Knebworth & Bletchley - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/81ae434e-1af5-4c16-8786-fca5a0e0d866/tempImagevwJ4aZ.jpg Blog - Knebworth & Bletchley - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/36b553f4-c9ab-4e4c-af8f-30d9a70dd510/tempImage84ijSS.jpg Blog - Knebworth & Bletchley - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7a853671-e29a-4380-bcda-2a5e83cb7fa6/tempImageYme7mR.jpg Blog - Knebworth & Bletchley - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/174676dd-a9e9-4733-a2cf-f27e1997c65d/tempImagebnA0SR.jpg Blog - Knebworth & Bletchley - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c5e04aef-51e6-42bd-8b07-83c9098367c9/tempImagewOS0DG.jpg Blog - Knebworth & Bletchley - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b11e0664-1ee5-470f-a98b-ac5d3ae15112/tempImage0SbJZo.jpg Blog - Knebworth & Bletchley - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1cb0723a-a746-43da-bc01-19ec4a0284f9/tempImageq4bO2q.jpg Blog - Knebworth & Bletchley - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d86f9a16-6243-452a-90ed-98399b72af1a/tempImageRRYaqz.jpg Blog - Knebworth & Bletchley - Make it stand out See what I mean? Amazing! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/72fc3180-e562-4ad4-9d94-a5621a21395d/tempImageaAcoLt.jpg Blog - Knebworth & Bletchley - Make it stand out It’s actually quite fitting that the song-along was filmed at Knebworth as the house has a long history of famous musical events at the property. In the photo above you can see the house at the bottom left and the massive crowd gathered for what I imagine is a Rolling Stones concert. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d81ec8fc-862a-421a-994b-6b5e3df5f291/tempImageAIzpYn.jpg Blog - Knebworth & Bletchley - Make it stand out Over the years, the house has hosted Pink Floyd, Rolling Stones, Genesis, Led Zeppelin, The Beach Boys, Queen, Oasis, the Who, Metallic, and so many others! The Breakfast Club soundtrack featured the Simple Minds hit Don’t You (Forget About Me), the video of which was filmed in the Great Hall at Knebworth (see if you can spot Winston Churchill’s painting in the background): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CdqoNKCCt7A https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/76c44bb0-c648-4343-97ed-eaa8b6bf7287/tempImagedcGJWB.jpg Blog - Knebworth & Bletchley - Make it stand out The house and lake are private property and there are signs everywhere about not entering, but I was briefly naughty and snapped this photo. I could only capture brief glimpses of the house, but this small island with the two statues (and the pier in the back left) should look mighty familiar in the opening scenes of the video (you got to love the ‘80s music video vibe! ): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u1ZvPSpLxCg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5fef06af-84f3-406e-9629-ec67fb743ceb/tempImageJgH52D.jpg Blog - Knebworth & Bletchley - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/65992eb7-025e-40a5-b879-d0bea726f310/tempImagewiBtzE.jpg Blog - Knebworth & Bletchley - Make it stand out An actual German Enigma machine. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/58cf855b-de90-4ac0-a4f3-dc9692cdf7bf/tempImageLQvKfc.jpg Blog - Knebworth & Bletchley - Make it stand out It’s amazing to see how many women made up the ranks of BP. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2fad5465-0e58-4062-ac3e-e345cee7fc35/tempImage2zedJU.jpg Blog - Knebworth & Bletchley - Make it stand out Statue of the amazing mathematician and code breaker Alan Turing. We both highly recommend the movie about Turing‘s life in The Imitation Game. If you haven’t seen it yet, it’s one of our favorite movies. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e458f769-8c9c-471c-a407-0e2315c71c0f/tempImage10EVPu.jpg Blog - Knebworth & Bletchley - Make it stand out In September 2009, Prime Minister Gordon Brown issued the above unequivocal apology on behalf of the UK government to Alan Turing, the second world war codebreaker who took his own life after being sentenced to chemical castration for being gay. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2fc80222-3347-48be-aacd-7f8c8953f89f/tempImageT5kmol.jpg Blog - Knebworth & Bletchley - Make it stand out Alan Turing featured on the £50 note. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e8fa28ea-64f4-4e3c-8475-1a99bc79b02c/tempImageOtm3lL.jpg Blog - Knebworth & Bletchley - Make it stand out Formal recognition of the Importance of Alan Turing's work to the development of the modern computer. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b248293a-a551-44d6-ae9c-81444f844752/tempImage4ScAzu.jpg Blog - Knebworth & Bletchley - Make it stand out Looking across the lake at The Mansion. In 1938, this is just an old country estate, ready to be broken up for housing. All that changes when it catches the eye of a senior intelligence officer. For the last 19 years, the Government Code and Cypher School (GC&CS) has been based in London. As war with Germany grows more likely, government agencies start looking for bases outside the city, away from the threat of air raids. This decision is made: GC&CS, will move to BP. When locals ask questions, staff say they are here for the pheasant shooting season. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9edb68ec-6cf1-43c4-acde-9a96ddac7cd4/tempImageuWlK6B.jpg Blog - Knebworth & Bletchley - Make it stand out This building is where BP's codebreaking story begins. Even before WW-II breaks out, the first codebreakers begin to settle into the empty Mansion. Under Commander Alastair Denniston's leadership, that handful of people will grow into a vast intelligence operation. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/43f0bbac-e8e4-4b64-8553-815f83fb2f14/tempImageJwajjM.jpg Blog - Knebworth & Bletchley - Make it stand out The Ballroom in the Mansion was originally used as a teleprinter room, then a Recreation Club, and later a quiet reading and rest room where staff could relax. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e7189d1a-1a2a-4fea-bd38-554722e86576/tempImageZcwgtc.jpg Blog - Knebworth & Bletchley - Make it stand out The Morning Room was turned into the office for Commander Alexander (Alastair) Guthrie Denniston, Head of the Government Code & Cypher School (GC&CS). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d5586074-f7ea-43cd-ae2e-6e4c77c7111c/tempImageUtU3bl.jpg Blog - Knebworth & Bletchley - Make it stand out The Library was initially used by the German and Italian Naval subsections. Later in the war the Library was occupied by the typing section. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/65793c73-10eb-4d85-b715-a351b6824802/tempImageuoFhzi.jpg Blog - Knebworth & Bletchley - Make it stand out Hut 3 was one of the most secret areas of BP, where deciphered messages were translated and analyzed. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d83351fe-82af-4a8b-8fb2-bcab968cb0dd/tempImageqf1jFY.jpg Blog - Knebworth & Bletchley - Make it stand out Elizabeth Langstaff (later Lady Elizabeth Reed) was assigned to work in Hut 3. You can read about this Langstaff by following this link: https://bletchleypark.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/record_attachments/1944.pdf https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/aa5f8a60-b4b0-4ae9-97a4-aaec3137273b/tempImagecoG43R.jpg Blog - Knebworth & Bletchley - Make it stand out Another Langstaff inside Hut 3. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f617ca25-0246-468a-b33b-7cc1adb8d02e/tempImagerzCJAw.jpg Blog - Knebworth & Bletchley - Make it stand out Hut 3 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/da11f453-8d6f-4e3b-8473-61e76d7e5435/tempImagemiEI54.jpg Blog - Knebworth & Bletchley - Make it stand out Just beyond this door, sat the head of Hut 8—Alan Turing. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/426f78f3-59d5-4d64-aa68-3404a7474509/tempImagef9pTHT.jpg Blog - Knebworth & Bletchley - Make it stand out It was in this hut that Codebreakers managed to break the top secret German naval Enigma ciphers. Their work provided crucial day-to-day intelligence during the Battle of the Atlantic. It allowed the Admiralty to re-route Allied convoys bringing vital supplies to Britain around the enemy U-boats hunting them down. The team here was led by mathematician Alan Turing and chess champion Hugh Alexander. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/447eeaa9-862d-4188-98b6-1c5c5151765d/tempImagenHGb2W.jpg Blog - Knebworth & Bletchley - Make it stand out There is no denying, we both felt quite a shiver entering Turing’s office. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/98580d41-376b-422e-b397-033107a6b42b/tempImageRnCSVP.jpg Blog - Knebworth & Bletchley - Make it stand out I really felt tremendous respect and admiration for what Turing and so many others like him did to save untold lives, and turn the tide of the war. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9ba5d0fa-afe9-4e35-b70c-68ea7d34fd54/517KNp440yL.jpg Blog - Knebworth & Bletchley - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5df639f5-a377-44eb-a655-108bde373297/tempImagepxzb6B.jpg Blog - Knebworth & Bletchley - Make it stand out The first Bombe machine was installed in Hut 1. Together with his fellow Codebreaker Gordon Welchman, Alan Turing developed the Bombe machine to help speed up the codebreaking process. Later, as seen here, Huts 11, 11A, and 11B were build specifically for Bombes. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/59824029-63da-4934-be4e-b0b87d3eb34d/tempImageAcnfIY.jpg Blog - Knebworth & Bletchley - Make it stand out The name Bombe either came from the ticking sound the machines made, or as a tribute to the Polish Bomba—which has two meanings: an exclamation for something really good, or a round scoop of ice cream enjoyed by the Polish Codebreakers. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/87498690-07c9-4048-bff7-fc337f42e847/tempImageLgut4v.jpg Blog - Knebworth & Bletchley - Make it stand out This manuscript contains Alan Turing's description of he Enigma machine and how to break its encryption. It is known as “Prof's Book,” after Turing's nickname. These pages introduce his thorough analysis of Enigma. Turing expanded on his ideas with annotations and sketched diagrams throughout the typescript. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/26c1c444-eb43-4720-a521-18866e0c8efc/tempImageCKyiUk.jpg Blog - Knebworth & Bletchley - Make it stand out Block A https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b6d8ef4e-b40e-4904-baaa-33232b247fcc/tempImageu7fJtg.jpg Blog - Knebworth & Bletchley - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d3140848-5ae2-4a78-b59b-14bc46af37c3/tempImage5qGrC8.jpg Blog - Knebworth & Bletchley - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/07c77ac8-3457-41fc-a125-615d737e76ce/Screenshot+2023-11-20+at+8.03.24%E2%80%AFAM.png Blog - Knebworth & Bletchley - Make it stand out My mom and Amanda had read this book and loved it. I was about third of the way through when we toured BP. I was so happy to have not yet finished the book because it was so powerful to have the mental images of BP as I completed my reading. Whether you visit BP or not, you’ll love reading this book! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f8d4284d-210b-4baa-83ec-e9af871b8c57/tempImageKQ2afL.jpg Blog - Knebworth & Bletchley - Make it stand out After digesting so much information at Knebworth House and Bletchley Park (not to mention the driving), it was time to unwind with visits to two of Cambridge’s most famous pubs. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/cd9c4af0-0275-42a4-9c0b-299ff2671cca/tempImagey2cH0f.jpg Blog - Knebworth & Bletchley - Make it stand out This side of the fireplace at The Green Dragon says, “1599-1658 Oliver Cromwell and his friends practiced their knife-throwing skills into this fire lintel & can still be seen today.” Mirror in the Bathroom by The English Beat played while we were sitting in the pub—a nice touch. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ff36844f-5480-4485-a60e-6d6ea39044d3/tempImagespvpwk.jpg Blog - Knebworth & Bletchley - Make it stand out The other side of the fireplace reads, “JRR Tolkien 1892-1975 visited this pub for inspiration for writing The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7a28236c-3161-4e9e-a092-3319ddcf20b3/tempImagerFLxpB.jpg Blog - Knebworth & Bletchley - Make it stand out Just look at this amazing old gate with a wicket (smaller inset door) that leads to the courtyard onto which The Eagle opens. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e0a8124d-2d50-41a0-863f-ffeb39f901ea/tempImagePiNmlI.jpg Blog - Knebworth & Bletchley - Make it stand out In the passageway to The Eagle courtyard. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a0800cfe-80c9-4729-adcc-4f98a1b2d570/tempImageIkxPvP.jpg Blog - Knebworth & Bletchley - Make it stand out The charming courtyard. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/94b98261-14cb-4b20-b178-288b82ed9aa0/tempImageybgvzj.jpg Blog - Knebworth & Bletchley - Make it stand out The Eagle is an absolutely amazing pub, full of patrons and buzzing with energy. This is a “must-visit” spot if you ever make it to Cambridge. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/68b3e8e6-a5f7-4ab0-95f4-38e8d8d6805a/tempImagef1pRfY.jpg Blog - Knebworth & Bletchley - Make it stand out You can sit inside an old fireplace, like this couple…or… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/59c6d5bb-4818-4fea-a9eb-6fda10bc7266/tempImagewqiaab.jpg Blog - Knebworth & Bletchley - Make it stand out …you can sit here, with a plaque behind your back that reads: “On this spot, on February 28, 1953, Frands Crick and James Watson made the first public announcement of the discovery of DNA with the words ‘We have discovered the secret of life.’ Throughout their early partnership Watson & Crick dined in this room on six days every week.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/da0252a5-7230-48c0-950f-7257b303378c/tempImageLWGujF.jpg Blog - Knebworth & Bletchley - Make it stand out On our other side was this quote. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a99a9163-89f7-4def-b476-2e323b2af7f7/tempImage9og5xY.jpg Blog - Knebworth & Bletchley - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/62d13e3f-e232-4123-93b2-a5348c27207a/tempImagegKhlC2.jpg Blog - Knebworth & Bletchley - Make it stand out The back of the pub is the Royal Air Force (RAF) Bar, the ceiling of which is covered with the signatures of WW-II pilots. An amazing way to end our day and a fitting end to our time in Cambridge. https://www.overthehillandacrossthepond.com/blog/ely-amp-cambridge monthly 0.5 2023-11-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3afcd500-bb60-40fc-9626-5df9fec7fd48/tempImage7A6azL.jpg Blog - Ely & Cambridge - Make it stand out We stopped to make a pee pee and as we were walking back to our car, guess who paid us a visit? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e8da1fb4-823b-49ae-ab1a-dcd7ac4c8032/tempImageGpU52U.jpg Blog - Ely & Cambridge - Make it stand out You’ll have no difficulty imaging that Amanda wanted nothing to do with touring one more cathedral, especially since I wanted to take the tour that climbs up into the octagon tower. We’ll get to the octagon tour in a second (and, yes, Amanda went to the charity shops), but first, Oliver Cromwell, one of England’s true anti-heros, had a house next to Ely Cathedral (pronounced E-lee). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a1729ccf-5bb7-4176-8ea6-2c13f8c0a58c/tempImageY7GWM6.jpg Blog - Ely & Cambridge - Make it stand out Henry VIII and Oliver Cromwell are two big turds in England’s punch bowl. I did have the timed tour pending at the cathedral, and I’m clearly not a fan of Oliver Cromwell, so probably not somewhere I was particularly interested in visiting. I was willing, however, to take a photograph out front because I’m a dedicated blogger who wants you at home to enjoy the full experience. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c717ed3d-0b7e-4453-8082-17cb9af5ce5a/tempImagegQx9p5.jpg Blog - Ely & Cambridge - Make it stand out So, why is Ely Cathedral a name you have probably never heard and also my favorite cathedral? Let’s see if I can convince you. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/25143aec-ef2e-4a02-81ff-212846af3d03/tempImageOGcHJ7.jpg Blog - Ely & Cambridge - Make it stand out The West Tower was completed in the 14th century and its hexagonal tower is unique. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/162e7aa7-bd32-4c82-a8a8-459db37153d5/tempImagel4taIR.jpg Blog - Ely & Cambridge - Make it stand out Much like Gloucester Cathedral and St Magnus Cathedral (Orkney), the Nave is so old it was built by the Normans and has round pillars and arches and was completed in 1189. Astonishing they could design and construct such a massive building back then. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b09d11b1-8ab4-41a2-853f-39e222b2cbd8/tempImageW3BzBl.jpg Blog - Ely & Cambridge - Make it stand out The amazing ceiling in the Nave is Victorian, depicting different scenes from the Bible. It shows how all of history, starting with Adam, points to and is fulfilled in Jesus Christ. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f7a48642-d2ba-4257-b96d-69ff0c96bef2/tempImageMtxx6A.jpg Blog - Ely & Cambridge - Make it stand out But the real stunner is The Octagon. Ironically, this magnificent and wholly unique tower was the result of poor design. The original Norman tower collapsed in 1322. On the night of February 12, 1322, disaster struck. The original tower, which stood here, collapsed, leaving a gaping hole and destrying part of what in now the choir In its place Alan de Walsingham, Sacrist of the monastery, created the Octagon, a structure of timber, glass, and lead, standing on 8 massive stone pillars. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ef0e149e-8674-409b-9547-905cad9293a8/tempImagebACEed.jpg Blog - Ely & Cambridge - Make it stand out It was an engineering marvel for it’s time and the geometric design is simply mesmerizing. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d44af601-b936-4120-805e-65500eb49f8e/tempImagecXPteM.jpg Blog - Ely & Cambridge - Make it stand out While the Transept in most cathedrals is square, Ely has these four diagonal walls the others lack. On each of these diagonal walls are carvings of three apostles, so that all twelve are represented around the Transept. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ed0f6438-c5e9-4097-b9bf-81e529158372/tempImageMXkqgp.jpg Blog - Ely & Cambridge - Make it stand out The diagonal walls also have windows that introduce additional light into the space. You can appreciate the full length of the Nave on the left above. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/90094d16-d479-4c14-bf11-7af1be1e12f8/tempImage1L57aq.jpg Blog - Ely & Cambridge - Make it stand out This very ornate piece appears to be the organ pipes; however, it is purely decorative and conceals where the organist sits. You can see the real pipes through the archway. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/679cb869-0d36-4596-8e28-0021f55bf3ad/tempImageG3Cf0y.jpg Blog - Ely & Cambridge - Make it stand out The organist reaches their platform by way of this door and by ascending the decorative spiral staircase. It’s a very unique feature I’ve never seen in another cathedral. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8cff2f56-6347-4094-a118-0e3c71c8721c/tempImage9Htj4u.jpg Blog - Ely & Cambridge - Make it stand out The shrine to St Etheldreda is in the Presbytery, which was built on the 13th century to house the shrine to St Etheldreda by adding onto the east end of the original Norman cathedral. For many centuries pilgrims came to Ely to pray here, at the shrine of St Etheldreda, Etheldreda was a Saxon Queen who founded a monastery on this site back in 673. Hers is a very interesting story if you want to Google and read something intriguing. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/526d4871-b734-47c0-8945-71c83e7994d3/tempImagezpi2WF.jpg Blog - Ely & Cambridge - Make it stand out The magnificent vaulted ceiling inside Bishop Alcock’s Chapel. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/bf90b39f-8eb2-4284-907b-d29cd0430456/tempImageHgKqz7.jpg Blog - Ely & Cambridge - Make it stand out Note that every plinth inside Bishop Alcock’s Chapel is missing its statue, thanks to Ely’s wonderful “Lord Protector,” Oliver Cromwell. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a2f195e6-2ac7-4009-8fc6-1861b6448a1a/tempImage86hBqB.jpg Blog - Ely & Cambridge - Make it stand out I signed up for the Octagon Tower tour, so you can see that I have made my way up and have a better view of the paintings inside the tower. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e8a44af9-de11-40c2-807e-2b9d8646a3c8/tempImage1hW0I7.jpg Blog - Ely & Cambridge - Make it stand out Reaching the top of the second flight of stairs that takes you out onto the cathedral’s roof. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e31b4558-d4bd-4673-b6bc-295a30d076e8/tempImageAEjwq5.jpg Blog - Ely & Cambridge - Make it stand out Looking back down the spiral stairwell. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/faf68e97-8926-4928-8996-bcb77afb3a12/tempImageMu8Rz8.jpg Blog - Ely & Cambridge - Make it stand out The doorway that leads you out of the spiral stairwell and onto the walkway. The roof on the left is solid lead. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0fdc0f90-5645-4bf4-a3b2-eb6fcd7a5586/tempImageQSsRmB.jpg Blog - Ely & Cambridge - Make it stand out The view over Ely with the Presbytery on the right and the massive Lady Chapel on the left. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/215b2053-f358-48a0-98e4-120184d4e7f1/tempImageEquFzv.jpg Blog - Ely & Cambridge - Make it stand out Into the door at the other end of the walkway to reach the Octagon paintings. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/76ccc940-e653-48d7-ac0b-1c0bf770d462/tempImagepGv5Oi.jpg Blog - Ely & Cambridge - Make it stand out Amazingly, each painting is on a door that can be unlatched and swung open. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e55554a0-6b53-4571-9b59-141208d72811/tempImage1DvfDN.jpg Blog - Ely & Cambridge - Make it stand out Looking through the door panel, you can now see the stained glass of the Octagon’s “lantern” in its full glory! The Octagon’s design was to draw the gaze up from darkness to light, through the saints and angels to the image of the Risen Christ. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/cc528504-ab5e-4b54-a4e5-90e6b299a302/tempImageROw8XF.jpg Blog - Ely & Cambridge - Make it stand out At the center of the ceiling is a painting carving of the Risen Christ, his right hand raised in blessing while his left is pulling back his clothing to reveal the wound in his side. Christ is surrounded by seraphim angels. In Christian angelology the seraphim are the highest-ranking celestial beings in the hierarchy of angels. Look closely and you’ll see they are seraphim because they have are six-winged and, in art, seraphim are usually painted red, symbolizing fire. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d1b90387-d992-4fb0-aff6-f37684e1cce2/tempImageWhxVzK.jpg Blog - Ely & Cambridge - Make it stand out A photo of me taken from across the Octagon. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/760a9d7b-15c3-4d23-8c03-a500891e095f/tempImageRE65rS.jpg Blog - Ely & Cambridge - Make it stand out Looking down into the Choir and Presbytery beyond. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/eb418241-33ef-4503-ae42-3a26424fe195/tempImages2ISF4.jpg Blog - Ely & Cambridge - Make it stand out We climbed one final level to the roof of the Octagon. Here you are looking at the outside of the stained glass “lantern” windows. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f93c939b-d785-4121-afc6-fbbed383c796/tempImagew8Z8H6.jpg Blog - Ely & Cambridge - Make it stand out The West Tower as seen from the Octagon. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e42f6955-b5d0-4914-93e2-c50b1e4ee3aa/tempImageciKC9t.jpg Blog - Ely & Cambridge - Make it stand out Back down at ground level—the breath-taking 14th century Lady Chapel, dedicated to Our Lady, the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of Jesus. It is the largest chapel of its kind attached to any British cathedral. Its foundations were laid in 1321 and it was completed in 1349. Above the altar is a striking contemporary statue of Mary, dressed in blue with a halo of golden hair. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7592e824-31f4-4267-b3a3-8572ef200289/tempImageIAvLx4.jpg Blog - Ely & Cambridge - Make it stand out Three absolutely beautiful doors. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/74287d14-f21a-47d8-b56e-26738e8c6cb5/tempImagejM8Vyr.jpg Blog - Ely & Cambridge - Make it stand out The Prior’s Doorway https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e5ad0a29-a867-4860-8c80-2147493fd165/tempImageigIY8B.jpg Blog - Ely & Cambridge - Make it stand out The West Entrance doors. All the cathedrals we visited were impressive and beautiful in their own way. For me, the uniqueness of the Octagon makes Ely stand out above the rest, coupled with the fact that you can go up inside the tower and explore the space up close. It was a wonderful final cathedral to tour! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d6ceffa6-1456-4b28-991e-d5a05d7114e9/tempImagedjenEm.jpg Blog - Ely & Cambridge - Make it stand out Cambridge cricket in Parker’s Piece park. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/84609890-dde6-4932-b2aa-e4a04c79dfe7/tempImageQNt5lQ.jpg Blog - Ely & Cambridge - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/dca02665-7dc3-4ef9-b959-30b4d9668a11/tempImagebRAEZm.jpg Blog - Ely & Cambridge - Make it stand out Don’t ask; we have no idea. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2878ebae-146b-4e23-aebe-4e6b2a0fcb81/tempImagevnjDZm.jpg Blog - Ely & Cambridge - Make it stand out Punting on the River Cam. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9119f740-3f8f-44be-81d0-95bf3c67ab34/tempImageq5bhfk.jpg Blog - Ely & Cambridge - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b1b75e0e-4f07-448a-a953-c74ed0160d69/tempImage5ReRNw.jpg Blog - Ely & Cambridge - Make it stand out Google Maps took us on a weird route to see the Bridge of Sighs, so we ended all the way at the very back of the campus where there was no public access. I saw a couple entering through a secured gate and caught the gate before it closed, which is how we completed the tour in reverse order as intended (and without paying). The building in the photo is the St John’s College “Backs” or “New Court,” the only part of the campus that sits west of the River Cam. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5bef7abe-4bc8-4fa1-bc3f-d9d174b71064/tempImageqgEa8b.jpg Blog - Ely & Cambridge - Make it stand out Standing on the Wren Bridge (named after Christopher Wren; also known as Kitchen Bridge) looking at the Bridge of Sighs and the New Court. The Bridge of Sighs is an iconic feature of St John’s College, and one of the most recognizable pieces of architecture in Cambridge. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/851ad04c-c251-4ac3-98e3-9c04375d70d4/tempImagehwzOXV.jpg Blog - Ely & Cambridge - Make it stand out Built nearly 200 years ago, it is the only covered bridge to cross the River Cam, and the only College bridge built in the Victorian Gothic style. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/aa1c5139-b425-48b5-a16c-93ef3bcfd116/tempImagepKzGC9.jpg Blog - Ely & Cambridge - Make it stand out The new buildings and bridge were designed in 1827. The bridge connecting New Court on the west bank with the seventeenth-century Third Court on the east bank was officially named “New Bridge.” However, it soon became known anecdotally as “the Bridge of Sighs”—a reference to the famous enclosed bridge that connects the ducal palace to the prison in Venice, Italy. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8acc7e38-e562-4848-9f71-3cfcf44ca9cf/tempImageSXzl8l.jpg Blog - Ely & Cambridge - Make it stand out Queen Victoria is said to have loved the bridge more than any other spot in Cambridge. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/af7b82fe-70bc-4cd6-8941-59c637ea10f2/tempImageVupddd.jpg Blog - Ely & Cambridge - Make it stand out The bridge was a filming location for Elizabeth: The Golden Age (2007) and The Theory of Everything (2014). The bridge can also be seen in the music video for the song “High Hopes” by Pink Floyd. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e0340ffa-8455-4c09-b2b5-94647c74a7c2/tempImageZpn0ys.jpg Blog - Ely & Cambridge - Make it stand out This part of the main campus looks very much like Hampton Court Palace. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/bc92d0cb-bdfc-46e3-8528-948d4805c375/tempImagegu0dUD.jpg Blog - Ely & Cambridge - Make it stand out Amanda standing in front of the St John's College Chapel, one of the most recognizable buildings in Cambridge. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/07c3b4fb-e6cc-4da5-a62d-7722beb8fa3e/tempImagekBSvH2.jpg Blog - Ely & Cambridge - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b3e523b5-0b05-410a-b169-271367ea663a/tempImageGnP1KW.jpg Blog - Ely & Cambridge - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4b40c5c4-75e9-4244-b13f-ef84ab7ebb94/tempImagezLi0Yx.jpg Blog - Ely & Cambridge - Make it stand out The front entrance, where Google should have directed us (but fortunately for us didn’t). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/db2d909e-dade-4138-af51-fb69208483b6/tempImageM1Zcf9.jpg Blog - Ely & Cambridge - Make it stand out The Round Church, from the 12th century. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6ba83190-876c-475e-91ce-e79713cd40ae/tempImageWKG92U.jpg Blog - Ely & Cambridge - Make it stand out From Ely Cathedral, to St John’s College, to The Round Church… I’d say this sign just about sums it up. https://www.overthehillandacrossthepond.com/blog/alnwick-amp-durham monthly 0.5 2023-11-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3c652799-a86c-4a1d-8c63-1179f5dbeddb/Apparently.jpg Blog - Alnwick & Durham - Make it stand out Apparently, you drop both the “l” and the “w” from the pronunciation—more like An-ick. Except that you also have the get the “a” sound correct, so it ends up sounding closer to On-ick. Now you got it! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/72cb5236-17ea-486e-824a-dd45f4a24aaa/tempImageAJ01l1.jpg Blog - Alnwick & Durham - Make it stand out The barbican entrance to main gate. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3f7d7f0c-c666-4431-8091-9c0487eb21d8/tempImageTHH6cH.jpg Blog - Alnwick & Durham - Make it stand out Standing on the grass where the first flying lesson was filmed. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/717572fb-0c3c-479f-913a-a99881334b4c/tempImage2X0iQe.jpg Blog - Alnwick & Durham - Make it stand out You can even participate in a flying lessons class while at the castle. These were clearly toy brooms, so we skipped this one. Now, had they had genuine Nimbus 2000s, we might have reconsidered. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7ad2c5bd-d4e3-42ac-9e89-4d47933a2db8/tempImageKES5BQ.jpg Blog - Alnwick & Durham - Make it stand out They should rename this Neville Tower. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9188d0bf-1fe5-4212-bd63-5778f279c5cd/IMG_0268.jpg Blog - Alnwick & Durham - Make it stand out Neville Longbottom after falling from his broom. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/07350166-4205-4d25-98ad-b341db85bee8/tempImageAP1B36.jpg Blog - Alnwick & Durham - Make it stand out Help Life Alert! I’ve fallen and I can’t get up! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/02024707-f49d-470c-bd04-45881b21a9be/tempImageAT9fSk.jpg Blog - Alnwick & Durham - Make it stand out Interestingly, the castle does have figures mounted around its battlements. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f8e1cc7a-1e2c-4ae8-8738-abbfc56abce3/tempImageM11SNF.jpg Blog - Alnwick & Durham - Make it stand out None of them, however, is a figure with crossed swords. That was a film prop. Not to worry though, you can still see the figure. You just have to drive 5 1/2 hours south and visit Warner Bros. Studio Tour London - The Making of Harry Potter. Same goes for the fire brazier that catches Neville’s fall halfway down the wall. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/748e10a6-d89f-4bfa-80e4-837f005c0db4/tempImage4jdJ11.jpg Blog - Alnwick & Durham - Make it stand out Of course, there was once a complete castle wall here. But have no fear, Director Chris Columbus took advantage of the gap (and the natural “green screen” hills beyond) to CG the quidditch pitch into the background. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/161067b3-8391-4d38-be3b-25955a4ba2c2/tempImageWcbRza.jpg Blog - Alnwick & Durham - Make it stand out After spitting out Ron, Harry, Hedwig, and their trunks, the angry Ford Anglia drives through the passageway on the left. What’s really interesting is that the massive model of Hogwarts from the Making of Harry Potter studios near London—the one used for most of the exterior shots of the castle—includes sections modeled after Alnwick Castle and Durham Cathedral—both of which are part of this post. The two side-by-side towers were fashioned after Durham Cathedral, and the smaller towers at the gatehouse copy the Alnwick Castle gateway shown above on the right. A wonderful coincidence to see both today. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f2405473-344c-4050-a4fd-2c6c7494dd26/tempImagem5UcCq.jpg Blog - Alnwick & Durham - Make it stand out From this passageway, Ron and Harry watch the car disappear into the Forbidden Forest. Irrespective of the films, check out the doors (and the “wicket” inset in the left door), the masonry, and the cobbled street—all amazing! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e539aafb-da05-43b5-9f6b-a5254fceb7fe/tempImageX5prvZ.jpg Blog - Alnwick & Durham - Make it stand out The castle is still a family home…well…a second home. The family will “summer” in Scotland (while all the peasants pay extravagant sums of money to frolic and play pretend Harry Potter in their courtyard), and then they shoo away all the pesky visitors and close the castle so they can pass the colder months here in their quaint little “winter” castle. (So cynical, I know! I’m just jealous I don’t own a castle…or two.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ce016609-b109-4868-9997-3f747a344a06/tempImagefokUAB.jpg Blog - Alnwick & Durham - Make it stand out The entrance to the house. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ca365e66-2ba4-4f2e-8d11-2270df9297c7/tempImagebjtvvB.jpg Blog - Alnwick & Durham - Make it stand out As a family dwelling they don’t allow you to take photos inside. However, I did sneak this one photo of their family chapel, which displays some wonderful architecture and is filled with amazing tapestries. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1b4522e2-8d58-4fb4-950f-b55a157d30b2/tempImageHc14P6.jpg Blog - Alnwick & Durham - Make it stand out I wish I could have taken a photo of the library, but here is a shot from the guidebook. This is one more example of the extraordinary family libraries we’ve seen in England. This library apparently contains a first edition of On the Origin of Species. Such an amazing space. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9c56e122-7379-40ec-8ee5-c3a87850a9f4/tempImagenN7fom.jpg Blog - Alnwick & Durham - Make it stand out That being said, we did find this one street that was rather apropos. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/99786b82-3e92-45d4-8187-91a0b79c9481/tempImage5nYeyP.jpg Blog - Alnwick & Durham - Make it stand out Alnwick is also home to Barter Books. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e9b55a05-3489-4e72-91f9-5d8d4d325d07/tempImageOcTOK0.jpg Blog - Alnwick & Durham - Make it stand out The Famous Writers Mural inside Barter Books. You can follow the link here to see who is included in the mural. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6ced63e4-d236-4cf8-8fa5-794cf55d00cd/tempImage9n213e.jpg Blog - Alnwick & Durham - Make it stand out Book Nerd Nirvana! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/312d7d13-d99e-4fd4-9465-ca21ed0a27ff/tempImage4fsPbL.jpg Blog - Alnwick & Durham - Make it stand out Fortunately, there were some great restaurant options very nearby. Our apartment is at the far left, second window down from the top. This is the River Wear with the spire from St Nicholas’ Church on the left and Durham Cathedral at the right. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8a0abf2c-374d-469d-807f-b4110e9ce8c1/tempImageetISAP.jpg Blog - Alnwick & Durham - Make it stand out Above and to the left is Durham Castle, one of Britain's most powerful symbols of the Norman Conquest. Construction of the Castle began in 1072 under the orders of William the Conqueror, six years after the Norman conquest of England, and soon after the Normans first came to the North. Today it is a college, but also welcomes tourists. The towers of Durham Cathedral are to the right. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/480f733a-2283-4b31-8dc3-83652742c4dc/tempImageXK92ZX.jpg Blog - Alnwick & Durham - Make it stand out Durham’s original market square, still in use. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/dd7c970e-777c-4c9e-8b2c-3e4b9c5f4d36/tempImageAJff5e.jpg Blog - Alnwick & Durham - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0477c90b-59c3-42df-a119-e629156db1c9/tempImageqZgr4b.jpg Blog - Alnwick & Durham - Make it stand out The impressive Durham Cathedral. I know I’ve shown a lot of cathedrals, so I’ll just point out some key points of interest. A part of the Hogwarts castle model incorporated the twin towers seen at the right. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8e5506a3-9c30-44d1-ae91-2e369304a93e/tempImage9JkcE8.jpg Blog - Alnwick & Durham - Make it stand out The Sanctuary Knocker adorned the North Door of Durham Cathedral for centuries. It takes its name from the fact that in the Middle Ages people who had “committed a great offense” could touch the knocker and would be granted sanctuary for 37 days, during which time the person had to choose between trial and voluntary exile. The hideousness of the monster's features was designed to ward off evil from the place of sanctuary at Durham Cathedral. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1b2024d0-5ffd-4311-86c9-5167f63cc366/tempImage7H6qvx.jpg Blog - Alnwick & Durham - Make it stand out From the reign of Henry VIll, images of the royal arms were placed in churches to emphasise the monarch's role as Head of the Church of England. This carved stone plaque shows the royal arms of Elizabeth I (1558 - 1603). Originally set above the north door of Durham Cathedral, it may have been made during the 1590s. Few of these arms survive today. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/82c9295e-ed80-4b21-a3aa-8f584f0adfaf/tempImagem2I2Ga.jpg Blog - Alnwick & Durham - Make it stand out Bede, also known as Saint Bede or the Venerable Bede, was an English monk from Northumbria, who is famous for being one of the greatest scholars of the early Medieval period. Bede used “anno domini” or AD to describe dates after the birth of Christ. Although he was not the first to use AD, the success of his writings made its use widespread. Bede died on the Feast of the Ascension in May 735, around the age of 62. He was buried in Jarrow (about 15 miles north of Durham), but his remains were moved to Durham in 1022 by a monk named Alfred. Bede is now buried in the Galilee Chapel at Durham Cathedral. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d5ceb5c8-ea13-4149-be8b-d24e113106ae/tempImageojm791.jpg Blog - Alnwick & Durham - Make it stand out Speaking of the town of Jarrow, between Jarrow and Durham is the town of Washington—the ancestral settlement of the Washington family, from which George Washington descended. Above is a memorial in the cloisters to George’s relative John. Durham, North Carolina and Durham, England are Sister Cities. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7edf5ff0-3222-414f-830f-3d13be4047db/tempImagep6Asrm.jpg Blog - Alnwick & Durham - Make it stand out The Chapter House at Durham Cathedral was used as Professor McGonagall’s Transfiguration classroom. You can watch the clip below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zJLpssiYcqI (Notice that because I downloaded the clip while we were in the UK, the title is the “Philosopher’s” Stone rather than the US version of the “Sorcerer’s” Stone.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d484e3f7-475d-4ace-8cad-74028889e4de/tempImageKZXZM2.jpg Blog - Alnwick & Durham - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/365db994-7eff-4507-9926-0f18bf6071c1/tempImageN4GEtE.jpg Blog - Alnwick & Durham - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0c89e019-8bad-4a6a-abe2-fe6d4f3e3df9/tempImageuX5O9x.jpg Blog - Alnwick & Durham - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9c79c47e-1126-47ff-8473-92390e54b5ca/tempImageyZAhzs.jpg Blog - Alnwick & Durham - Make it stand out The wood and iron work on this door is exquisite. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/74cd2ae5-a977-472b-b5a9-47d8443d2c89/tempImaget9W6ZB.jpg Blog - Alnwick & Durham - Make it stand out Gaia is a giant 23-foot diameter illuminated globe suspended from the cathedral ceiling. Local UK artist Luke Jerram created the display, which features a detailed 120 dpi NASA imagery of Earth’s surface. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/515d4315-9737-4678-964e-79503a490da1/tempImageTaHddI.jpg Blog - Alnwick & Durham - Make it stand out It was nice to see a church focusing attention on the importance of maintaining biodiversity and protecting our home. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f0695a35-c342-4875-ba79-5e1ba682fdc1/tempImageqX4l9l.jpg Blog - Alnwick & Durham - Make it stand out St Cuthbert’s Shrine https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ff5df3df-fe33-49f9-a387-ebd466850c90/ezgif.com-webp-to-jpg.jpg Blog - Alnwick & Durham - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/71133fa5-97c0-4b17-ad10-01ed2b344991/tempImageVfTyKs.jpg Blog - Alnwick & Durham - Make it stand out Prior Castell's Clock https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9fb552b2-2062-4561-9c9c-5d2501bfe3b2/tempImageFQRjkk.jpg Blog - Alnwick & Durham - Make it stand out The magnificent tomb of Thomas Hatfield as seen from the quire (the wooden one in the distance, not the dude in marble). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/bd1f6116-abe9-4a0b-957e-4f3e17b7ffb4/tempImageCK5h4C.jpg Blog - Alnwick & Durham - Make it stand out The Illumination Window https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4598877d-1fd0-4204-86c7-17624eeadcfe/tempImagegTTw4D.jpg Blog - Alnwick & Durham - Make it stand out The marble baptismal font and its towering wooden cover, date from the post-reformation refurbishment of the building in 1663. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a98442a4-8553-491d-929a-039b21756b99/tempImageRh4iGp.jpg Blog - Alnwick & Durham - Make it stand out The Bible is read from the lectern (derived from Latin, “to read”) during worship. Many lecterns in churches, like this one, are shaped as a pelican pressing her beak into her breast. It was believed that pelicans fed their young on their own blood, so images of pelicans are sometimes found in churches as a symbol of Christ giving his blood for humankind at his crucifixion. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e7863fe6-ab4a-4667-856d-ece8cb993239/tempImageHyyxTk.jpg Blog - Alnwick & Durham - Make it stand out Durham Cathedral from the Prebends Bridge. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a19e9122-3dd0-4f69-838b-188b65272dbf/tempImagebVA6XO.jpg Blog - Alnwick & Durham - Make it stand out Durham Cathedral rises above the River Wear and the Old Fulling Mill. Fulling is a process in woollen cloth-making which involves cleansing to eliminate natural oils, dirt, and other impurities, which helped make it thicker. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4ca814b9-18a2-49e6-aeb4-b5a3552f2bd3/tempImageAfTtVN.jpg Blog - Alnwick & Durham - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/69ec6284-ff4f-4ee4-afc3-35ae5762667f/tempImageycVBuo.jpg Blog - Alnwick & Durham - Make it stand out It was installed in February 1998. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1182704a-64d5-4d58-a817-9891c654c802/tempImageTLlTzF.jpg Blog - Alnwick & Durham - Make it stand out The angel stands 65 feet tall and has a wing span of 175 feet. To withstand winds of over 100 miles per hour, its foundation runs 108 feet underground. Friday is our big travel day—taking us some 250 miles from Durham to Cambridge. Cambridge will place us within striking distance of London. Only 10 days left! https://www.overthehillandacrossthepond.com/blog/an-old-friend monthly 0.5 2023-11-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/df199d4e-3d9a-4f28-8dea-4e628bb2a916/tempImageHcE4GE.jpg Blog - An Old Friend - Make it stand out We felt almost immediately comfortable with Paul and Jacqueline. As you can see, Jacqueline and Amanda are two peas from the same pod. Sunday was a gorgeous day so we left the Royal Mile and headed down Advocate’s Close and had drinks on the patio at The Devil’s Advocate. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/03e656d4-ae1b-4261-985a-a3e0df922997/tempImageSNaQid.jpg Blog - An Old Friend - Make it stand out We fell into an easy rhythm of conversation and before long had decided to have dinner together, crossing over into New Town to Dishoom. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/eda924a6-3c92-4940-a908-a9a4fa83bf6e/tempImagee1L0ew.jpg Blog - An Old Friend - Make it stand out After dinner we decided to keep the fun going and strolled down George Street to the beautiful Tigerlily lounge. At some point after 9 pm, we realized how late it was and that they needed to get the train back home. Suffice it to say, we were all surprised how quickly seven hours flew by. We’re so glad we met up with Jacqueline and Paul and are grateful for some new friends and a very nice day together. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b8546f8c-50c9-4800-ab1b-46e3a0f38019/tempImagecxgPjg.jpg Blog - An Old Friend - Make it stand out Monday felt like saying a long, final goodbye to a good friend we may never see again. We had one final breakfast at Bastard Barista. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/27a256a2-ae62-4fc4-a9d5-51b4159e94a9/tempImageSOdTFE.jpg Blog - An Old Friend - Make it stand out Sufficiently hopped up on caffeine, Amanda headed off for the charity shops in Stockbridge, and I headed to Princes Street Gardens. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d0e3b276-a575-4e79-bec5-b4f8eb44d019/tempImageJrAWi5.jpg Blog - An Old Friend - Make it stand out Amanda on the charming Circus Lane. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3c54cfb8-cc73-441d-a2a2-845dd4059cbd/tempImageox8skj.jpg Blog - An Old Friend - Make it stand out Amanda with another dime from her dad, encouraging her to hang in there over the next two weeks as she desperately wants to be home. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a64eaf1e-43ee-495d-aa38-6ed009b3f68f/tempImagefmhZD2.jpg Blog - An Old Friend - Make it stand out In the meantime, I had always wanted to tour the Scott Monument and had never taken the chance. I fixed that today, making it to the top and enjoying the spectacular view over lovely Edinburgh (the castle is behind me). Afterward, I walked up Calton Hill one final time and tried to suck the marrow out of those final moments—surveying my favorite cityscape—the peaks, crags, castle, cathedral spires, and the grand Royal Mile with its mysterious wynds, closes, and vennels. Even after all this time, Edinburgh is enthralling and entrancing! I walked past our merchant’s cottage on Gayfield Square one last time and then walked back home. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6945de58-f949-47b4-8ade-df493f21912e/tempImage8PTMBF.jpg Blog - An Old Friend - Make it stand out For dinner we followed the recommendation of our host and ate at Pizza Posto. Their website says, “Our authentic Neapolitan style pizza are made from slow rising multicereal dough and blast baked in our clay ovens.” Oh man, was that not the most insanely good pizza! The crust was exceptional! Such a great and fitting ending to our time in Edinburgh. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c8da1c6d-42b6-4986-91b5-dd51822a8f41/tempImageX4Kmgt.jpg Blog - An Old Friend - Make it stand out On Tuesday morning I walked to Archipelago Bakery and bought our final white sourdough loaf. We sooo need a good bakery like this in Paso Robles. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9b38052e-b701-41fa-92a2-08a1fd65322c/tempImage1fKyrD.jpg Blog - An Old Friend - Make it stand out From Edinburgh’s city center, we drove due east for 45 minutes to the coastal town of Dunbar. Above is the romanticized Peter Pan-like statue of the world famous conservationist John Muir who was born in Dunbar in 1838 and roamed the wild coastline as a young boy. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/20190f82-4d2f-4b35-ad37-1dc29b8cdaf5/tempImageYc79Dw.jpg Blog - An Old Friend - Make it stand out Outside the John Muir Birthplace Museum—John's father, Daniel Muir, was posted to Dunbar as an army recruiting sergeant in the late 1820s. He went on to run a successful meal store from this building, and it was here that John was born. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/09db1a6b-24eb-4051-8b68-a8e688d5e561/tempImageL3JSjk.jpg Blog - An Old Friend - Make it stand out Daniel was soon able to buy the big house next door (the birthplace museum is the white building to the left). Most of John's early childhood was spent in the house to the right. Sadly, Daniel Muir was fanatically religious, and considered it his duty to protect the mortal souls of his children. For John, this involved frequent, brutal beatings and a pious, spartan lifestyle. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/fa1dea27-3d07-4ede-ac9a-4d4022155f88/tempImageM1JdRo.jpg Blog - An Old Friend - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e1138511-fbab-41a4-bfce-90e0a9178608/tempImagef4qNEH.jpg Blog - An Old Friend - Make it stand out Dunbar harbor https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0a6cdf73-3e4f-4458-9858-5bdeab019b06/tempImage7tow8v.jpg Blog - An Old Friend - Make it stand out The very cool harbor entrance. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/15e85672-c8a1-4053-96c9-0eb5f566e1a8/tempImageENQjWc.jpg Blog - An Old Friend - Make it stand out The Dunbar Castle ruin sits behind Amanda at the edge of Dunbar harbor. Long before John Muir played among the ruins, Mary Queen of Scots stayed in the castle. Two days after her husband Lord Darnley and other Lords' successful plot to murder Rizzio in 1566, she escaped to Dunbar, riding for five hours while pregnant with Darnley's son, (who became James VI of Scotland). Mary rallied her supporters at Dunbar and returned triumphantly to Edinburgh a week later, when those who carried out the murder fled to England. Dunbar Castle was also the place where the Earl of Bothwell brought Mary when he essentially abducted her in 1567. Mary and Bothwell were married soon after at Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7125ca99-31f1-480a-94f9-3f42c51ecce2/tempImageMWtohX.jpg Blog - An Old Friend - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9e25d125-e524-43cb-971b-5a1bffcd3fa3/tempImageluBplR.jpg Blog - An Old Friend - Make it stand out The England sign on the southbound A1 just north of Berwick-upon-Tweed. Scottish flags greet northbound traffic across the motorway. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b94fce06-b522-4a1b-a259-79e698aa1144/tempImageBAqgGK.jpg Blog - An Old Friend - Make it stand out The St George, Union Jack, and Northumberland flags on the southbound side. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/43047cf5-0f3d-430e-a9ac-a91f73c89150/tempImageP9J3Jp.jpg Blog - An Old Friend - Make it stand out Holy Island, also called Lindisfarne and the Holy Island of Lindisfarne, is a tidal island off the northeast coast of England. There is a “Safe Crossing Times” list posted online that you must consult when planning a visit to the island. We crossed on August 22, so we had until 5:30 pm to cross. After that, we could not leave until 10:20 am the following morning. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ee211536-f493-4842-8fd3-88a744bd68b1/tempImageog80Nn.jpg Blog - An Old Friend - Make it stand out Because the world is full of people who ensure the perpetual need for emergency services, there is the Lindisfarne Causeway Emergency Refuge Hut halfway across the causeway. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/73a60167-7d57-4390-9d9d-c54783beab98/rnli_lifesavers_at_seahouses_to_feature_in_new_series_of_popular_tv_documentary.jpg Blog - An Old Friend - Make it stand out Don’t be a pillock! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/671c099a-950e-456a-a25e-6ad173f5e37c/importedImage379964_header.jpeg Blog - An Old Friend - Make it stand out Yep…they really mean it when they say don’t cross! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/716b80b9-c19a-44aa-abee-b6a3e6f1ccb8/tempImagePwOYJ7.jpg Blog - An Old Friend - Make it stand out Shortly after crossing onto the island, there is a turn-off to Snook House. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ab204f31-cfa0-4f72-8866-320e60d3154e/tempImageuUdpbi.jpg Blog - An Old Friend - Make it stand out Snook Tower (Little is known about the property. The tower may have been a windmill.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/863479a4-a403-4f45-8118-6a2847e215ee/tempImageOF1kSg.jpg Blog - An Old Friend - Make it stand out Snook House https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a9ce0fb6-8221-4ab9-9d18-e607635e8803/tempImagerQxMFF.jpg Blog - An Old Friend - Make it stand out Snook house’s claim to fame is featuring in the hit TV crime drama series Vera, based on novels by Ann Cleeves. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/89902f47-7915-4577-99be-1a3ee36fb3ba/tempImageCi9Qj6.jpg Blog - An Old Friend - Make it stand out The series is filmed in Northumberland and follows Detective Chief Inspector Vera Stanhope, as she solves one gruesome murder after another, often in beautiful locations in the region. It should go without saying (but I will anyway)—we love Vera! Snook house is shown as her residence, and the causeway sometimes makes an appearance. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/09bdee1a-bf92-482d-916b-ab18152a8448/tempImagex96frz.jpg Blog - An Old Friend - Make it stand out In the novels, Vera does not live on Holy Island, though the TV series does suggest that she does, showing Snook House and the detective driving across the causeway. As viewers have suggested, living on the island would make it challenging for Vera to get to work urgently. Then again, fiction is fiction, and the creative licence allows the series to show the island’s beautiful scenery. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/04a5b305-b430-4cfe-9da1-1d1b1db4d8ce/tempImage5jCXam.jpg Blog - An Old Friend - Make it stand out We stayed that night on the island at The Manor House Hotel. We were in the upstairs room with the open window. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0a99d130-0660-491f-9699-d71b4087ee13/tempImageM6z8vZ.jpg Blog - An Old Friend - Make it stand out The hotel room was a crummy old hotel room with a tiny double bed and a price tag that was inversely correlated to the quality of the room, but the view was impressive. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5525581a-b2fe-4c92-b4dc-75dd91271b9c/tempImageZqVeYu.jpg Blog - An Old Friend - Make it stand out Lindisfarne Castle is one of the UK’s most iconic landmarks. Next to Edinburgh Castle, I’m not sure any other castle sits so prominently atop a massive rock outcropping. Today it is sometimes called the castle (that’s not a castle), on an island (that’s not an island). This is because, although It was genuinely built as a castle in the mid-1500s, Edward Hudson of Country Life magazine took on the lease in 1901 and had the castle refurbished to meet his tastes. Today you can visit the castle, but it’s now more country chic than medieval mansion. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/53b68173-c14d-4042-b4b9-83a5eada9714/tempImageRkmeVz.jpg Blog - An Old Friend - Make it stand out Directly next to our hotel (the white building) is the ruin of Lindisfarne Priory. Throughout Scotland and England there is a strong connection between monastic life and island life. It’s no surprise then that, St Aidan, an Irish monk from lona (another island monastery), founded a monastery on Holy Island in 635. The island came to be celebrated for its links with St Cuthbert, and as the birthplace of the Lindisfarne Gospels. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/86acfac6-56f5-46ed-b454-5e5a5feb217c/tempImagesHOgQ7.jpg Blog - An Old Friend - Make it stand out As if to prove the monastic-island connection, St Cuthbert's Island sits just behind the Priory. As the tide rises, it becomes completely separated from Holy Island (a tidal island off a tidal island, if you like). The legend is that St Cuthbert used to escape here when he wanted to retreat away from the monks in the priory. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/74c5ec65-74ef-4eff-aa36-616d2732f92e/tempImageMCTQf0.jpg Blog - An Old Friend - Make it stand out There is a tradition in the northeast of England of fishermen using redundant herring boats as storage sheds for their nets and other equipment. As the fishing industry has changed and evolved over the years the places where these traditional huts survive has diminished, but Holy Island is one of the few places where they remain in abundance. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9622c97b-1327-4dcd-9873-6fdf5cfa6371/tempImagefk2GtI.jpg Blog - An Old Friend - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/27b421e0-ec58-4105-a15d-fa85d800bd0e/tempImageoONHC0.jpg Blog - An Old Friend - Make it stand out The Tide is Low and We’re Moving On https://www.overthehillandacrossthepond.com/blog/pubology monthly 0.5 2023-12-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c984ad5f-9d8a-4583-bc74-c059e9580b18/tempImageqvLLvo.jpg Blog - Pubology - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/98499534-8ab9-4b16-bdab-4943e39e086d/tempImageW9SLUg.jpg Blog - Pubology - Make it stand out Pubs ‘n’ Animals… Many pubs are named after animals, like your simple how now Brown Cow (Cockermouth, Lake District, England) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3babbc28-33c8-472e-bcad-a5d36d6457bc/tempImage5Ikysa.jpg Blog - Pubology - Make it stand out How about some Flying Fleece? (Ambleside, Lake District, England) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3a8a17f8-35fe-427a-b53f-9a185318e77d/tempImageEpdw74.jpg Blog - Pubology - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3273055e-5de0-4623-b133-c577803b5c3a/tempImagesiBBOn.jpg Blog - Pubology - Make it stand out Perhaps you don’t really need flying fleece, when The Golden Fleece is really what you’re after. (York, England) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a651eb39-3680-4458-84c5-c5af26136308/tempImage88V47g.jpg Blog - Pubology - Make it stand out With all the fleece—flying, golden, or otherwise—you’re going to need The Linen Weaver so you can start warping and wefting all that wool yarn. (Yeah, I know, linen is not wool, but I’ve only go so much material () to work with here.) (Cork, Ireland) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a76ed981-1076-4725-a6a3-46ed0268490e/tempImageRCqK1C.jpg Blog - Pubology - Make it stand out Maybe The Goat Tavern is more to your liking than sheep? (Mayfair, London, England) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/099ae3da-8038-4232-9bce-312b75537826/tempImageu34aKc.jpg Blog - Pubology - Make it stand out Or maybe you want to elevate things, like The Eagle Inn—which apparently includes “brilliant banter” at no extra charge. (Dunbar, Scotland) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6eda2bbd-dd09-4a55-b218-ce2edb580450/tempImageXOSClB.jpg Blog - Pubology - Make it stand out Would you prefer The Falcon Inn? (Skipton, Yorkshire Dales National Park, England) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e5dfe780-6faf-4689-9bac-f34fdb3cf631/tempImagegQ21gf.jpg Blog - Pubology - Make it stand out The Raven is quite beloved in England. Their presence at the Tower of London is traditionally believed to protect the Crown and the Tower. (Bath, England) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5b380f13-9068-42ae-8ae1-44ba0244e2c0/tempImageK3xtkJ.jpg Blog - Pubology - Make it stand out In keeping with the bird theme, there is also The Parrot. Geoffrey Chaucer makes mention of the initiative powers of parrots in his Canterbury Tales, so perhaps this is where the name originates? (Canterbury, England) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ed5f3b05-1df9-4b0e-b8e2-a96e78423167/tempImageUiB60b.jpg Blog - Pubology - Make it stand out Maybe you’re looking for something more substantial and dangerous and threatening—like a Green Dragon. (Bellow Hill, Hardraw, Hawes, Yorkshire Dales National Park, England) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f5063e1a-1a99-46a4-b063-26f2c2cef1c7/tempImage6JGK6P.jpg Blog - Pubology - Make it stand out Sometimes pubs prefer a regal animal like the White Lion (Ambleside, Lake District, England) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/aee3f95d-5e30-4c85-a874-3d22ad0548e4/tempImages10bDw.jpg Blog - Pubology - Make it stand out Or the rarest of all highland creatures, The White Hart (Grassmarket Square, Edinburgh, Scotland) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/720a5eb0-4806-4e80-abbc-cf91d50db591/tempImageHfgCqD.jpg Blog - Pubology - Make it stand out Another unusual animal is the elusive and almost mythological Black Fox. Is it just me or is the building leaning like Gringott’s Wizarding Bank? (Bath, England) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e7131026-3842-416b-9f3e-2f498babc2ea/tempImageaBfJQR.jpg Blog - Pubology - Make it stand out But it could also be an annoying animal like the ever-so-obnoxious Snooty Fox… (Tetbury, The Cotswolds, England) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/39c41160-6af9-4924-83ad-bf6a486e80a5/tempImage1F2VNL.jpg Blog - Pubology - Make it stand out …or a very naughty Drunken Duck. (Ambleside, Lake District, England) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4adab04b-c140-41fe-96cb-372e940ded50/tempImagex2n83p.jpg Blog - Pubology - Make it stand out Sometimes pub names are so bazaar, you don’t know what to say, except for perhaps, “Is that a ferret in your pocket or are you just happy to see me?” (St Ives, Cornwall) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1cb148eb-96f2-44b3-9ac9-c0895a8af3dc/tempImagek6RZiy.jpg Blog - Pubology - Make it stand out Maybe a Pickled Frog or two is the order of the day? (Salisbury, England) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5dc36931-b912-4a88-b35d-19e384175fb6/tempImageWFJs15.jpg Blog - Pubology - Make it stand out No pickled frog? Maybe a Bristly Hog instead? OK, this is a coffee “hous,” but with a name like The Bristly Hog, deep down they secretly desire to be a pub. I’m including it because—to paraphrase Brian Regan—it amuses me! ( Kendal, Lake District, England) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/20c14fde-2810-4b3a-b365-507b064a02de/tempImageKaSu5x.jpg Blog - Pubology - Make it stand out Perhaps you’re only looking for part of the animal, say a Haunch of Venison… (Salisbury, England) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/240fd240-0b22-4f1d-8db4-01ceca09d307/tempImagerT0N6u.jpg Blog - Pubology - Make it stand out …and, if you’re after a haunch of venison, then you’re going to need The Chopping Block (complete with a butcher’s cleaver). (York, England) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/567cc74f-7158-4196-92b6-1859748bf0f7/tempImageJMByFN.jpg Blog - Pubology - Make it stand out Or maybe you’re in one of those moods where you just have a hankerin’ for some Sheep Heid. (Edinburgh, Scotland) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/33a4389c-74f1-43f0-bace-9faf1ce98aa6/tempImageOKw0qa.jpg Blog - Pubology - Make it stand out Niche Pubs Maybe you’re just a Plain Jane looking for some basic grub—presenting The Grog & Gruel. Grog is a term used for a variety of alcoholic beverages and gruel is essentially porridge, but here probably refers to a wide range of food. (Fort William, Scotland) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/be43523a-07e8-4c24-b19e-6ce4262236e0/tempImagezXvBal.jpg Blog - Pubology - Make it stand out Perhaps you’ve watched Lord of the Rings one too many times and so you’re longing for the perfect pub to suit your inner Orc. Then perhaps The Sword Inn will be to your liking. (Gloucester, England) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d75f448c-048a-4d67-865a-c607640835fd/tempImage16WLse.jpg Blog - Pubology - Make it stand out Maybe you’re into pretty golden slippers. Step inside The Golden Slipper pub. (York, England) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/81ac33fe-bc7a-4d91-a5aa-cc2ddd011999/tempImageRJapng.jpg Blog - Pubology - Make it stand out Maybe you’ve watched too many episodes of Locke & Key, so you’re looking for a place like Cross Keys. (York, England) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/02964761-83b5-4cc4-8990-087838d7e0b3/tempImage7XKz5i.jpg Blog - Pubology - Make it stand out Perhaps you have a predilection for blue balls—I mean bells. Well then, The Blue Bell is the place for you. (York, England) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/89d1c1bf-6925-4aee-b2ee-8c5a574b038a/tempImageCChtBa.jpg Blog - Pubology - Make it stand out Maybe you’re into cosplay. Welcome to the Wig and Quill. (Salisbury, England) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b878a172-c459-4e6e-8531-f9ffd8ed7494/tempImageHQemXe.jpg Blog - Pubology - Make it stand out Pubs ‘n’ People Adam and Eve (London, England) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/92561d3a-c473-418c-a32c-c8b99a8f9168/tempImageBBzlcs.jpg Blog - Pubology - Make it stand out We loved the ornate Victorian Façade at The Duchess of Cambridge, which faces the walls of Windsor Palace. We had two great “last” dinners here: one with Will, and the other with Debbie & Nathan. Great memories! (Windsor, England) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a9648271-4ff8-4fd0-9ada-bb1c93d6da85/tempImage4BUz38.jpg Blog - Pubology - Make it stand out Even the poor martyred Thomas Becket needs a pub named after him. (Canterbury, England) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/aa5234c8-b5b5-4dcb-80ed-1de220d7b918/tempImageO1dcus.jpg Blog - Pubology - Make it stand out As long as we’re casting a wide net when naming pubs, why not celebrate the notorious scoundrel and the inspiration behind Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde at Deacon Brodie’s Tavern? (The Royal Mile, Lawnmarket, Edinburgh, Scotland) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/953c8f15-a6ab-44bc-8e01-d25d42ec1271/tempImageBOG0Wr.jpg Blog - Pubology - Make it stand out Or walk just up the hill a tad and celebrate a true hero: Ensign Ewart—the Scottish soldier of the Royal North British Dragoons (Scots Greys), famous for capturing the regimental eagle from the French 45th Regiment at the Battle of Waterloo. (The Royal Mile, Lawnmarket, Edinburgh, Scotland) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6c0f7977-346e-438a-9b84-380898d69b48/tempImageBsn107.jpg Blog - Pubology - Make it stand out Or simply celebrate all those less-than-stellar relationships in your life at The Poor Relation. (Cork, Ireland) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/de9e18e5-1283-4ee1-a435-59d9f8820418/tempImagez7FNCv.jpg Blog - Pubology - Make it stand out Pubs ‘n’ Puns (Stirling, Scotland) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/bc3044ba-612a-4bf8-bda1-4a1379354452/tempImageQDWFCL.jpg Blog - Pubology - Make it stand out They’re holding pretty tightly to the ploughing theme here, but the Scots are a clever lot and can’t be blind to the double entendre. (Keith, Scotland) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c59ea74a-987d-4a97-b5a3-0c70adf604d7/tempImagewUabAn.jpg Blog - Pubology - Make it stand out Dating back to the early 16th century, The New Inn is anything but new. It is one of Salisbury’s oldest buildings, and the interior is dark wood, low-beamed ceilings, and open fires—simply magical, especially on a cold winter’s day, like when we visited with Will. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6fdb7e40-8602-4fed-8d09-33100d535380/tempImagezLYAnS.jpg Blog - Pubology - Make it stand out Pubs ‘n’ Locations Some pubs are named after their very famous neighbor, like The Original Rosslyn Inn that stands near Rosslyn Chapel. (Roslin, Scotland) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5e078b15-c4ec-40b9-8aec-9bd01c4c6d15/tempImageLj1bte.jpg Blog - Pubology - Make it stand out Some pubs have absolutely no neighbors, other than a lot of randy rabbits living and multiplying in their warrens surrounding the desolate Warren House Inn. (Postbridge, Dartmoor National Park, Devon, England) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3bb9b078-f2c1-409b-a356-078f4d02ecf6/tempImage45rnsM.jpg Blog - Pubology - Make it stand out The Warren House Inn may be the highest Inn in Southern England, but it’s older brother, the Tan Hill Inn, is the highest Inn in all of England. (Yorkshire Dales National Park) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/aca34d89-fe49-42ab-a024-a60a8789fd0e/tempImagec16KKV.jpg Blog - Pubology - Make it stand out Or maybe you’re the Boots Bar, sitting in the shadow of Ben Nevis, the UK’s highest peak, where mountaineers have dragged their muddy boots inside to knock back a few drinks and recount tales of their exploits on the mountain. (Clachaig Inn, Glencoe, Scotland) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2ebddbac-2524-4142-ae67-323ba2d7bf5a/IMG_9605.jpg Blog - Pubology - Make it stand out The Conan Doyle pub sits directly across the street from 11 Picardy Place—where Sir Arthur Conan Doyle was born, and adjacent to St Mary’s Cathedral—were Sir Arthur Conan Doyle was baptized. (Top of Leith Walk, Edinburgh, Scotland) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2db1ed20-b5b7-4cb6-81f8-815aef645c5a/tempImagenD69or.jpg Blog - Pubology - Make it stand out After a very taxing hike across Striding Edge and up the summit of Helvellyn, you’ll require a good Travellers Rest. (Glenridding, The Lake District, England) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4a8c4f07-65fb-4aaf-8f68-b0b1d1293e24/tempImagei7booL.jpg Blog - Pubology - Make it stand out Back in the 16th century, the city of Edinburgh was a walled city and you could only enter and leave through fortified gates. The World’s End Pub is situated at the site of one such gate—Canongate. In fact, the foundation of the pub includes part of the old city wall. As far as the people of Edinburgh were concerned, outside of these gates was no longer their world. Hence, the pub’s name and logo. (On The Royal Mile, where Canongate becomes High Street—because Canongate was outside the wall and the High Street began inside the wall, Edinburgh, Scotland) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e86219a8-322b-47cb-ac61-7e50352f785a/tempImageX7ILZF.jpg Blog - Pubology - Make it stand out The Last Drop is a rather macabre but clever play on words. During the 18th century, the area around the pub was home to one of the city’s main gallows, with crowds regularly gathering to watch public executions. Rumor has it that this pub is where men who had been sentenced were taken for their last meal while the gallows were prepared for them outside. Besides the two obvious meanings, the name also refers to the last hanging held in the Grassmarket in 1864. (Grassmarket Square, Edinburgh, Scotland) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/553b2ea1-a02d-4944-9e34-e130ecdbbd8a/tempImageN4dykQ.jpg Blog - Pubology - Make it stand out Pubs ‘n’ Stories Like the story written by the literal literary legend Geoffrey Chaucer: Canterbury Tales (Canterbury, England) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/02690b19-fe96-485e-9080-1481fca263f4/tempImageZsibuS.jpg Blog - Pubology - Make it stand out From Chaucer to Dickens—Charles Dickens and his chums used to knock tankards together inside The Lamb and Flag. The pub acquired a reputation in the early nineteenth century for staging bare-knuckle prize fights, earning it the nickname The Bucket of Blood, and the alleyway beside the pub was the scene of an attack on the poet John Dryden in 1679. (Covent Garden, London, England) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9b025a7d-0157-46cf-b918-01364d837f7b/tempImageumSrAS.jpg Blog - Pubology - Make it stand out The Old Bell (aka Ye Olde Bell Inn) is located among the cobbled streets of the historical town of Rye and was built in 1390. Yep, 1390! The story of The Old Bell’s name originates from a French raid in 1377 that resulted in the theft of the bells from Rye’s St Mary’s Church. Much of this loot was recovered the following year when Rye and Winchelsea men sailed to France and returned with the church bells and other stolen items. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ca9908f7-2183-456f-b23b-c4d319741303/tempImagevpLx8p.jpg Blog - Pubology - Make it stand out As if that weren’t enough, The Old Bell was also used for smuggling by the infamous Hawkhurst Gang in the 1730s and 1740s, who moved goods through a revolving cupboard in the Old Bell, along a secret tunnel, and into the nearby Mermaid Inn for a quick getaway. How great is it, then, to hang out in places with stories like this? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/aa7f710b-0bcd-445f-8c02-9cdba4fdc664/tempImagez9UlWP.jpg Blog - Pubology - Make it stand out The name Tolbooth Tavern tells its own story. This pub is part of the original Canongate Tolbooth, which was built in 1591 to collect tolls from travelers entering the burgh. Today it is a rather magnificent place for a pint or a wee dram. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1c1cc82a-8331-46ca-9053-8ab6c8193611/tempImagePHLDln.jpg Blog - Pubology - Make it stand out A tun is an archaic term for large casks used to store beer or wine. It was also an imperial measure of capacity, equal to exactly four hogsheads. How’s that for a story? So The Three Tuns equals 12 hogsheads? Exactly! (Canterbury, England) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2f72dfe8-3027-4b9e-80dd-b29b41e45a7d/tempImagen0qiWL.jpg Blog - Pubology - Make it stand out Somebody better have an astonishingly good backstory in order to still retain the name Black Boy Inn (Caernarfon, Wales) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f6631f85-c070-42cb-9943-951407a084b4/IMG_0936.jpg Blog - Pubology - Make it stand out Pubs ‘n’ Legends Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem is ancient pub built in 1189 into stone caves directly underneath Nottingham Castle. The name refers to King Richard the Lionheart and his men who congregated here before embarking on the Crusades in Jerusalem. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c42d11c8-b49b-42e4-a5c3-483c63e33c55/IMG_0939.jpg Blog - Pubology - Make it stand out Inside Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem is the antique chair behind Amanda’s Guinness, which is said to enhance a woman's chances of getting pregnant after sitting in it. However, the chair is believed to have lost its powers after so many people sitting in it and is now too weak to withstand the demand (regardless, they still won’t let you give it a whirl). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b1d46ff1-8c04-4040-8ce2-9650f2c6d4db/Gallion.jpg Blog - Pubology - Make it stand out The model galleon encased in glass above the bar is covered in years of dust and cobwebs also rests inside Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem. No one will clean the galleon because it is cursed: "The last three people who have cleaned it are said to have died mysterious and unexpected deaths within 12 months of doing so." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1d041628-0451-43f4-afa5-0e867cbca911/tempImagewshqvR.jpg Blog - Pubology - Make it stand out Inside The World’s End in Edinburgh is this picture (above and below). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3485025b-6978-4ffd-8046-a179b54013f2/tempImageiEVmou.jpg Blog - Pubology - Make it stand out The picture is of an unknown murderer from the 1700s and has hung in this position for many years. Legend has it if you move the picture your world will end. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/54e97963-f622-434b-b972-18fecafcb28c/tempImageWyr2EF.jpg Blog - Pubology - Make it stand out The alleged actual skeletal hand that was chopped off by a butcher after the man was caught cheating in a card game inside The Haunch of Venison in Salisbury, England. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/40e32c72-f0fe-40e8-b3e0-57df5bf15f4b/tempImagemFjcbA.jpg Blog - Pubology - Make it stand out Amanda’s Favorite Pub Slàinte Mhath from Amanda’s favorite pub—The Parrot in Canterbury, England. Amanda chose this pub because it is so old and quirky inside. The Parrot is not just the oldest pub in Canterbury, it is one of the oldest buildings in the city. Originally known as St Radigund's Hall, it was built on Roman foundations in 1370 just inside the Roman City Wall. Despite the candle in this image, we were there in winter and they had open fires burning throughout the pub. Plus we were there with Will, so it holds special memories! ❤️ https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/71d57e15-5517-4f07-88e0-4615bb2d438d/tempImageZU18i4.jpg Blog - Pubology - Make it stand out My Favorite Pub Slàinte Mhath from the first pub where we had a pint—The Beehive Inn. (Grassmarket Square, Edinburgh, Scotland) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4eeb3779-d495-47e8-9b61-8b0ad87c5063/tempImagefIm65Z.jpg Blog - Pubology - Make it stand out It’s really hard to pick a favorite. Several top finalists were Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem (Nottingham), The New Inn (Salisbury), and the Green Dragon (Yorkshire Dales)—but I settled on The Haunch of Venison in Salisbury for four reasons: The building has been around since about 1320, when it was used to house craftsmen working on the cathedral spire. The supposed actual skeletal hand and its accompanying legend. There is a "Horsebox" bar at the front of the pub, also referred as a "Ladies Snug" because it dates back to the times where public houses were for men only. Winston Churchill and Dwight Eisenhower are said to have carried out some planning of the D-Day landings in the pub. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0e7e2f27-9148-431f-aefa-35b1b2ab4c20/tempImageXaqXPK.jpg Blog - Pubology - Make it stand out Oh British Pubs, You Will Be Sorely Missed! https://www.overthehillandacrossthepond.com/blog/full-circle monthly 0.5 2023-11-29 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/815ec217-ac0f-4172-b76f-b2e67580c2bb/tempImagecsSLvR.jpg Blog - Full Circle - Make it stand out Traveling south on M90 approaching Scotland’s famous three bridges—the Forth Bridges—which span the Firth of Forth to connect Fife in the north to Edinburgh in the south. We drove over the Queensferry Crossing, which at 1.7 miles in length, is the longest 3-tower, cable-stayed bridge in the world. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ced4b9d8-e2ef-4137-a5fb-c42a955835ac/tempImageUFLcNd.jpg Blog - Full Circle - Make it stand out You can check out our place on Airbnb if you want here. Otherwise, here is a quick video tour: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kLOVZRfYFSc https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7a220b25-9405-40f6-a1c1-d1b7de727e1a/tempImageoqTE30.jpg Blog - Full Circle - Make it stand out I had a hazelnut pain au chocolat and a mocha; both were exceptional. This is still some of the best coffee I’ve ever had the pleasure to drink! The new pastries just elevated their game to a whole new level. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2aaeae53-9a83-4eee-95c2-e3c80037767e/tempImagemLkMAg.jpg Blog - Full Circle - Make it stand out My lovely bride was equally happy with her VGN Bakery cinnamon bun. I guess I’ve forgiven the poor Bastard after my Boxing Day rant. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/00c14c85-f113-4ad7-ba00-8295c46d2dac/tempImageC3a8hg.jpg Blog - Full Circle - Make it stand out We’ll let you know if things change after having bread in Paris. Holding that caveat in reserve, the Archipelago Bakery sourdough round is the single best loaf of bread we’ve eaten—ever! It was just as amazing now as it was last winter. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6a4c043a-156a-4f86-a380-270b57af9869/tempImageUTjYE3.jpg Blog - Full Circle - Make it stand out Our current host wrote this about Dishoom in her guidebook: “I held off putting this Indian restaurant in my guidebook because I thought it too mainstream, but have now relented…because it’s fantastic!” We couldn’t agree more. The perfect dinner before the 2023 Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6af189d4-8f8e-4f68-a319-57daa1148488/tempImagekkxyfX.jpg Blog - Full Circle - Make it stand out As its name implies, The Fringe operates on the fringe of the other festivals. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/402dbaa1-0ee8-431b-8f74-0296ae41c7d0/tempImageON04sJ.jpg Blog - Full Circle - Make it stand out What was once the Tolbooth Kirk is now called The Hub, an events venue best known for hosting the Edinburgh International Festival. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6e3879a6-319f-4e6b-8109-76f93c17b21c/tempImageylyOt8.jpg Blog - Full Circle - Make it stand out In the background you can see the stadium seats that have been erected around the Castle Esplanade for the Tattoo. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3c47f4f4-f042-4c47-a891-539b5e5dec05/tempImageAIs0bP.jpg Blog - Full Circle - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/607e5673-eae2-4d85-82a5-fa7e32872358/tempImagern0Zxn.jpg Blog - Full Circle - Make it stand out Unicycle-riding fire juggling https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/915fdde2-eaa9-4410-89f3-333b1212aed6/tempImage7mPBVD.jpg Blog - Full Circle - Make it stand out Multi-instrument musician https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/40e2d567-2055-4b8b-8f59-91a1e81a9fbb/tempImagewkCEVB.jpg Blog - Full Circle - Make it stand out Living statue on a bicycle https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/dffd208e-158d-4e05-9339-8be8a08cdf39/tempImageF8ecoI.jpg Blog - Full Circle - Make it stand out Living bronze statue https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f3892822-2f6c-4b5e-9912-955155e5ccdf/tempImagedUvI21.jpg Blog - Full Circle - Make it stand out That Junk Guy https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/bea89d1c-1908-4c45-9b55-04eab360d64a/tempImage0iHyRD.jpg Blog - Full Circle - Make it stand out Even a skeleton marionette dancing to music! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/35e15c19-6ce2-4cc8-91f2-ebe27fcfbd87/tempImage1WuVEv.jpg Blog - Full Circle - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3275dac1-0ac0-4cd5-bee5-098ed411fb43/top_image2.jpg Blog - Full Circle - Make it stand out The show, like the book, focused on James Gillray, the brilliant caricaturist of the late Georgian period, whose political drawings—as you might imagine—created quite an uproar. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/94148c3a-0fd8-442f-94a6-c39eaad87872/tempImagenCJ29m.jpg Blog - Full Circle - Make it stand out After the show we had a chance to thank Alice in person for helping make our trip more memorable by including visits to places she introduced us to. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7036ad69-0471-4857-8f09-740459f1c3c0/tempImageq2fLUH.jpg Blog - Full Circle - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9f4724f8-d79f-47aa-8850-cc8f49f0b288/tempImage1BdyfW.jpg Blog - Full Circle - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/192907f7-aaee-4790-a74d-2c5941449a1a/tempImagem6Usmx.jpg Blog - Full Circle - Make it stand out Set against the ancient Edinburgh Castle, the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo is the largest and best-known in the world. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/153763f4-0bf2-492e-a1d7-b5187e759e67/tempImageeiIcxR.jpg Blog - Full Circle - Make it stand out It may the best known, but did you know it is not the only tattoo? There are many other tattoos held each year around the globe, including the Basel Tattoo in Swizerland, the Quebec City Military Tattoo in Canada, and the Virginia International Tattoo in the USA, just to name a few. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ec0b605e-4e3a-46f8-8067-01a3ed603540/tempImageCtwiEr.jpg Blog - Full Circle - Make it stand out It should come as no surprise that it has been a longtime dream to see the Edinburgh Tattoo in person. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/fd35e7ee-0055-4591-ab2d-8a57eadca358/tempImage3BRZ6B.jpg Blog - Full Circle - Make it stand out Today the word “tattoo” is synonymous with body art; however, the first use of the word was in the 1640s from the Dutch “tap toe.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b5d0697f-f025-4e6d-b393-54241b1e9f4b/tempImagews7Dzs.jpg Blog - Full Circle - Make it stand out In the early 1600s, military drummers were sent out into the towns at 9:30 pm each evening to inform the soldiers that it was time to return to barracks. The process was known as doe den tap toe (Dutch for "turn off the tap"), an instruction to innkeepers to stop serving beer and send the soldiers home for the night. The drummers continued to play until curfew at 10:00 pm. Now you know. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/89fa2341-a774-4ff0-947b-40f950e5a88f/tempImage20rZmv.jpg Blog - Full Circle - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d2e18e57-8fd9-4014-af2c-9871d4424cc7/tempImageFz1cnn.jpg Blog - Full Circle - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f99d5f45-4e5b-4f21-860d-6c2ca04b7cdc/tempImage84FfI6.jpg Blog - Full Circle - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2e465149-1b7b-445e-a1c5-1cf1b2df9ab0/tempImageeY949x.jpg Blog - Full Circle - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8c77e304-a6d6-4035-8abe-d03326fffedd/tempImagewp0PMA.jpg Blog - Full Circle - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.overthehillandacrossthepond.com/blog/the-crowning-place monthly 0.5 2023-11-29 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6a772621-9849-4f38-b6a2-647dc2e11a1c/Dunnottar+Castle.jpg Blog - The Crowning Place - Make it stand out It is not known exactly how long ago the site was originally inhabited; it is believed that the Picts established it between 5,000 BC and 700 AD. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/57b9a302-ff4b-40bf-8269-8a383da7d6ad/tempImageHsI0UU.jpg Blog - The Crowning Place - Make it stand out Dun is the Pictish word meaning “place of strength” or “fort.” The word Dunnottar, originally “Dun Fother,” probably meant “Fort in the low country” as the castle lies in the Mearns, the lands to the east of the Grampian Highlands between Montrose and Stonehaven. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/09c5483e-185d-4a90-b217-0ca2e06a4393/tempImageezqrXr.jpg Blog - The Crowning Place - Make it stand out After the invasion of Scotland by English forces, William Wallace attacked an English garrison at Dunnottar, taking it back under Scottish control. Legend has it that Wallace showed no mercy to the soldiers and set fire to the Chapel where they had taken refuge, condemning all inside to a terrible death. Others were driven over the cliff edges, with no survivors. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ad6f5747-e10d-4103-a6bc-c32a44e8f62b/tempImage5bOgx9.jpg Blog - The Crowning Place - Make it stand out I promise I took these last two photos, but seeing it here…it doesn’t look real. Mary Queen of Scots visited the Castle in 1562, returning two years later and spending two nights there in September 1564. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9771094e-6c41-429a-93d6-94d3697d49cb/tempImageCXWNCB.jpg Blog - The Crowning Place - Make it stand out In 1593, a captured lion was brought to the castle and housed in what is now known as The Lion’s Den. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3bf93019-a950-45e1-85ed-5d2780355f9a/tempImageTR4R4R.jpg Blog - The Crowning Place - Make it stand out During the war between Scotland, England, and Ireland in the mid-1640s, known as the War of Three Kingdoms, sometimes known as the British Civil Wars, King Charles II was a guest of the 7th Earl Marischal. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1da967eb-d2b9-4a8d-85a4-b6371b060eba/tempImageW7WFJD.jpg Blog - The Crowning Place - Make it stand out The young King’s arrival to Scotland prompted an invasion by the Parliamentary Army, led by Oliver Cromwell. Dunnottar Castle played a vital role in the safekeeping of the Honours of Scotland (the oldest Crown Jewels in Britain). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2d4292b1-df15-4c87-bb1a-5fc26c5bbc49/tempImageJT8cmo.jpg Blog - The Crowning Place - Make it stand out After visiting Dunnottar Castle, our next stop was Glamis Castle (pronounced without the “i”—”Glams.”) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/be09eb3c-a81c-44d1-9cf0-44a362a613bf/tempImagerxbAWE.jpg Blog - The Crowning Place - Make it stand out Glamis Castle has been the ancestral seat to the Earls of Strathmore and Kinghorne since 1372. Once the inspiration for William Shakespeare’s Macbeth, Glamis is renowned for its rich history and famous visitors, from Mary Queen of Scots to James V. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8f185cc0-d951-48ea-8aba-565597197092/tempImagetuuScP.jpg Blog - The Crowning Place - Make it stand out Glamis Castle was the childhood home of the late Queen Mother (the late Queen Elizabeth II’s mother and wife of King George VI). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/537de2b2-fcbf-42a2-9d07-9f8b1a790bda/tempImageh2ZpKU.jpg Blog - The Crowning Place - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b0ba3f84-5162-4ef4-a2ed-68f5323bdade/tempImage9r30mK.jpg Blog - The Crowning Place - Make it stand out A cute childhood picture of the late Queen Elizabeth II and her sister Princess Margaret. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ad9bd220-1aa9-4458-b6e2-a6ca3b5dc863/tempImagepxbyvF.jpg Blog - The Crowning Place - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6d165e42-7d9e-4427-8cf5-59e78a8ff323/tempImageAzijxv.jpg Blog - The Crowning Place - Make it stand out The Palace of Scone https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0e2cea5a-b55c-4428-ab0e-6ab982b6e084/tempImagezNpuxX.jpg Blog - The Crowning Place - Make it stand out Lots of peacocks, including a white peacock, roamed the palace grounds. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a4bbe665-c32d-4241-9ecd-8ae630f76937/tempImage0F8bX2.jpg Blog - The Crowning Place - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/fb7e9577-0ddb-40f0-99aa-173b7a1c3bfa/tempImageVQ6srr.jpg Blog - The Crowning Place - Make it stand out The place of coronation was called Caislean Credi (Hill of Credulity), which survives as the present Moot Hill. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3a6c5650-72c2-453d-a93b-a0323f6df232/tempImagekoURwt.jpg Blog - The Crowning Place - Make it stand out A replica of how the Stone of Scone would have looked back in 1296. When Edward I of England invaded the palace in 1296, the Stone of Scone was removed and taken to Westminster Abbey in London, so that it could be used in future coronations, to symbolize that the monarch reigned over both England and Scotland. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3b863081-1f25-404f-9176-909dbf2df8b7/tempImagedbe78u.jpg Blog - The Crowning Place - Make it stand out All hail King Stephen! These days, when not being used for a coronation, the Stone of Scone resides in Edinburgh Castle. We were extremely fortunate to see the actual stone at the Castle back in December with Pam. However, the people of Scotland voted and the Stone is scheduled to be moved to a new bespoke exhibition space at the Perth City Hall—very near it’s original home at Scone Palace. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7dbc9b7a-45d1-4381-bad4-0f50904ad25d/tempImagewQRNSP.jpg Blog - The Crowning Place - Make it stand out The Coronation Chair was made in 1300–01 at the request of Edward I and was intended to enclose the Stone of Scone. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/dc125b0d-1c7c-411b-8509-48b7ba35f102/tempImagelOkgMz.jpg Blog - The Crowning Place - Make it stand out The original entrance to the Palace. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/da3badca-2c9a-46eb-b7f9-1cf5f9f9ba43/tempImageqwn5Pi.jpg Blog - The Crowning Place - Make it stand out The old Mercat Cross where the town once held market. That is until the king felt the city was just too close to his palace and had the entire city moved down the road to its present day location. Ah, it’s good to be king! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/fc1647d3-8594-4c27-b9ec-5384b3c44d6c/tempImageoeLtyq.jpg Blog - The Crowning Place - Make it stand out St Andrews is also home to the famous running-on-the-beach scene from the 1981 film Chariots of Fire, which was filmed here on West Sands beach, alongside the western border of the famous Jubilee Course. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/909d3d3c-1c16-4ad4-80f5-c729558107a5/tempImageZDLBNu.jpg Blog - The Crowning Place - Make it stand out West Sands beach https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/99271753-55eb-4268-bcc9-b0cd913a55a5/tempImagemW1bSn.jpg Blog - The Crowning Place - Make it stand out West Sands beach https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/72dfede5-6ae1-4ba2-a02a-2554b11d1287/tempImagejEo76N.jpg Blog - The Crowning Place - Make it stand out The St Andrews Links Clubhouse & Tom Morris Bar & Grill in the background. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/bb71bcb3-2d04-417e-b929-f94dc61cb277/tempImageQHUnSY.jpg Blog - The Crowning Place - Make it stand out The iconic and storied 18-hole Old Course, founded in the early 15th century. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/af7845da-6e03-431a-906c-911745006e9c/tempImageFUffkn.jpg Blog - The Crowning Place - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f2148ccc-9f01-4881-a694-738b93a712c1/tempImageSS0mQo.jpg Blog - The Crowning Place - Make it stand out Before Chariots of Fire, before the Jubilee Course, and even before the Old Course—St Andrews was called the Pilgrim Kingdom. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3916a959-6700-45db-a8c5-350f3fc9bc8a/tempImageZPh5M7.jpg Blog - The Crowning Place - Make it stand out Tradition claims that St Andrew was martyred and buried in Patras, Greece. Later most of his relics were transferred to the city of Constantinople and a small portion to Scotland. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/77256f05-6221-4d5e-838a-743c3d4c1abe/tempImageemSuhe.jpg Blog - The Crowning Place - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/826b3b0f-29bf-4cb0-9bc0-90f785ad73a1/tempImage79Wt4Y.jpg Blog - The Crowning Place - Make it stand out Such a cool building. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3c500689-df16-40d0-80d5-eff983875b62/tempImageNitT2U.jpg Blog - The Crowning Place - Make it stand out Interesting: the $ symbol for the USD came from a Brit! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f03ed46e-0680-4db9-a661-cebebfc382e8/tempImageXaY1B6.jpg Blog - The Crowning Place - Make it stand out Google Hamish, or scan the QR code, if you’re interested. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/53cfbbf0-1326-4253-abce-24cb968488fb/tempImageoMr3IA.jpg Blog - The Crowning Place - Make it stand out The Swilcan Bridge had previously been known as the Golfers' Bridge for hundreds of years. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a1e62075-e70a-452e-b390-5ef2db25d4fe/tempImagew2ZafF.jpg Blog - The Crowning Place - Make it stand out It is customary for champions of golf to publicly show some sort of homage or respect to the structure. For example, in early July 2010 at The Open Championship, Tom Watson was photographed kissing the bridge. At the 2005 Open Championship, Jack Nicklaus gave his final farewell to professional golf while standing on the bridge https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ca80546e-2f3f-497f-91b3-2abc08a82c3a/tempImage0ONNC6.jpg Blog - The Crowning Place - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/fbc97279-6357-453f-b887-274387346e4c/tempImageXATYwf.jpg Blog - The Crowning Place - Make it stand out After seeing this sign at St Andrews, we realized it must have some connection to golf; after all, the Paso Robles Golf Course is off Niblick Road. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/97602c80-423b-4c2d-b5e6-104def5272c8/tempImageJLJ7uZ.jpg Blog - The Crowning Place - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2e83b3ec-d3a7-45e0-a2fc-3fa811ada93d/tempImage8oKsxu.jpg Blog - The Crowning Place - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/fb2c1f33-8542-40b9-9e88-054c7f964aec/tempImagerGqmdg.jpg Blog - The Crowning Place - Make it stand out We’ve been on a lot of boats over the past few months, but this one looks mighty small. As the Scots would say, it’s a wee boat. Which makes me think of the movie Splash, and Mr Fat Jack…and the little boat: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a4_-SSjCYB8 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c6a0c72e-e47e-4549-8eee-a441f9d4d874/tempImages3Lrj4.jpg Blog - The Crowning Place - Make it stand out It was a bit windy, which created some small swells… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3e9d9fb2-3741-418d-9269-39aee9f1a549/tempImageXvZc40.jpg Blog - The Crowning Place - Make it stand out …which made the ride in the little boat interesting. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ada760d6-49dd-4ad3-badf-afb0159f06a7/tempImageUcgkti.jpg Blog - The Crowning Place - Make it stand out Safely on shore and (mostly) dry. Although strong and defensible, Lochleven Castle was also a functioning residence, home to the Douglas lairds who lived here with their families. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/96c724cb-8cf6-448f-9fdb-9d4b4a35fb08/tempImageyNEQBy.jpg Blog - The Crowning Place - Make it stand out An artist's impression of how the castle may have looked during the 1560s, with the great hall and kitchen to the south of the tower house. (Remember the great hall for later.) The island on which the castle sits used to be much. much smaller. Between 1826 and 1836 the loch was partially drained, so the island got bigger. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ce6d8661-88b4-4e5f-b876-8b6218868ce6/tempImageNR8JGF.jpg Blog - The Crowning Place - Make it stand out Built in about 1550, the Glassin Tower was a stylish modern extension, creating a more fashionable appearance for the castle. It was here that Mary Queen of Scots was held during the initial weeks of her captivity. Sir William Douglas, her host on previous visits, now became her jailer. The queen was pregnant when she arrived at Lochleven but soon suffered a miscarriage, finding that she had been carrying twins. Still in her sickbed, Mary was forced to abdicate the throne. She was then moved to the “great, gloomy tower” across the courtyard (the tower house). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/de4851ae-7e62-4675-98f0-8ec18c112f43/tempImageGt1bJF.jpg Blog - The Crowning Place - Make it stand out The ground floor chamber where Mary Queen of Scots was likely taken on arrival in 1567. She temporarily resided in the floor directly above the ground floor where Amanda is standing. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4507ee10-4364-4ea1-b962-92894e7d779e/tempImageLS7cgq.jpg Blog - The Crowning Place - Make it stand out The entrance into the tower house. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2398328b-bd20-4637-8065-d7e21ba75572/tempImageodJeB0.jpg Blog - The Crowning Place - Make it stand out The spiral stairs down to lower floors where the workers went out their duties in running the household. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/01a0dc0b-9d32-4c12-a1cb-df9c4c84e827/tempImaget8kwSo.jpg Blog - The Crowning Place - Make it stand out Upstairs to where the laird and his family lived and to where Mary resided directly below the family chamber. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/dfc2d65b-43a6-4bde-84b7-e0ac728cf753/tempImageMNn5bq.jpg Blog - The Crowning Place - Make it stand out Standing on a small mezzanine where Mary’s room once was (you have to image a wooden floor running the full length of the room). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c9eb609d-9ce1-40e5-b03b-851e91a8f8f7/tempImageHZFTU0.jpg Blog - The Crowning Place - Make it stand out Mary’s view west over Lochleven. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7b484a94-6215-4de0-8d14-a7078e55322f/tempImagefpD5ak.jpg Blog - The Crowning Place - Make it stand out Mary’s fireplace and sitting space. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8608394e-4200-40fa-a7ae-609ffc1d32ab/tempImagesYFBND.jpg Blog - The Crowning Place - Make it stand out An artist’s impression of Mary’s room (#1). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a0c26fd9-4c82-4984-9067-264d3dac7c83/tempImageohCDlG.jpg Blog - The Crowning Place - Make it stand out This window probably served as an oratory, where Mary worshipped while imprisoned (see drawing above). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/52c20487-d1a7-4d6b-8913-92c2877bed13/tempImage9atfiI.jpg Blog - The Crowning Place - Make it stand out Here’s me standing next to all that remains of the south wall of the great hall (you can scroll back up to the drawing showing the great hall). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a829e6f7-7857-44e1-b611-86962e86dd96/tempImageqTkjFM.jpg Blog - The Crowning Place - Make it stand out Time to get back on the wee boat. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2394337a-38fe-44a0-b03d-73b12fff4aa9/tempImagem8IOz8.jpg Blog - The Crowning Place - Make it stand out This time the wind was to our backs, so the ride was much more pleasant. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5f33eeff-8e12-462d-a187-bcac8bcbfcc7/tempImageqNjYWk.jpg Blog - The Crowning Place - Make it stand out The Balgedie Toll Tavern established c. 1534. One legends tells that a compatriot living off the island was designated to set a lamp in the window of this tavern, which would have been visible on the island, to indicate everything was ready for Mary to be rowed off the island and the horses were ready for her escape. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/66dab61c-e2fe-4dc8-99a1-83d3de1c7e24/tempImage0BW8eC.jpg Blog - The Crowning Place - Make it stand out All I know is the Loch Leven Brewery Shining Knight “real” Pale Ale was excellent. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ab4d9760-1036-4981-b0d0-83e2abf46f4a/tempImageZ3LaNv.jpg Blog - The Crowning Place - Make it stand out And look at the charm of this old pub. As we’ve said before, we will well and truly miss these old buildings, with their characteristic warmth and inviting atmosphere—small nooks in which to eat and drink, laughter from the next group over, talk of the weather. They are an intrinsic part of the Uk’s DNA and we will miss them sorely! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f61866c9-f3a5-4d71-a3f4-af4eb95fa715/tempImageMRHsMQ.jpg Blog - The Crowning Place - Make it stand out After the majestic mountain and Claire’s opening narration (“People disappear all the time…”), E1:S1 of Outlander begins with a shop window. Claire is peering into “Ferrells General Store” and reflecting that she’d never lived anywhere long enough to own a vase. In real life, Farrells is the delightful Fayre Earth Gift Shop, selling local crafts and fair-trade items. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8c39404d-0441-4d88-bdab-f5d2ce502dc5/tempImageqlwmx5.jpg Blog - The Crowning Place - Make it stand out As Claire turns away from the shop with the vase, Falkland Palace is visible down the road. One room inside became the Inverness apothecary where Claire visited toward the end of S2 to restock her medical supplies. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ce907406-a387-4bee-b9c0-e8903741f9f1/tempImagewyXCO5.jpg Blog - The Crowning Place - Make it stand out Falkland High Street https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/66e3bd13-4104-4c12-a178-ea604de23cec/tempImageorNbBn.jpg Blog - The Crowning Place - Make it stand out Falkland High Street https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c4f44cfc-7ff9-46a4-a103-508e10761eb0/tempImagezyJQFf.jpg Blog - The Crowning Place - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7f29e1ac-0824-49fe-81f2-2d54c80e4c65/tempImagexVlw1E.jpg Blog - The Crowning Place - Make it stand out In the TV series this sign read, “Mrs Baird’s Bed & Breakfast Established 1865.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/699517e3-7fda-4d0b-a81c-0f060471fc0f/tempImage8l9yfG.jpg Blog - The Crowning Place - Make it stand out The Bruce Fountain is an ornamental Victorian Gothic fountain on Falkland High Street, near the site of the Merchant Cross. It’s here, in darkness and pouring rain, that Frank sees a mysterious man in Highland dress looking up at Claire in the top right window of Mrs Bairds guesthouse. This was the opening scene from the Outlander book and one of my most endearing images from reading the series. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/bbb745da-fd9a-4a5b-b994-648a4b01513b/tempImagee2wj2n.jpg Blog - The Crowning Place - Make it stand out The Bruce Fountain is garishly buttressed with four red-painted lions holding shields. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/44caea1f-c36d-4f46-88f0-e6f6c120913a/tempImageOhIvRL.jpg Blog - The Crowning Place - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/38559bd7-7fd9-4b69-a412-8f836cd0aa3d/tempImageDyQSc5.jpg Blog - The Crowning Place - Make it stand out Campbell’s Café was transformed in S4 into a greengrocers. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b832d59b-02e8-47a8-ae34-5ec5e103914e/tempImageOH0XVD.jpg Blog - The Crowning Place - Make it stand out This amazing cylindrical house sits at the back of Campbell’s Café. https://www.overthehillandacrossthepond.com/blog/crazy-britian monthly 0.5 2023-08-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1d1d80d6-ce04-426e-b6ed-57d6b4c8c98b/tempImageAT3b6d.jpg Blog - Driving Me Crazy - Make it stand out And don’t even get me started on our single-track road experiences! You want to feel completely knackered after a drive, spend some time on single track roads! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/bae155b1-f200-4f35-929b-80ea9f4b0bbb/tempImageaqkuCN.jpg Blog - Driving Me Crazy - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/06e014d8-2dd2-4295-bc8c-67b5049b0c91/tempImageov1AGq.jpg Blog - Driving Me Crazy - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1676c366-ed3f-4324-9dce-301bbd8a0d2a/tempImageo1u1Jw.jpg Blog - Driving Me Crazy - Make it stand out But enough of my moaning—Britain is more than just crazy small roads. (Port Issac, Cornwall, England) Here are some of the funniest things we’ve seen while navigating the wild and chaotic and often challenging roads networks of the UK and Ireland. We’ll start with things simply don’t translate well… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/79234c4d-ca12-4979-8bae-75804d2c6f84/IMG_1074.jpg Blog - Driving Me Crazy - Make it stand out OK, now this I can't wait to see!! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8a965ed5-26a2-4307-b65a-e0d38e00be40/tempImage0Kw0KV.jpg Blog - Driving Me Crazy - Make it stand out And now, for the grant finale! Translation: large trucks from a local factory or work site crossing the road. (Portknockie, Scotland) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c7683372-5a8c-44f8-99bb-2750f3ca81a0/Cats+Eyes+Removed.jpg Blog - Driving Me Crazy - Make it stand out Thankfully, this is not a new veterinary procedure. Translation: they are completing roadwork and the reflectors in the center of the roadway have been removed. (So many people have reacted badly to this sign that it is now largely out of use. This image is from the internet; however, we did see the sign in use somewhere in the Midlands of England. The more common sign now is “Road Markings Removed.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/69eb81d8-f944-4472-920c-036d30784ec6/tempImageaQzGv5.jpg Blog - Driving Me Crazy - Make it stand out Not just slow but Dead Slow! (Dublin, Ireland) This is not some one-off; we saw this sign multiple times. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c1c79301-f64d-4d4b-8b5c-9abc0d85e888/tempImageR6zbvm.jpg Blog - Driving Me Crazy - Make it stand out We drove some insanely steep inclines in the UK. (Tarn Road climbing out of Malham in the Yorkshire Dales, England) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6224f74f-e470-4492-9133-0ed53e2274ad/tempImageAF3or5.jpg Blog - Driving Me Crazy - Make it stand out Followed, of course, by some brake-fading descents. (Buttertubs Pass in the Yorkshire Dales, England) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c963efda-87a8-48ea-b0fa-b680ed1ad293/tempImagey4O7Wg.jpg Blog - Driving Me Crazy - Make it stand out Poets and they know it. (Lerwick, Shetland, Scotland) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2910f765-3def-4533-adbd-1b4138c24f2f/tempImage9N2QYu.jpg Blog - Driving Me Crazy - Make it stand out Sadly, this was the closest we ever came to seeing a live hedgehog (sadly we did see a couple that did not successfully cross the road). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b8d1507e-2788-424b-91da-0fe5ab4cd0e6/tempImage02DZ9M.jpg Blog - Driving Me Crazy - Make it stand out https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1b74a3fd-edf1-4596-a373-e174f2ea3bd6/tempImageb8GNKJ.jpg Blog - Driving Me Crazy - Make it stand out Apparently half camels, half zebras cross the road here. Translation: crosswalk (zebra) that is also a speed bump. (Just outside the Grassington National Park Visitor Center, Yorkshire Dales, England) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/98ec64c9-7a42-4f81-b31a-76a7d2fb8cf8/tempImageZVzWT8.jpg Blog - Driving Me Crazy - Make it stand out Lerwick got cheeky and added a snail to their sign. (Lerwick, Shetland, Scotland) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/53697d0a-9cfd-4e57-a483-6e43a132bc34/tempImagel0VTF3.jpg Blog - Driving Me Crazy - Make it stand out (Isle of Mull, Scotland) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e3f3502c-053e-4903-9505-9d20e3b0e98f/tempImagemN8fjb.jpg Blog - Driving Me Crazy - Make it stand out At least they listed children first. (On the drive to Loch Arkaig, near Fort William, Scotland) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/05814611-66de-4222-9395-6c31391e26e1/tempImageVFuM4i.jpg Blog - Driving Me Crazy - Make it stand out (On A830 near Loch Eli and Glenfinnan, Scotland) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ccbd3fd8-fdc9-4be6-89ce-a47e5e01f158/IMG_1069.jpg Blog - Driving Me Crazy - Make it stand out Avoid running over the toads, the squishy sound they make under your tyres is disgusting! Speaking of frog guts, the Brits don’t say that a surface is slippery; they say it is “slippy,” which sounds ridiculous to the American ear. (Not sure of the location. This was from our 2009 trip, so probably in the Peak District, England.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1657302b-9a94-45d4-a3c5-390c9e6429dc/tempImage5FTGMU.jpg Blog - Driving Me Crazy - Make it stand out Peter Rabbit Crossing. (Outside Hill Top house, Beatrix Potter's farmhouse retreat, near Sawrey, Hawkshead, Ambleside, England) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3e146bd7-289c-4a62-a914-09ab325e4aa3/tempImage5PO128.jpg Blog - Driving Me Crazy - Make it stand out The red squirrel is now endangered… (Kinbuck, Scotland, near Craighead Howfs) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/237e7102-5eb4-44d7-ab27-d1626abb6fc6/tempImageLE3LI3.jpg Blog - Driving Me Crazy - Make it stand out So don’t be a twat by running over one of the few remaining ones! (Near The Glenlivet Distillery, Scotland) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/47cf7b60-49fb-4498-8ca4-eb1ff276b400/tempImagekJd30O.jpg Blog - Driving Me Crazy - Make it stand out The Brits are a very literal bunch. Inspires confidence, doesn’t it? (Near Stratford Upon Avon, England) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/13d20234-f044-48ed-afc2-00ce90e5fc8b/tempImageNyCmpl.jpg Blog - Driving Me Crazy - Make it stand out I’m not sure why, but the design of this sign always makes me laugh. I find it a bit ridiculous. (Ambleside, Lake District, England) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8b3ec3c6-0a65-449b-ac91-f0718b93ccf2/IMG_0700.jpg Blog - Driving Me Crazy - Make it stand out (Not sure of the location. This was from our 2009 trip, so probably in the Peak District, England.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0adba08c-b177-459c-8c00-30f0847de937/tempImage7pRcfZ.jpg Blog - Driving Me Crazy - Make it stand out How’s this for a fancy, late-Victorian, cast iron mile post marker? (Isle of Mull, Scotland) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ac51d0bc-0036-4906-a048-43d1172c1b93/Crematorium.jpeg Blog - Driving Me Crazy - Make it stand out You don’t want to be faffing about when you’re looking for your closest incinerator. I find this utterly baffling. Do a lot of Brits drive around, running errands, to include dropping off a loved one at the crematorium? Have the English watched National Lampoon’s Vacation with Aunt Edna strapped to the roof one too many times? It’s utterly commonplace though, we’ve seen tons of signs throughout our travels. No matter how many times we see that sign, all I can think is—weird! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/83c3797b-989a-4b2f-abfe-2c3495f28746/tempImageXOwKm8.jpg Blog - Driving Me Crazy - Make it stand out The British term fly-tipping refers to the unauthorized dumping of trash from a vehicle. Fly is a shortening of the phrase “on the fly,” meaning while in motion (i.e: from a car), and tipping as in "to dump.” (Near the Salutation Inn, near Castle Combe, outside Bath, England) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/017b8b87-2ebc-4eeb-9c1f-27ab37f80d4a/tempImageQAtwyl.jpg Blog - Driving Me Crazy - Make it stand out Lastly, parking spaces in the UK make Trader Joes parking lots seem enormous. When everything is tiny, what do you do when you’re not? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/73d0438f-99c4-4698-91c8-fd1f3b28b2c9/tempImagegOFvim.jpg Blog - Driving Me Crazy - Make it stand out You make a sign! https://www.overthehillandacrossthepond.com/blog/aberdeen monthly 0.5 2023-11-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4045f385-833f-4feb-b53e-76f427de8303/tempImageViEpn8.jpg Blog - Aberdeen - Make it stand out Given Shetland’s size, I did not expect much from their museum—which is why I was very pleasantly surprised by the quality of the exhibition spaces. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/44074700-751d-4d87-a7db-75ddbfcf7af6/m00005.jpg Blog - Aberdeen - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/12d768c9-9c53-4687-acbb-04e0ede29691/tempImageT0Oq1u.jpg Blog - Aberdeen - Make it stand out Our ferry departed right on time at 5:30 pm. (Cruise ships like the one above arrived and departed Lerwick almost every day.) We dropped off stuff in our cabin, took Stugeron (i.e.: European Dramamine), and headed up to use our free drink vouchers to really help us . https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3e80bf4b-3431-4619-9678-e31ad784607f/tempImageSBAFJ0.jpg Blog - Aberdeen - Make it stand out To get to Balmoral Castle, we had to drive back into the Cairngorms National Park, this time from the east. We previously drove through the park along the west when Jeff and Madi were here. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7bd7887f-b80e-44bb-a225-a7ce65dfb83a/tempImageuIoedX.jpg Blog - Aberdeen - Make it stand out If the heather wasn’t enough of a clue, the sign welcomes you to the Scottish Highlands. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/efd8b217-273c-4a1b-8c45-661237f8add2/tempImageTK7TAE.jpg Blog - Aberdeen - Make it stand out Way back on our Wordsworth post, I introduced you to the AA roadside telephone box (“Your 4th Emergency Service”). When a list was compiled back in 2014, only 19 roadside boxes remained. Well, I found my second box, this was was on A93: Box Name: Campus O'may. Telephone Number: Dinnet 215. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a7268f6d-141a-45b5-8ae8-c0f10537484e/tempImageoxA9TU.jpg Blog - Aberdeen - Make it stand out The Balmoral estate was purchased for Queen Victoria by Prince Albert in 1852, after the couple fell in love with the local countryside. Ever since, it has been passed on to successive generations of the royal family, where the family holidays every summer. It is also where Queen Elizabeth II died. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4b949dc1-daa8-4efe-8a1f-a66d587b5fc8/tempImageZhFi2j.jpg Blog - Aberdeen - Make it stand out We visited the estate’s garden first. You could smell these sweet peas several feet away—absolutely amazing! We so wish we could grow these in Paso. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8808a5ad-ac23-40e0-a4ea-c438fca0e5aa/tempImageX3LHfD.jpg Blog - Aberdeen - Make it stand out Another picture-perfect day in the Highlands. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2868154f-89fa-4faf-9793-1b2fdea0b5fe/tempImagejhv8Zn.jpg Blog - Aberdeen - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/93c3adf5-2896-4f64-9b5e-d846a8c74e1b/tempImage2Jwtqc.jpg Blog - Aberdeen - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5be74695-33f4-4bef-9648-5ba07c923c0b/tempImagecMZPqo.jpg Blog - Aberdeen - Make it stand out Flowers are grown here in this greenhouse and then placed in arrangements throughout the house during family visits. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/51fc46bd-4a51-4151-baf2-87ee73173072/tempImagePqRxKx.jpg Blog - Aberdeen - Make it stand out The gates leading from the garden to the house are adorned with the initials of King George and Queen Mary, Queen Elizabeth’s parents. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9e1b8aed-1d9e-44e5-948b-4d7905cccf56/tempImagecvMpBG.jpg Blog - Aberdeen - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e25c20db-2382-4168-a164-1df6add4b5e6/tempImageFHX0Q6.jpg Blog - Aberdeen - Make it stand out The Royal Banner of the Royal Arms of Scotland flown as the King is not in residence. When His Majesty is in residence, the Royal Standard of the United Kingdom is flown. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f1389403-220d-42e1-818f-1581a7562451/tempImageUWAopt.jpg Blog - Aberdeen - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5d39d236-a789-4c68-b83c-d903f1f61fa3/tempImagegr6tfg.jpg Blog - Aberdeen - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/abde800f-ffd8-40be-a9e0-c598409f1642/tempImagemYCn7U.jpg Blog - Aberdeen - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9166e6ad-8177-4760-954b-e9f082d46621/tempImageY7WVe8.jpg Blog - Aberdeen - Make it stand out As was typical of many residences constructed at the time, the downspouts include the date the couple first occupied the residence and includes a cypher with the overlapping letters "V” and “A” for Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/45110e30-c224-4b5a-a134-cc7f4ce7b9b2/tempImageeCE8QI.jpg Blog - Aberdeen - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d99fcf67-f6e5-4d58-8862-198441954baf/tempImagekzJa4s.jpg Blog - Aberdeen - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c4a1d7ac-ba0a-47cb-a0b3-f8153bf9a637/tempImageg4Ja8u.jpg Blog - Aberdeen - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9b47fc46-ae17-43d5-a504-ebaf785124bf/tempImageUo6Tz7.jpg Blog - Aberdeen - Make it stand out The sunken garden. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e430b77d-27cf-4224-bae7-6f9c82827b3a/tempImagembarLx.jpg Blog - Aberdeen - Make it stand out Finally some Highland Coos on the Balmoral Estate. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5c5b4c96-3f56-4221-9c65-d99e14378ae9/tempImagehi5Xra.jpg Blog - Aberdeen - Make it stand out Look at this little baby! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/57a9efdf-1bdb-47e5-9aa1-a41c3e77ca63/tempImagebfw5pH.jpg Blog - Aberdeen - Make it stand out This bronze, life-size statue of a wild boar seated on its haunches, was erected at the castle circa 1855 and painted in 1929. Its design is after an example in Florence (possibly at Palazzo Signoria). The boar was copied in the Harry Potter films and adorned the gates to Hogwarts Castle. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/146dd8ca-23af-4443-a494-23a30a31a9c1/tempImageWN86DM.jpg Blog - Aberdeen - Make it stand out After Balmoral, we drove further west into the park to the small village of Braemar, where we stepped into the Flying Stag pub inside the Fife Arms Hotel to enjoy a wee dram. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/967091f8-7d9f-42e3-9cdd-83f16889033c/tempImageq8kdsf.jpg Blog - Aberdeen - Make it stand out Check out the wings on that stag! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/faee2b2a-4ba8-41ad-a15a-b6af9f3f9745/tempImageR5OneD.jpg Blog - Aberdeen - Make it stand out After not getting a dram at the Highland Park distillery on Orkney, this was a sign (both literally and figuratively )! A “measure” of whisky is an intriguing topic you can explore here. In Ian Rankin’s first novel Knots and Crosses, DS Rebus visits a pub and orders a double and the bartender warns, “This is a quarter-gill pub,” meaning their “measure” of a dram is larger than most and a double is “…a descent size a measure.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b3e79a1e-97f3-4687-9f62-bf0ddea1d016/tempImageQhRQ5P.jpg Blog - Aberdeen - Make it stand out My Highland Park was delicious. Amanda had a dram of Macallan 12-year sherry cask and loved hers as well. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ae1b8a69-2c4c-47f4-8a08-e3a21a19cdd2/tempImageq0SKZ0.jpg Blog - Aberdeen - Make it stand out I can think of few better places to imbibe a great Scotch whisky than inside the Fife Arms—absolutely, bloody amazing! These are the moments you try so hard to hold onto; we’ll never forget it! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d5824c7b-5b18-428c-83cc-9f8b92aaa8ae/tempImage3pONA8.jpg Blog - Aberdeen - Make it stand out As we were getting back into the car, I finally spotted a red squirrel! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5ccc9b30-00b3-44d1-9e8f-1740598b3de3/tempImagecK66SU.jpg Blog - Aberdeen - Make it stand out You go Little Red! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e58e8f06-d600-47d3-9a5e-3c2644733afb/tempImagebe54qA.jpg Blog - Aberdeen - Make it stand out One final stop: the permanent home to the Braemar Gathering Highland Games Centre. No games happening today, but proud to be standing at the site nonetheless. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c4f3d17e-3d8e-40ef-bbfa-0fb417328f80/tempImagesbTz8B.jpg Blog - Aberdeen - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/67eb2635-e46f-484b-85a5-3a685b288b2b/tempImageOW8Bsc.jpg Blog - Aberdeen - Make it stand out Castle Fraser is the most elaborate Z-plan castle in Scotland. Z-plan castles have a strong central rectangular tower with smaller towers attached at diagonally opposite corners. In this case the round tower at the distant left rest diagonally opposite the rectangular tower with the four turrets at the right. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/209bf0eb-1995-4f73-8264-f78f8cd4c8a9/tempImageQlempf.jpg Blog - Aberdeen - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4895499e-ab3e-42f7-ac39-fec727fc160d/tempImageaATOTh.jpg Blog - Aberdeen - Make it stand out The inner courtyard at the back of the castle is the most recent part of the castle. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d76f92a5-f30c-4c34-b107-868df2d80066/tempImage55bgkf.jpg Blog - Aberdeen - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ab696c1f-9e84-4889-9820-3a8d99e4702e/tempImageycU6OY.jpg Blog - Aberdeen - Make it stand out The fourth sword from the left was carried by Charles Fraser during the Battle of Culloden on April 16, 1746. He was badly wounded during the battle and, when found alive the following day, killed by a government solider. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/837b83bd-498b-425b-a0f8-f6db9d0a3fec/tempImage3mG9Wd.jpg Blog - Aberdeen - Make it stand out The blade has the name Fraser engraved on the blade, which is how the sword ultimately made its way back to Castle Fraser, where we were able to see it 277 years after the battle. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/48ba5540-8f2f-4e52-84b5-0fe2c404f256/tempImageVt5LNW.jpg Blog - Aberdeen - Make it stand out An amazing 16th century kitchen. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/98cd6d41-50fe-4b66-95aa-93db9b79f758/tempImagen08BZU.jpg Blog - Aberdeen - Make it stand out This pot includes an “Apotropaic mark,” intended to ward off witches. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/950d2ad6-724d-477d-8b8a-14d25ae0c179/tempImage2GF3aa.jpg Blog - Aberdeen - Make it stand out The fireplace with a portrait of General Alexander MacKenzie Fraser. Recall that Jamie’s full name in Outlander is James Alexander Malcolm MacKenzie Fraser. And now you know where Diana Gabaldon got the name. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0f72489d-d28b-476f-b9b7-2fe97196c052/tempImageRxhV6s.jpg Blog - Aberdeen - Make it stand out The ceiling post from which this lamp is hung has the initials MF for MacKenzie Fraser. It also includes images of strawberry plants as the surname Fraser is believed to derived from the French "fraisse," or strawberry. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b57962d1-2797-4bb6-9884-c5dac88050d3/tempImagesCR8Vc.jpg Blog - Aberdeen - Make it stand out On top of the round tower with incredible views of the great lawn and the walled garden. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c113328a-7415-4e49-b328-7a575733f0bc/tempImager4wlHL.jpg Blog - Aberdeen - Make it stand out The walled garden. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/cf70e240-383c-4998-a5cc-0febc8dc98d0/tempImageFXeB19.jpg Blog - Aberdeen - Make it stand out At the top of the Round Tower’s spiral staircase. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/39da3afc-fe55-433a-9c8f-b0825dbefc4e/tempImagewwBPsH.jpg Blog - Aberdeen - Make it stand out In the chapel, a hidden door in the floor, probably used to conceal Catholics vestments. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1144b142-aaf7-43cc-b16e-52bb95331c3e/tempImageUTsVYj.jpg Blog - Aberdeen - Make it stand out This artifact in the chapel is one of the oldest items in Castle Fraser. It is believed to be 14th or 15th century—made before the Reformation. The sheep and flag are known as the Agnus Dei, which means the Lamb of God. It was regarded as a holy object or a talisman—widely believed to be imbued supernatural power. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c7604964-7578-4aa7-b078-64031e88085b/tempImagebggRNv.jpg Blog - Aberdeen - Make it stand out In the Laird’s bedchamber is this small room containing a removable floor panel (now grated for visitors to look through). The so-called Laird's Lug (“lug” is a Gaelic word for ear) allowed the Laird to climb down a ladder and into a chamber where he could eavesdropping on conversations in the Great Hall. The chamber was likely adapted from a small spiral staircase dating from the original tower house. When the old staircase was abandoned during newer construction, the Laird had the space adapted to create the Lug. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/10e3abd8-3286-452e-9502-7d2b7af792bf/tempImageellO0g.jpg Blog - Aberdeen - Make it stand out A spy hole that allowed someone inside the castle and see who was entering the Great Hall (great shot Amanda!). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e29f80df-2341-4957-921e-17d1e2b6a6ae/tempImagev4Xhaf.jpg Blog - Aberdeen - Make it stand out Oh Jamie! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/acbc1675-58f8-4eba-b3f5-7f1566b55003/tempImagej6GxCq.jpg Blog - Aberdeen - Make it stand out Welcome to the castle’s strikingly beautiful walled garden. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a84ff160-6e60-4fa8-a5bc-7ffbcdd48a41/tempImagenoQM2i.jpg Blog - Aberdeen - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/69381e5e-1b5f-44cd-a06a-ee3def2ed95a/tempImageMj3A6C.jpg Blog - Aberdeen - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f6d6c544-d02b-499b-ac6d-3a548670477d/tempImageajrHtt.jpg Blog - Aberdeen - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/feeca03a-9a77-4df6-b6b8-9364f1d19766/tempImagenoCtMh.jpg Blog - Aberdeen - Make it stand out Oh, the enticing fragrance of sweet peas! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3ce7f40e-bc27-4248-a8e9-2da730ba9eb2/tempImagedJQSJe.jpg Blog - Aberdeen - Make it stand out The butterflies were extremely difficult to capture on film. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4339a6d9-ec42-477b-b0d0-e693de5e4cb3/tempImage6Ly1uP.jpg Blog - Aberdeen - Make it stand out They are black on their undersides and nearly always have their wings closed after landing. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6ea0819d-8ccf-4976-a058-ea180710f13f/tempImageXouo9G.jpg Blog - Aberdeen - Make it stand out After much persistence, we were able to capture their beautiful coloring. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/74744471-ed91-4f34-91a4-a05a90c96f04/tempImageSuyRzU.jpg Blog - Aberdeen - Make it stand out Tomorrow (Tuesday) we leave Aberdeen and continue our journey south toward London. Next stop: Cupar, Scotland. https://www.overthehillandacrossthepond.com/blog/shetland monthly 0.5 2023-12-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7ca9b625-729e-4e8d-b199-688840c683fd/IMG_2260.jpg Blog - Shetland - Make it stand out Man oh man, are we way in the middle of nowhere or what?! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/059e14b8-6c70-4a95-a097-c29b0fc264c8/tempImagep9m1Tu.jpg Blog - Shetland - Make it stand out See what I mean about the beautiful day?! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9ea3b6a1-9eb1-4e9c-8264-417a0e9b26ef/tempImagedL3CPT.jpg Blog - Shetland - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c09cad75-a3f1-44ec-849e-aed1ca40dd8b/tempImageoxUF09.jpg Blog - Shetland - Make it stand out The foghorn at Sumburgh Head was first used in 1906. Air is piped to the horn house from the engine room to create the blast. The horn was positioned at a high point to allow the sound to travel further. Originally, the horn could be rotated to change position; however, they no longer adjust its position so mariners can better judge the position of the horn. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b20d9aa0-3de1-4bf4-9455-26a356701c4f/tempImageG5wzOj.jpg Blog - Shetland - Make it stand out The light was automated in 1991 and the keepers' houses were converted into holiday accommodation. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8947e61c-3961-48c5-96ac-ef8c92c528fe/tempImagejpyv7D.jpg Blog - Shetland - Make it stand out The fog horn and lighthouse. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/332ff207-50a3-45f7-ad89-07e086cb3158/tempImagepAt5Qp.jpg Blog - Shetland - Make it stand out The East Radar Hut at Sumburgh Head. Following the torpedoing and sinking of HMS Royal Oak by German submarine U-47 in October 1939, the Home Fleet had been temporarily withdrawn from Scapa Flow in Orkney. In response, First Lord of the Admiralty Winston Churchill ordered the construction of several permanent barriers to prevent further U-Boat attacks which came to be known as the Churchill Barriers. He also ordered that the anti-aircraft defences be massively increased. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8f317247-102b-4e9a-9f7c-8d6c6212b6aa/tempImagergpFbQ.jpg Blog - Shetland - Make it stand out Once Scapa Flow was deemed safe again, the fleet returned in March 1940, but the Germans immediately began probing the defenses as a dress rehearsal for what was to come. On April 8, 1940, as darkness fell on the eve of the German invasion of Denmark and Norway, some 60 Luftwaffe bombers crossed the North Sea in an attempt to neutralize the British Home Fleet at Scapa Flow. The radar scope is the black box behind me. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8865439c-23ba-4253-9a50-511ff8a1a992/tempImageXmbkvW.jpg Blog - Shetland - Make it stand out Sub-Lieutenant George Clifford Evans was in charge of radar operations on this momentous night. Having detected a raid approximately 100 miles south-east of Sumburgh Head (19:55), he was able to communicate the threat and provide a 25 minute warning to the Admiral Commanding Orkney and Shetland based at Lyness in Hoy, on the western flank of Scapa Flow. As the aircraft continued to be tracked, Evans stepped outside on a clear starlit night and witnessed a “tremendous firework display” as the Scapa barrage repelled the enemy attack. A second similar attack was attempted again two days later on April 10, 1940, and it was similarly defeated due to early detection by the Sumburgh Head radar station. Had the raid of April 8 succeeded, British naval power would have been compromised, potentially influencing the course of World War II in what has been described as “the Pearl Harbor that might have been.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d6c09450-9612-4e58-9aff-1a3571f6cc6a/tempImageK2fuVN.jpg Blog - Shetland - Make it stand out Farwell Sumburgh Head. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/44e3141d-9e7e-43fb-ab42-2730568f97bd/tempImageanM0T4.jpg Blog - Shetland - Make it stand out A snack for the road—not! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8163fa76-9078-46c3-9f0b-eae0225af959/tempImage0QAHgk.jpg Blog - Shetland - Make it stand out Sumburgh Airport is at the south end of the island, near the Sumburgh Lighthouse. Lots of massive S-92 helicopters operating, which are super fun to watch. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/71f4de88-6bce-41b5-b328-9ad389c557a6/Screenshot+2023-08-09+at+6.49.39+PM.png Blog - Shetland - Make it stand out Sumburgh is a true island airport, nearly surrounded by water. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/66977ee9-8d55-41b5-bb89-b30743308cd5/Screenshot+2023-08-09+at+6.48.33+PM.png Blog - Shetland - Make it stand out Interestingly, the road (A970) actually crosses the departure end of runway 09 (which the winds were favoring when we crossed to reach the lighthouse). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d6f4c8aa-b5a8-4f0d-9957-6b308af452fc/Screenshot+2023-08-09+at+6.54.56+PM.png Blog - Shetland - Make it stand out There are gates on either side of the runway, with a person stationed at each. Anytime a plane is departing or landing, they activate the red lights and manually close a gate across the road. Such a janky small town operation! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d45a76b8-019a-4f39-976d-b6c2e6dd5023/tempImage3Kje2O.jpg Blog - Shetland - Make it stand out We’ve seen poser Shetland ponies before, but these are the real deal—OG baby! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d38a52f9-b2c3-41f8-931d-daac98537e2a/tempImagewCFMiL.jpg Blog - Shetland - Make it stand out St Ninian’s Isle beach on the west coast of Shetland is a large natural sand causeway with sea on either side that links the South Mainland with St Ninian’s Isle. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/77f9d808-22c1-4873-9a0d-d248f8a2ba7c/tempImagebWWUZ4.jpg Blog - Shetland - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1ff58d35-70cc-42a2-84e6-1e500873b561/tempImageUlfVJw.jpg Blog - Shetland - Make it stand out This kind of sand causeway is officially known as a tombolo, although the Scottish word is ayre. Whatever you call it, this is certainly one of the most picturesque beaches on the islands. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/77644852-2a4f-403e-903d-6d80cfac02ce/tempImage4DOHGV.jpg Blog - Shetland - Make it stand out On St Ninian’s Isle looking south to Sumburgh Head and the lighthouse. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3ada037d-7f7b-4a17-8b45-fdd7bd1f3a2c/tempImageyeQeTo.jpg Blog - Shetland - Make it stand out St Ninian’s Chapel is the remains of a small stone church from the 12th century. There is evidence along the lower courses of the walls for an even earlier historic church. There are also remains of Iron Age settlement from around 800 BC to AD 400. The church was revealed by excavations conducted between 1955 and 1959, which famously discovered an unparalleled hoard of Pictish silver objects. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/dcf8d320-a5a4-4510-8e46-92f5a24f6f80/tempImagetNQEFp.jpg Blog - Shetland - Make it stand out The stone marker next to Amanda marks where, in July 1958, a Shetland schoolboy named Douglas Courts was sent to dig in a heavily disturbed area of the nave. It was his first day at the excavation site. Douglas turned over a broken stone slab with a cross incised upon it. Underneath he found a wooden box, inside of which were 28 silver objects and the jaw bone of a porpoise. The silver was elaborately carved and in many different styles. It is generally assumed the treasure was buried below the floor of an earlier chapel. The collection was most likely hidden for safe-keeping from Viking raiders, and probably belonged to a wealthy family. The original items are now on display at the National Museum of Scotland, which we’ll now have to go back and visit. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/735db3a2-d15d-4bc8-b11d-95e40ccfbde1/ezgif.com-webp-to-jpg.jpg Blog - Shetland - Make it stand out Without the TV series based on the Ann Cleeves mystery crime novels, I’m not sure the ponies would have been enough to draw us all the way to the furthest reaches of the UK. The show highlighted the islands in a way that made them mysterious and inviting. And so here we are. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/03cc5a20-67e1-4003-b206-3e5da9835f79/tempImagelB5wGm.jpg Blog - Shetland - Make it stand out Literally two blocks from our house is the Lerwick Police Office. This building is featured often throughout the series, although the entrance to the police office is actually around the corner to the right. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9707950b-75cb-40bb-b5ff-9a6f4988a913/tempImageC2m3sD.jpg Blog - Shetland - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/58d20ae2-765a-44ce-a9d8-6a5aa1f60a3b/tempImageoGfpum.jpg Blog - Shetland - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f5ada92e-6b78-4c51-a751-4479724c1d69/tempImagewZE9h6.jpg Blog - Shetland - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/69234fdd-41ac-4875-a85a-ade69c8f5159/tempImageikCviJ.jpg Blog - Shetland - Make it stand out The square crenelated clock tower of the Lerwick Town Hall is featured consistently on framing shots of the town. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5530fee2-fbb3-4c94-9019-ea3945302159/tempImagejWbvMX.jpg Blog - Shetland - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/bf02f9e4-a2d7-43ee-a0d3-5b73b9800b58/tempImageGGgAWY.jpg Blog - Shetland - Make it stand out The Market Cross is another favorite (and look who’s been in the charity shops again!!) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ae0d86d3-feb4-49ec-8aed-17a3525fb2b0/tempImageiGEyM0.jpg Blog - Shetland - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5f1fc644-8f2d-4544-8096-cc7fa2722b39/tempImagedmZrYz.jpg Blog - Shetland - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f0a65059-a7e6-4ba9-8f3a-1ec7d8ed82cb/tempImageFrNvjf.jpg Blog - Shetland - Make it stand out The Lounge features throughout the Shetland series, but it has a reputation of being rundown, so we never went inside. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4bdd057f-e66f-4b64-879e-277ff070808c/tempImageJaLLYI.jpg Blog - Shetland - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/74fd8616-0c7d-4f58-a857-fca19517ce11/tempImageB9xc8t.jpg Blog - Shetland - Make it stand out Cool embossed rope over this door on Commercial Street, Lerwick’s “high street.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/beda69ca-6a65-4522-9e30-98434cabf7d1/tempImagexnlOp6.jpg Blog - Shetland - Make it stand out The famous Bain’s Beach (aka Queen’s Beach). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e4844b57-6b78-46ed-b7a1-afdf39e77af5/tempImageRBTYUt.jpg Blog - Shetland - Make it stand out The steps to Bain’s Beach. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/bf3e8702-02df-4ef1-ab3e-8618ce552f99/tempImageU4ClP1.jpg Blog - Shetland - Make it stand out On Bain’s Beach https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5bcee958-cf6e-4d9c-8580-35bd8c5c3a7f/tempImageTRvV4S.jpg Blog - Shetland - Make it stand out As forecasted, the weather was a-changin’. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a854fed0-d9c7-4434-bda4-aa8960838cee/tempImagehvjgEt.jpg Blog - Shetland - Make it stand out Finally, the holy grail—the house of DI Jimmy Perez. (The viking boat in the previous image actually shows up in the background of scenes shot at the house.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a7e36332-21f8-42c5-a087-326559877d5d/tempImageXvpUMa.jpg Blog - Shetland - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/81c6bc50-ce2e-4cdd-913b-1e685739b3b5/tempImageEsNn5T.jpg Blog - Shetland - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3af7d643-2cf5-4a92-b9bd-5203ff009cac/tempImageqb2Cnq.jpg Blog - Shetland - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2321508a-7b14-4383-89e1-f72a025d7b35/tempImagehFm4Gq.jpg Blog - Shetland - Make it stand out Perez’s house and the one at the end of Bain’s Beach were once lodberries. In fact, much of the downtown Lerwick shoreline was once covered with beaches, piers, and lodberries. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c17055a9-bba1-4497-824a-5eb2e953e1c3/tempImageuNE9WS.jpg Blog - Shetland - Make it stand out The word “lodberry” comes from the Old Norse “hladberg,” which means landing rock. A lodberry was a store or enclosed courtyard built into the sea with a door through which goods could be loaded or unloaded by boat. Smugglers hid alcohol, tobacco, and tea in the lodberries. Some houses had underground tunnels linking them to the lodberries so goods could be moved quickly and secretly to avoid paying taxes. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ef62a9a4-9324-48a0-8d9f-1fce6d2899ca/tempImageL05oZC.jpg Blog - Shetland - Make it stand out The downtown area is filled with narrow lanes forming arteries running east and west between the residential area above known as Hillhead and Commercial Street below, which is the main thoroughfare of the old town centered on the harbor. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7b320736-270d-4c96-a547-136da5c483ec/tempImageSvDV5O.jpg Blog - Shetland - Make it stand out Buildings in this area are closely packed together and, owing to the steep terrain, the majority of the lanes include flights of steps and handrails. Some are so narrow as to be almost impassable. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/91436a86-4cf0-4477-b58d-4ecbe6634664/tempImageLq41jX.jpg Blog - Shetland - Make it stand out In 1845, for reasons lost to time, the Police Commissioners arbitrarily re-named many of the lanes or “closes” as they were previously termed, discarding old names that reflected well-known local identities and choosing new ones to commemorate far-off events and individuals such as the Whig politicians Pitt and Fox. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b26950e4-3246-4304-bed6-6aed5b173a82/tempImageINoXa4.jpg Blog - Shetland - Make it stand out It seems, however, that there may have been some rebellious citizens who were unwilling to accept the new names or at the very least insisted upon keeping the old ones as well. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/56b5c7b1-efef-45ef-8563-d1fe78d518c9/tempImageRQVY6P.jpg Blog - Shetland - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/60ac882c-65bc-4702-852b-b37a506ac7f5/tempImageCmefJp.jpg Blog - Shetland - Make it stand out Thus today many of the signs incorporate both street names, like above. (Interesting how they spell “close.”) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3c800302-4ecc-4eab-8230-bef3a6b0b8f3/tempImagecEP9bS.jpg Blog - Shetland - Make it stand out Of course, it is not the names but the quirky twists and turns that characterize the lanes and give them their appeal. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/81c78130-49e0-4054-a27e-fcb1ba25061f/tempImageTJPCJQ.jpg Blog - Shetland - Make it stand out So amazing to be on Shetland! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0bf720fa-4dc0-446e-beb5-4a9d89736040/tempImageTnPNhN.jpg Blog - Shetland - Make it stand out On Monday we headed south, so on Wednesday (Aug 9) we headed to points north—like the locally famous Frankie’s Fish and Chips. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/99828b59-a25d-4114-a552-9a6d16409bdb/tempImage2gbbLq.jpg Blog - Shetland - Make it stand out The St Magnus Bay Hotel from the Shetland TV series. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/27739182-f7b4-446b-8ea2-2b5fda91e7d6/tempImagerDc2xX.jpg Blog - Shetland - Make it stand out The beautiful bay near Braewick, with the Drongs sea stacks in the distance. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f15dda46-587c-4a57-9070-edbe841128ea/tempImageLoEmj3.jpg Blog - Shetland - Make it stand out Stenness Bay was the site of an important haaf (deep-sea fishing station) in the 18th and 19th centuries. The fishing station was once one of Shetland's busiest, with up to 40 boats operating from this small bay throughout the summer. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d2347f5f-fee0-474b-92fc-dd50eec5867b/tempImagencK3OF.jpg Blog - Shetland - Make it stand out All the workers lived at the station during the fishing season. The remains of their lodges, the roofs of which were once covered with poans (turf), can still be seen today along the beach and around the headland. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b383b1dd-41d3-4158-ae2c-de70a64a989a/tempImageZaiYCB.jpg Blog - Shetland - Make it stand out The cross on the adjacent hill was erected as a meid (sea mark) for the tenders coming ashore to resupply the nearby Eshaness lighthouse. The high cliffs made landing close to the lighthouse impossible and Stenness was identified as the closest safe location. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/af77599c-dfa2-4590-9695-f64647853658/tempImagek0bSYX.jpg Blog - Shetland - Make it stand out Just off the coast sits Dore Holm, a small uninhabited islet with a natural arch. The first part of the name appears to be derived from “door,” and the word “holm” is of Scandinavian origin, meaning a small island. The shape of the arch has been compared to a horse drinking deeply from the water. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b1808211-4b74-407f-954a-011aaf86c304/tempImageFvMPr2.jpg Blog - Shetland - Make it stand out The Eshaness Lighthouse. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e8df2843-cc4a-47e1-a41f-273dd0d3ba28/tempImageMKsrMT.jpg Blog - Shetland - Make it stand out Can you tell it’s 50 degrees, with 25-35 mph winds, gusting to 50 mph? It was hard to stand up at times. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b139b3e5-ee30-4153-bc65-78309c6b2456/tempImagez4MlIQ.jpg Blog - Shetland - Make it stand out “All along the ragged coastline, the sea sucked and frothed and growled, tireless legions of riderless white horses crashing up against the stubborn stone of unyielding black cliffs.” Peter May, The Lewis Man (89) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/67bf11f6-b5d3-4ad4-ad38-1fc7a955ec7d/tempImage4usShR.jpg Blog - Shetland - Make it stand out Later that afternoon, the sunlight dappling on the sea and the Drongs sea stacks https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/309efd5c-757e-44e7-af99-ef9a30c62b5c/tempImagePXavKX.jpg Blog - Shetland - Make it stand out Finally some Highland Coos. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1bc32dc6-fdfd-4da9-b332-6bf275ff258e/tempImageC9a3Tb.jpg Blog - Shetland - Make it stand out With bells on no less. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b4c6008f-c4df-4588-8670-3bfc217df469/tempImage4XIM98.jpg Blog - Shetland - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5c2f3746-5681-42a5-97ac-b552ad8d3d8c/tempImageqHlngY.jpg Blog - Shetland - Make it stand out Love this little guy. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/52c2bdcc-6500-40fb-94df-ce452e1d7451/tempImageKOc7HU.jpg Blog - Shetland - Make it stand out On Wednesday afternoon, we stopped in the shop and met Avril. We eventually settled on a print of her painting High on the Hill - Cunningsburgh. The print is being shipped to our house. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f6f4963c-1635-46f0-999f-39001e82ad76/IMG_5197.JPG Blog - Shetland - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/19b07da4-846a-4c00-959a-9198b88540d6/tempImageYSyYdr.jpg Blog - Shetland - Make it stand out To celebrate purchasing the painting, we stopped at The Dowry and had a pint of the local Lerwick Brewery’s lager named 60 Degree (referring to Lerwick’s latitude). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c3a27f90-a2df-4e2e-b5cb-358a1557953d/tempImagetou6JR.jpg Blog - Shetland - Make it stand out Avril told us roughly where to find the croft from the painting, so we drove there today (Aug 10). Here is Amanda standing high up on the hill, near the croft, with Cunningsburgh Bay in the distance. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5ac0fc9b-abb0-4644-a054-1f048aa24801/tempImagevbdRLh.jpg Blog - Shetland - Make it stand out The croft as it really looks. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/148623b7-88f7-4edd-b0d0-8101c88c349b/tempImageY3Rw7I.jpg Blog - Shetland - Make it stand out We also made the short drive to Minn Beach, which had a tombolo (ayre) much like St Ninian’s Beach from Monday. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d146dedd-492b-4e8e-b579-a19a6bac6fb7/tempImagewEqwAA.jpg Blog - Shetland - Make it stand out Back in Lerwick, another beautiful old lodberrie at Gillies Pier (formerly Copland’s Pier) on Commercial Street. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/72dbc5c6-dbe3-4a4c-9614-5aa404397652/tempImage2CdyCr.jpg Blog - Shetland - Make it stand out Cool garage! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/91da1b05-3718-4dab-a4f8-dd5e901bfd7f/tempImagegzkH4p.jpg Blog - Shetland - Make it stand out This is our house in Lerwick, where we had the entire lower floor. The owner Violet lives in the two upper stories. (There is no internal connection between the first and second floors.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ccd3a946-f973-4188-b592-0fd1857475e6/tempImageLYSBbl.jpg Blog - Shetland - Make it stand out We love how many of the houses have official names. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/203fddcc-0206-4d9d-94f0-da62c719f715/tempImage7FnwHE.jpg Blog - Shetland - Make it stand out The view of Lerwick Town Hall from our living room window. Below is a belated tour of the house: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rVsynZHdIgU On Friday (Aug 11) we board the 5:30 pm ferry and travel overnight to Aberdeen, back to mainland Scotland. https://www.overthehillandacrossthepond.com/blog/shetland-bound monthly 0.5 2023-11-29 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b2af47eb-771a-426d-ba3e-483038b69b6e/tempImagebzkcf1.jpg Blog - Farewell Orkney - Make it stand out A pristine Saturday! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a472ea88-0bc8-405a-b958-ab6d37e589b8/tempImageOLIUg0.jpg Blog - Farewell Orkney - Make it stand out The Kirkwall waterfront. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ff04b38d-92ae-40d0-808e-863701107b02/tempImageamfCzf.jpg Blog - Farewell Orkney - Make it stand out Release the Kraken! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4ac58134-19d1-470b-a459-e79b96d17520/tempImageyg1NEs.jpg Blog - Farewell Orkney - Make it stand out It was built from red and yellow sandstone. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/db239b39-2537-442a-8772-e983d2d4a316/tempImage29uMsM.jpg Blog - Farewell Orkney - Make it stand out I enjoyed all the little peaks and windows around the spire. Though not open to the public, the cathedral has its own dungeon. Over the years, St Magnus has been part of the Roman Catholic Church, the Norwegian Church, the Scottish Episcopal Church, and the Church of Scotland (Presbyterian). Today, however, it is not owned by a church, but by the burgh of Kirkwall. As such, it is now truly “the people’s church.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d5b8878a-cc97-4791-a592-f23960f86839/tempImageYCgqb5.jpg Blog - Farewell Orkney - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/55df71e9-650b-4a77-b32b-58aaf1d5b9c7/tempImagelnlq2B.jpg Blog - Farewell Orkney - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c99b0346-fc21-47aa-baaa-f7b4cb0800a1/tempImageJkbKmb.jpg Blog - Farewell Orkney - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/dc0e8d76-e63f-414e-93ed-863f66f37f9b/tempImagehJDeyb.jpg Blog - Farewell Orkney - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f76d55f7-0db8-486f-be33-071a23f7ffb5/tempImagedJzBxr.jpg Blog - Farewell Orkney - Make it stand out St Magnus Cathedral Kirkwall, Orkney—1137 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/868503c4-f073-414b-a874-ce1d127f596f/tempImagex5690C.jpg Blog - Farewell Orkney - Make it stand out Gloucester Cathedral Gloucester, England—1089 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ebcd9e57-0a4b-449d-8dea-22f38f1a528a/tempImage2REhRI.jpg Blog - Farewell Orkney - Make it stand out This curious 17th century Mort Brod was hanging in the north aisle of the nave. A Mort Brod is a board (brod) with a representation of Death (Mort). This is among the oldest of its kind in Scotland. In this case Death is shown as a shrouded skeleton, carrying an hourglass and spade. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7baa7a38-e5db-4946-b58a-1306f0288278/tempImageRmvyS5.jpg Blog - Farewell Orkney - Make it stand out On the opposite side there is a rhyming inscription dedicated to Robert Nicolson. The inscription explains that his body lies beneath the board and that he left a wife and children. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4521533b-a377-4b05-bd85-cc4e1468d02f/tempImageBbtxVY.jpg Blog - Farewell Orkney - Make it stand out The choir was filled with amazing carvings. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9e55c103-a3aa-4963-ab23-b8063823cf0e/tempImageMl6BHW.jpg Blog - Farewell Orkney - Make it stand out Much like Ripon Cathedral and the carvings that inspired Lewis Carroll to pen Alice in Wonderland (from our Yorkshire in Repose post), the St Magnus Cathedral choir was filled with delightful and fanciful carvings. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3884b4b0-9663-4997-8cda-a7fca7e87052/tempImageJZDoKL.jpg Blog - Farewell Orkney - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e452310c-d2b9-4033-9f18-6085ba25b0dd/tempImageIyh43e.jpg Blog - Farewell Orkney - Make it stand out The bones of St Magnus are interred inside this pillar. This is briefly how he became a saint, why the cathedral was built, and how the town got its name: https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/298a7814-3f1b-4b16-95ed-f6402de610e6/tempImageT4ZCzx.jpg Blog - Farewell Orkney - Make it stand out St Olaf, King of Norway 1015-1028. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/121f64c5-61ff-4e81-8a3e-221d3749c125/tempImageap0cxy.jpg Blog - Farewell Orkney - Make it stand out Memorial to the 833 men of HMS Royal Oak who lost their lives when their ship was sunk in Scapa Bay, Orkney by a German submarine U-47 on October 14, 1939. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8e7524ea-192b-48f9-95fe-d651d752989a/tempImageKWDisi.jpg Blog - Farewell Orkney - Make it stand out The original town cross removed from Broad Street in 1954. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/525e0304-559f-408f-a6a8-fd875a9ca910/tempImage0yTOen.jpg Blog - Farewell Orkney - Make it stand out North transept https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/718c4e06-0d4b-4ca0-b869-b38ff6b010d7/tempImageP8Irj6.jpg Blog - Farewell Orkney - Make it stand out The pulpit canopy (sounding board) and the choir. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/cbc37b37-2d32-4ac2-829b-c121be1a55da/tempImagehVsmIC.jpg Blog - Farewell Orkney - Make it stand out South transept and the South Transept Rose window. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/34e3f83c-e0ef-4c78-ba70-af21aebca24f/tempImageBtl2Oa.jpg Blog - Farewell Orkney - Make it stand out The Italian Chapel is the only building that remains of Camp 60, a WW-II prisoner of war (POW) camp. From January 1942 until spring 1945, the camp housed Italian POWs. Here is the Italian Chapel on the map, with Scapa Flow to the west. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b30cff48-64f9-4f8e-907a-648dde0aa994/tempImagepmtXOr.jpg Blog - Farewell Orkney - Make it stand out Most of these prisoners were brought in to assist contractors with the construction of causeways, later known as the Churchill Barriers, to block off the eastern approaches to Scapa Flow where the British Fleet often lay at anchor. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d8352796-dbfd-4ab4-882d-b60a781f23f4/tempImageKVsULY.jpg Blog - Farewell Orkney - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7b8b65dd-ffef-450c-ad89-9ce60e3d178b/tempImage05B8Uh.jpg Blog - Farewell Orkney - Make it stand out The Italian prisoners, thousands of miles from their homeland, deeply felt the need for a place of worship. In September 1943 the camp commandant, make available to the prisoners two Nissen huts. They were placed end to end and were originally intended to serve as a school and a church. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0ebe5318-6688-4178-9bf2-2f79651bcb78/tempImagel10B7I.jpg Blog - Farewell Orkney - Make it stand out Domenico Chiocchetti, an artist, had originally constructed a concrete statue of St George Slaying the Dragon which presided over the camp "square." He gathered together a team of craftsmen and began work on a sanctuary. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1bd3ca43-0c42-4828-98f8-4f62eef1e0a5/tempImageJvdiSk.jpg Blog - Farewell Orkney - Make it stand out As Chiocchetti worked, the imagination needed to transform the drab huts into a magnificent place of worship inspired his fellow Italians. As one area of the hut was completed, the need to design further works of art became necessary. Completed sections made the rest of the hut uninviting and the workers decided to beautify the whole interior. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/be2a6dad-1cfd-4d67-bd96-906df7e78b1f/tempImageIVTjbZ.jpg Blog - Farewell Orkney - Make it stand out Above the altar is Chiöcchetti's masterpiece. It is based on Nicolo Barabino's Madonna of the Olives from a small picture given by his mother to Domenico which he carried with him throughout the war. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5a9f3260-8928-4533-b5be-944bfcfc2872/tempImageeLw37U.jpg Blog - Farewell Orkney - Make it stand out A photo taken in 1944 with the two men chiefly responsible for its construction: Signor Domenico Chiöcchetti on the left and Signor Giuseppe Palumbi on the right, who was responsible for the wrought iron work. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/da86f4d7-9db8-4fc2-9705-a2e59f4697a7/tempImagejd3EKS.jpg Blog - Farewell Orkney - Make it stand out The “Churchill Barrier,” which also formed a land bridge between Mainland and the tiny island of Lamb Holm, where the Italian Chapel is located. The bridge is now considered highway A961. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4822f6ff-9796-4e7a-bb46-59a38aad509c/tempImagerpRxxc.jpg Blog - Farewell Orkney - Make it stand out On the way to the Italian Chapel, Amanda spotted two massive pigs. As we drove back into Kirkwall, we stopped to check them out. A sign on the fence said they were “Hungarian sheep pigs.” Since he didn’t self-identify, and it’s rude to ask, I don’t know if this is Brian or Peter. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9557d392-a99e-48ff-9edb-1cd5aa782f2f/tempImageoJP8xg.jpg Blog - Farewell Orkney - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a8212f77-905c-4f89-a07e-f863f8b86385/tempImagepTvVZL.jpg Blog - Farewell Orkney - Make it stand out Buried beneath the ground is a well-preserved Iron Age earth house or souterrain. When discovered in 1925, it contained a large quantity of human remains. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/72aafb3e-d7c5-425f-9ebb-785c9fe3502a/tempImagejC7OzL.jpg Blog - Farewell Orkney - Make it stand out Local farmers built this subterranean passage about 2,500 years ago as part of their settlement. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/23cba2bf-0fb6-4d3b-9d4f-5d7f29d41b0e/tempImagekk5T3a.jpg Blog - Farewell Orkney - Make it stand out Life in the Iron Age was steeped in symbolism, and souterrains may well have had a ritual function. The discovery of carefully arranged human remains here implies that the structure was used for this purpose—at least in its later years. Originally access to the site was through a small opening in the distance (where you see the light), and you crawled to this larger space, which is now accessible through the hatch and ladder. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ff94b6de-6530-4243-9cb8-6f9dcd26887b/tempImage1Mr3hs.jpg Blog - Farewell Orkney - Make it stand out Despite getting to climb down a super-cool hatch into the ground, and know that you’re standing on a really ancient grave, there really isn’t much to see. The entire space only runs between this grate and the hatch. The only place with enough space to move is below the octagonal concrete pad. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/bc694890-df93-45d4-97a7-a6c1cd872aed/tempImageTo3PdT.jpg Blog - Farewell Orkney - Make it stand out Are we getting a little jaded about seeing stone circles? Ah, yeah! There are over 900 of these things after all. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/60901e99-4e07-4adf-8d3c-c1ab8632e17a/tempImage0qFv6W.jpg Blog - Farewell Orkney - Make it stand out Which means we’re looking for something else to make things interesting—like this: In 1814, the farmer leasing the land, annoyed at having to plough around the stones, started to pull down stones. He destroyed the nearby Odin Stone and toppled one of the Stones of Stenness before he was stopped. The local population was so enraged that they attempted to burn his house down—twice! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/205048e1-2e71-4dbb-b27d-7143dcba6eb5/tempImagebKPsPT.jpg Blog - Farewell Orkney - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/bc3fd447-996d-4c07-9898-ce110d6378f0/tempImageSFm3it.jpg Blog - Farewell Orkney - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9137a8c8-2184-4fe5-a38d-a9f8b024a326/tempImageuAJXBB.jpg Blog - Farewell Orkney - Make it stand out Thought to be between 4,400 and 4,600 years old, this is one of the largest henges (circular enclosure) in Britain. Rock and earth were dug out to create this outer ditch. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c2ebc0ce-daf0-4a12-8fae-4b2415748130/tempImage3miFaO.jpg Blog - Farewell Orkney - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ee5cf4fb-20e0-439e-a1d4-b16f2c095de1/tempImageYrPIfp.jpg Blog - Farewell Orkney - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/fbb96883-0d1d-4750-b921-f3fd487f59c2/tempImageSmKU8f.jpg Blog - Farewell Orkney - Make it stand out Found this little guy on the way back to the car. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3fbe6b5e-4f0e-4182-890a-97ea42cbab7b/tempImageYzH1Pu.jpg Blog - Farewell Orkney - Make it stand out Amazing flower near where we parked for dinner. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b98363dc-f293-4475-a465-25bc86c3832a/tempImageYCYTvx.jpg Blog - Farewell Orkney - Make it stand out Lynn’s storytelling chair. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4761c3f1-2f78-4c4a-98a9-fc69960591d0/tempImagezosXNE.jpg Blog - Farewell Orkney - Make it stand out Amanda still in bed as we near Lerwick, Shetland. https://www.overthehillandacrossthepond.com/blog/orkney monthly 0.5 2023-11-29 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/159651b9-649b-4bc6-acc0-a20b6b9d83ba/tempImage4kS73J.jpg Blog - Orkney - Make it stand out On Tuesday (Aug 1) we hung out in Stornoway. While shopping at Superdrug, Amanda found another dime. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f3c98e61-c26a-4444-8581-4e9a6af962ed/tempImageAMfJeZ.jpg Blog - Orkney - Make it stand out We checked out of Willow Cottage on Wednesday morning and enjoyed breakfast at Artizan café in Stornoway. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/cf53ee25-8a49-41a5-b561-bd7ca27d6c4d/tempImageGcfkcY.jpg Blog - Orkney - Make it stand out After hanging out in the café, Amanda and Christa went off to do a bit of shopping. Dave decided it was time to move from coffee to beer, so we walked down the street to The Criterion Bar. If criterion is a standard by which you decide about something, then the criterion for being inside this bar was being a crotchety old man. We both ordered a Guinness and, once we said we’d be sitting outside away from the sea of grumpy faces, were given our pints in plastic cups. Yikes! I did find the sign above the bar funny however. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/758ad54b-f9fc-4aa4-9b91-74a0296a0144/tempImage9oF0Dx.jpg Blog - Orkney - Make it stand out We boarded the ferry Loch Seaforth and departed promptly at 2 pm. Heading out of Stornoway, we passed another cruise ship anchored just outside the harbor. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8398e51e-ca60-44c9-99d6-deae42a3019e/tempImage0FPuH8.jpg Blog - Orkney - Make it stand out Stornoway and the cruise ship in the far distance. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/64df1d91-a600-43a3-9164-aaf829624897/tempImageqKM17Z.jpg Blog - Orkney - Make it stand out Amanda and I walked into a shop on the boat and look what she found. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7af620a5-1e7c-43f7-a3ff-b6f966cd5a7c/tempImageHiq6sr.jpg Blog - Orkney - Make it stand out Keith strikes again! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/741c2be6-780f-4d6e-ae8d-79da0e40921f/IMG_1815.PNG Blog - Orkney - Make it stand out The journey to Ullapool on the Scottish mainland took 2 hours and 45 minutes. This was our final trip on a Caledonian MacBrayne (CalMac) ferry. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b950f3a3-9c2e-4bda-a59b-db52237ecb99/tempImagexbB3Pa.jpg Blog - Orkney - Make it stand out Coming into Ullapool. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/259759e6-208f-4ef4-8511-85299e46a816/tempImagevhjz6Z.jpg Blog - Orkney - Make it stand out Enterprise dropped me off at the terminal, where I picked up this MG HS from Avis. We ordered a compact, so this was a pleasant upgrade. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/65772208-1e76-4b99-aaa0-996cda62d5dc/tempImagemor6Iv.jpg Blog - Orkney - Make it stand out We did not have time to tour Dunrobin Castle, but we’ve heard a lot of great things about it, so we stopped briefly so we could at least see the building. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6a15f5af-020b-447a-8a87-bc2514b05ade/tempImageegu0Lr.jpg Blog - Orkney - Make it stand out The Castle, which resembles a French château with its towering conical spires, has seen the architectural influences of Sir Charles Barry, who designed London’s Houses of Parliament. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3e6245f0-0a51-4a56-82b6-2d348a2d16d0/tempImagejbLek5.jpg Blog - Orkney - Make it stand out With 189 rooms, it’s larger than most castles. If you’re interested, here is a quick video tour of the amazing grounds: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zzP-lVsFw_k https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/06b428de-2bd7-4a56-a4de-990fa5dd2cce/tempImage4eR1yG.jpg Blog - Orkney - Make it stand out Driving onto our ferry at the Scrabster Ferry Terminal for our 2 hour journey to Orkney. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8d7eb094-4e2c-4bd8-8b90-b0ce70d65f69/IMG_1836.PNG Blog - Orkney - Make it stand out As we were arriving at the Stromness Ferry Terminal on Orkney, Dave and Christa were already on their flight to LAX. Safe travels friends! After arriving in Stromness, we made the 25-minute drive to our apartment in Kirkwall. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1ab6a915-3b50-4756-97e8-b65adb7a6bc1/IMG_1837.PNG Blog - Orkney - Make it stand out As we went to bed that night, Dave and Christa were nearly back over the USA again. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/200a9394-353e-478e-a692-ed7fa5e1e0a2/tempImagekIjLfg.jpg Blog - Orkney - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c134d0d9-11a9-43a3-a841-4be63a908cd3/tempImageQbeoDS.jpg Blog - Orkney - Make it stand out Because the actual houses are fragile, this replica was built. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8a9ebc9b-973d-46f8-a96d-962039cb9adf/tempImagey16PdY.jpg Blog - Orkney - Make it stand out The village consisted of ten clustered houses, each of similar design. The houses were made of flagstones, in earthen dams that provided support for the walls, and were connected by covered pathways. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a151185a-7f72-4649-adde-7d597b4f9a02/tempImagepJxIKz.jpg Blog - Orkney - Make it stand out The replica house and this drawing show how each living space was roofed, and had a central hearth, beds, and cupboards for storing items. Each house also had a stone or wooden slab serving as a door and offering privacy from the central passageway. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7c89fe5e-c2e0-4013-8b7d-e58e11399660/tempImageS7sbUG.jpg Blog - Orkney - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1dd4c2fc-6b9e-449d-b614-e3a19967773d/tempImage2XgD30.jpg Blog - Orkney - Make it stand out The wooden roofs are long gone, but roughly 4,523 years after the village was abandoned, much of the village houses can still seen. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d1f3d694-f2f5-4250-8cf4-b8a8621d462e/tempImage2WehzM.jpg Blog - Orkney - Make it stand out The “house” behind Amanda’s right elbow (above) is #10 on the map. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9ea606ad-35c2-4e07-b8cc-fca90b2991b6/tempImagejgvuZT.jpg Blog - Orkney - Make it stand out One of the entrances into the internal passageways leading to the houses. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/54235d46-0584-4056-8cf5-81bae9f32ff3/tempImagegr8ymu.jpg Blog - Orkney - Make it stand out You may be having a heat wave back in Cen Cal, but out here on Orkney—we’re back in the wind and cold again! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/27defad2-2d04-4308-885a-adb0c97ffbce/tempImagehtZH71.jpg Blog - Orkney - Make it stand out In the most complete house, standing over the doorway, you can see the hearth in the center, the cupboard at the top, two beds on the left, and a possibly a sitting area to the right. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/599cb906-8e6a-4235-a36e-7b44d64991a1/tempImage6IYDKt.jpg Blog - Orkney - Make it stand out As it says in the visitor center, “Skara Brae is the oldest known village in Europe where you can still see the houses with their original stone furniture.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b53f7c9b-1f62-48db-84a7-88f72d015792/tempImagePsqxLF.jpg Blog - Orkney - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/05c8923b-e21a-45ba-ad1c-aedd2e24be96/tempImageksnoof.jpg Blog - Orkney - Make it stand out A section of the inner passageway with a doorway to a house on the right. Skara Brae—Absolutely Brilliant! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5ba980d2-9d6f-4ddb-818a-06dddc092c92/tempImageamCcMk.jpg Blog - Orkney - Make it stand out A wedding taking place at St Peter’s Kirk, just up the road from Skara Brae, another reminder that time stands still for no one. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/03eeaed0-1f0d-4b8d-9936-f725d8ad9b80/tempImager1IHW3.jpg Blog - Orkney - Make it stand out Some wonderful geology at Marwick Head Nature Reserve. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/bd6ae241-517b-4c88-8ea7-3b459e9dff99/tempImagexKEGUZ.jpg Blog - Orkney - Make it stand out From here we could just make out the Old Man of Hoy sea stack. On the ferry ride to the island we passed right by the famous landmark, but it was shrouded in clouds at the time. To reach it now would require another ferry ride, so I think we’ll settle for this long view. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/969cc3e8-9c61-4956-a194-0cdc91e5f0cf/tempImageyAv0A8.jpg Blog - Orkney - Make it stand out The puffins were long gone as expected; however, we did see this one Razorbill and a chick at the nesting site. Very cute, especially when the adult completely covered the chick to keep it warm. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2393e16d-7e22-4718-8581-7e90a8a0639b/tempImageYI8om9.jpg Blog - Orkney - Make it stand out The bird nests were in the cliffs at the north end of the preserve (behind me). This photo was taken along the path to the south, which leads to another well-known site. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7200aff1-e7b6-4388-a4d9-b1fee1bb425b/tempImageY2NUii.jpg Blog - Orkney - Make it stand out At the south end of the preserve is a site known locally as the Sand Geo Fishermen's Huts. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c23d93a6-3715-4b47-b2fb-838ceeb3ef95/tempImageLndU3e.jpg Blog - Orkney - Make it stand out Here, three fishing boat huts were built between 1898-1913. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4b62f697-5c11-4bf1-9e93-8d3d7cdda068/tempImageUJwdxy.jpg Blog - Orkney - Make it stand out The fishermen were actually local farmers who also worked with handlines to catch cod and haddock, mostly for themselves rather than for sale. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e2c9cc7b-b147-433f-9611-8cd03dd46164/tempImageaEfsRe.jpg Blog - Orkney - Make it stand out The remains of the winch which was used to haul the boats up the steep beach. It is said that the winch came from a beached tramp steamer. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d550251e-bd8c-478f-81cc-bd4a72df02c1/tempImageOAZCKM.jpg Blog - Orkney - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ca7bac70-a759-4f1c-8e3e-651871af590a/91567586_10157856670935642_1754833305393430528_n.png Blog - Orkney - Make it stand out This was one of several signs that had become quite famous, not only because of the near-expletive, but because the arrow pointed in such a way that a person could stand next to the sign and have the arrow pointing at them. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5d82d870-7627-41ff-9896-fd8ff1cf2d61/tempImage2eLDLO.jpg Blog - Orkney - Make it stand out We had tracked down one such sign, but this is how we found it. Apparently the sign kept being stolen, so the local Council decided not replace it. I guess we’re all just stuck with old photos from this point forward. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e63dc388-6b85-44aa-883a-c607b1f3dcb8/tempImageu2eaTq.jpg Blog - Orkney - Make it stand out Or you can go to the local souvenir shop in Kirkwall and purchase a replica sign, hat, mug, tea towel, large coaster, small coaster, pin, magnet, etc. The options are many and the choice is all yours! Now go away or I shall taunt you a second time! Cheers from Orkney! https://www.overthehillandacrossthepond.com/blog/outer-hebrides monthly 0.5 2023-11-29 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d26155a9-2801-402b-9aca-64cb9d3f1376/calmac-ferry-routes.gif Blog - Outer Hebrides - Make it stand out This map of the ferry routes groups the islands nicely. The Inner Hebrides lie closer to mainland Scotland and include Islay & Jura (pink); Mull, Iona, & Staffa (aqua); Skye & Raasay (green), and the Small Isles. There are 36 inhabited islands in this group. The Outer Hebrides (orange) form a chain of more than 100 islands and small skerries (rocky island) located about 45 miles west of mainland Scotland. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7539171f-c116-4d1d-87f3-2c7732c04324/calmac-ferry-routes.gif Blog - Outer Hebrides - Make it stand out Here’s the map again so you can see the Uig Ferry Terminal on Skye (green) and the route we took to reach the Tarbert Ferry Terminal on the Isle of Harris (orange). Since you're already looking at the map, we are staying in Stornoway on the Isle of Lewis (orange). When we leave the island on Wednesday, it will be on the ferry from Stornoway to Ullapool back on the mainland. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d2ba8bbb-ab4f-4ead-bc80-f35f42c697f1/tempImage8boSmF.jpg Blog - Outer Hebrides - Make it stand out Our ferry to the Outer Hebrides. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/87caa1bb-146c-4b16-a110-9a628330d0e8/tempImagefPlyOO.jpg Blog - Outer Hebrides - Make it stand out Departing Uig. So long and ta Skye! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/cd4b355b-99ce-46b0-853d-48c23de3d795/tempImagedbNumu.jpg Blog - Outer Hebrides - Make it stand out The view across the Little Minch. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7f74d012-b6ed-4c3f-8b7b-f7225bad5fec/tempImageCJPcfF.jpg Blog - Outer Hebrides - Make it stand out Getting close to Tarbert, the mini Tarbert Lighthouse. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9d5548a6-8c29-429d-af5f-5d03f2d83604/tempImageV5tXdW.jpg Blog - Outer Hebrides - Make it stand out A beautiful sailboat adds to the scene. The Scalpay Bridge in the distance and salmon farms in the middle ground. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/efc09f94-5d32-49bf-98b5-db91c5f33815/tempImagepC3fWS.jpg Blog - Outer Hebrides - Make it stand out Our first stop was at Nisabost Beach. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9c317dd7-961e-4267-95f3-12ef9478f270/tempImage1YDLON.jpg Blog - Outer Hebrides - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/19c25a22-f859-4b4c-aebd-39c100a69ba3/tempImageprKoXH.jpg Blog - Outer Hebrides - Make it stand out With stunning beaches and beautiful clear turquoise water, if you ignore the water temperature, you could pretend you were in the Caribbean! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c3f5e773-0104-43a8-8640-40a9cba0b69c/tempImageh0kVIE.jpg Blog - Outer Hebrides - Make it stand out Christa on the machair (a Gaelic word meaning fertile, low-lying grassy plain). Machair habitat is very similar to a fixed sand dune but is easily distinguished by its flat or gently undulating landscape. It is one of the rarest habitats in Europe and only occurs on the exposed west-facing shores of Scotland and Ireland. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/dc4f869b-66ea-44fb-ad40-a2817ea1409e/tempImagebVgnnp.jpg Blog - Outer Hebrides - Make it stand out Manchair vegetation. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/cabc3b4b-700c-475a-ad5f-7a9f8ff5a456/tempImageGOxEeY.jpg Blog - Outer Hebrides - Make it stand out MacLeod's Stone on the bluff overlooking Nisabost Beach. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/79d6f64f-791d-4241-91f1-6d6a2f52dd8c/tempImageiftXaL.jpg Blog - Outer Hebrides - Make it stand out So, so many standing stones litter the UK. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a3af7ec7-bb60-43a6-b59a-e12795ca4e66/tempImagekLM94p.jpg Blog - Outer Hebrides - Make it stand out Isolated at the very southern tip of the Isle of Harris is the small hamlet of Rodel, which is home to the medieval St Clement’s Church. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7cf8c064-5135-45d1-984a-1dd667f2353a/tempImageZXwLb7.jpg Blog - Outer Hebrides - Make it stand out Call the Midwife visited St Clement's Church for their Season 9 (2019) Christmas Special. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d7a30aa9-929d-4d15-8c98-214f5eb6d418/tempImagehspFSv.jpg Blog - Outer Hebrides - Make it stand out The cast is seen walking up this path. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a8c15223-7337-48e9-bfa5-de5e018da19d/tempImage1SUrZM.jpg Blog - Outer Hebrides - Make it stand out Fàilte (welcome) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e602f419-74e6-4314-8394-90646a545040/tempImage4ScfeQ.jpg Blog - Outer Hebrides - Make it stand out Nice shot Dave! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/23fbc6cd-eae1-46d8-ac1c-c6765fa704c7/tempImageO4ow4q.jpg Blog - Outer Hebrides - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/98b441d1-22e5-4823-9519-6918226a7d1f/tempImageuTIrBJ.jpg Blog - Outer Hebrides - Make it stand out The church was founded by Alasdair “Crotach” MacLeod of Dunvegan and Harris, 8th chief of Clan MacLeod. He died in 1547, and his remarkable tomb can still be seen in this recess. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/535f28ee-8afd-40a6-a380-efd5de937367/tempImagefjlNoE.jpg Blog - Outer Hebrides - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3588a3e1-dceb-4776-9f37-2e419dabe691/tempImagedwr175.jpg Blog - Outer Hebrides - Make it stand out While a paved road, traffic tends to be minimal on this winding single-track route. From Rodel, the road twists and turns for 21 miles before making its way back to A859. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9330d843-3f17-4261-a561-637d7bfea2cf/tempImageIM05wu.jpg Blog - Outer Hebrides - Make it stand out Unlike the sandy and grassy Caribbean feel of the western side, Harris’s rocky east coast looks more like a lunar landscape, filled with rocks. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a7e26e39-1ea7-44bd-bd08-51c84515d616/tempImagepRLhih.jpg Blog - Outer Hebrides - Make it stand out The scenery made the wild drive worth the effort. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/558847dc-5471-4c77-8cf8-a775916829bf/tempImageMMKa9y.jpg Blog - Outer Hebrides - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9e7b865f-ff2a-4913-9cdd-c59f16c4ac44/IMG_1665.PNG Blog - Outer Hebrides - Make it stand out The blue dot above is us at dinner at Eleven, a restaurant inside the Caladh Inn in Stornoway. Pretty wild seeing just how far out in the middle of nowhere we are. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a231168f-455d-4f8c-b586-64f0a1fb7c6e/tempImageN3eg4r.jpg Blog - Outer Hebrides - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e18b8bdb-bcec-4327-be05-0b92277ccd3d/tempImageMmnwDW.jpg Blog - Outer Hebrides - Make it stand out Calanais is one of the UK’s most complete stone circles. Surrounded by sea lochs and cold, peat moorland hills, the circle consists of thirteen distinctly shaped stones each standing from 8 to 12 feet high. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4f0918e3-c690-405f-8636-a28c6deb3cf7/tempImageLrUkfG.jpg Blog - Outer Hebrides - Make it stand out Inside the circle is the center stone towering nearly 16 feet in height. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1fceee88-bd54-426c-8d76-0c1903c66c02/tempImage7dqX5G.jpg Blog - Outer Hebrides - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ca178daa-98fb-4a4d-878d-6d83ac716fb8/tempImagexl8yuA.jpg Blog - Outer Hebrides - Make it stand out Leading off from the circle are five lines of stones. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a8f95a89-2610-4fe8-9d31-5db566b9aceb/tempImageddZqGI.jpg Blog - Outer Hebrides - Make it stand out Two of the lines form a long corridor heading slightly east of True North. Seen from above the design of Calanais forms a large cross with the circle at its center. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/bdd27144-9296-4e5e-af2a-b0805b62fa63/tempImage0bvgLZ.jpg Blog - Outer Hebrides - Make it stand out I don’t hear any buzzing…I think it’s safe to touch the stone… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/17e655af-3f4a-4f9a-8b08-5e85d710598c/tempImageYPrQMn.jpg Blog - Outer Hebrides - Make it stand out Phew! In the YouTube video below, Amanda traces the steps of Sister Monica Joan from Call the Midwife when she visited the Calanais Stones . I could only find a video clip on Twitter, so you can view the clip by following this link: https://twitter.com/CallTheMidwife1/status/1209931604656873472?s=20 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b2f2bf27-1260-41f3-b74a-372259ff3de8/tempImage1i0NGl.jpg Blog - Outer Hebrides - Make it stand out Who are these larger-than-life figures? The Superheroes of Calanais? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/df8807be-c352-4698-856a-5605667a25d7/tempImagePOtjal.jpg Blog - Outer Hebrides - Make it stand out Oh, it’s just you two… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/38117583-c111-422e-a83b-96e68cd73f83/tempImage6X3vZd.jpg Blog - Outer Hebrides - Make it stand out Dun Carloway was probably built in around 200 BC and may have been occupied by a local chief, as a symbol of status and control over the local landscape and resources. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3137b00b-d872-4fbc-9388-674cc35756ca/tempImageVggi8b.jpg Blog - Outer Hebrides - Make it stand out At 30 feet tall it still stands close to its impressive full height. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6f81d7b2-489e-446f-b782-8e736b5403b2/tempImageOy6wTL.jpg Blog - Outer Hebrides - Make it stand out Dun Carloway shows an excellent cross-section of a broch. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c6692fcc-8d04-44d2-add6-d750f1c0f8f2/tempImageKPXRw5.jpg Blog - Outer Hebrides - Make it stand out An artist’s interpretation of how brochs were likely designed inside. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/69a17418-268b-467f-8d8e-9f0d03ce099b/tempImageV6Fjfv.jpg Blog - Outer Hebrides - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/89cbca7a-fe94-4d58-81e4-235f6a425db0/tempImageoEpImz.jpg Blog - Outer Hebrides - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7cc07400-76a4-4fe8-9402-365106fce7ca/tempImage7J3wvY.jpg Blog - Outer Hebrides - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/21cfc0d4-1d3b-4770-974b-c74a114e5952/tempImagex02lLz.jpg Blog - Outer Hebrides - Make it stand out Dave and Christa take in Loch an Duin and the sea loch beyond. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8da228e2-0c4d-47b8-9f27-0cbfafaee01f/tempImageqAWpXM.jpg Blog - Outer Hebrides - Make it stand out The blackhouse village in Arnol boasts a number of traditional Lewis thatched houses, one of which is fully furnished with an attached barn, byre (cow shed), and stackyard (straw and/or grain house). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/261e5787-c381-44bb-9503-53e4a8b51e34/tempImagezMmYTg.jpg Blog - Outer Hebrides - Make it stand out Built in around 1880, these houses give a special insight into island life. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/870de037-972c-4d99-b6d6-4e52147b39c9/tempImageN7WUcy.jpg Blog - Outer Hebrides - Make it stand out The blackhouse with the restored interior was once the residence of a Hebridean crafting family and their animals, who moved out in 1966. Today it is preserved almost as the family left it. Mmm, love that peat fire. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8e5b94d5-f2a6-402e-9034-69557e3970de/tempImageybK99y.jpg Blog - Outer Hebrides - Make it stand out A stack of peat waiting to fill the air with its wonderful smoky aroma. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2ac56f4a-646b-40d8-ac9e-453bc59f8a00/tempImage88rgIa.jpg Blog - Outer Hebrides - Make it stand out The Isle of Lewis and Harris is known the world over for Harris Tweed, so it was only fitting that the house had a working treadle-pedal wool loom in operation. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0346f55a-ad88-469b-96a3-47ea92331615/tempImagespo8pB.jpg Blog - Outer Hebrides - Make it stand out Along with St Clement's Church and the Calanais Stone Circle, the blockhouse village also featured in the Season 9 Christmas special of Call the Midwife. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/cfda8afd-9785-4b79-9203-4a472213f8e9/tempImageJxuKXg.jpg Blog - Outer Hebrides - Make it stand out The term blackhouse—taigh dubh in Gaelic—appeared in the mid-19th century, to distinguish the soot-filled fieldstone houses from the white, modern taigh geal (white house) that became popular on the Outer Hebrides in the 1850s. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/bed15592-d6d5-4726-b6d1-49cc52a08bac/main_184_Elgol_101502_0060_.jpg Blog - Outer Hebrides - Make it stand out A typical “white house” (with a grey addition) that can found all across the Isle of Lewis. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d715f01c-de94-4a03-bae7-07e92ab82410/tempImagewLJruu.jpg Blog - Outer Hebrides - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0680a48b-f8ef-49ae-974b-9336ed0b4bcc/tempImagejfoZyA.jpg Blog - Outer Hebrides - Make it stand out The station's claim to fame was getting into the Guinness Book of Records as the windiest spot in the United Kingdom. Take a look at the picture and see what you think. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/cfa52443-948d-413a-905a-abe3fae4939e/tempImagemXBV0Q.jpg Blog - Outer Hebrides - Make it stand out The lighthouse was designed and built by the famous lighthouse builder David Stevenson, author Robert Louis Stevenson’s uncle. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1f7f6a31-08dc-4e60-8e0f-bb0098eec098/tempImageA3HTZP.jpg Blog - Outer Hebrides - Make it stand out Crazy rock formations on the right. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/cee6b424-15be-4b99-8ae7-025bff4922d7/tempImageKnTbf6.jpg Blog - Outer Hebrides - Make it stand out Port Stoth, a sheltered inlet just southeast of the Butt of Lewis. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/36fb119a-5012-4f99-acde-5d86ddc371e9/tempImage4riMPO.jpg Blog - Outer Hebrides - Make it stand out However, there was just one more quick stop in Port of Ness, because I was in the middle of the novel—the first of The Lewis Trilogy—The Blackhouse, by the popular Scottish television screenwriter, novelist, and crime writer Peter May. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b5e90a27-c7b7-4846-be08-cb1bbafc0630/tempImagebffMkS.jpg Blog - Outer Hebrides - Make it stand out At the outset of the novel, a murder victim is found inside the boat house (the white building at the end of the harbor wall). Seeing the place in person makes the book so much more engaging! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/def6376e-8a10-4120-8880-caeba883d8e2/tempImageknHOFo.jpg Blog - Outer Hebrides - Make it stand out That evening, Dave and Christa enjoyed a wonderful anniversary dinner at the Boatshed Restaurant in Stornoway. Congratulations! https://www.overthehillandacrossthepond.com/blog/northern-skye monthly 0.5 2023-11-29 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1a482f97-2899-4591-8a75-fc1274f4b9e0/tempImageRQKfEo.jpg Blog - Northern Skye - Make it stand out The gals decided halfway up was good enough. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/21faa28d-7967-406b-bf8e-605bdda3291d/tempImage2uJYiU.jpg Blog - Northern Skye - Make it stand out So Dave and I completed the hike to the summit while they waited at the saddle. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/fd623155-924c-437a-8d63-0c344c4fe405/tempImagepmJSGE.jpg Blog - Northern Skye - Make it stand out This is probably the most famous walk on the island. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4df2cf85-6673-4186-a043-c43a17bbbc3f/tempImagekWZVPh.jpg Blog - Northern Skye - Make it stand out The Old Man of Storr is a large pinnacle of rock that stands high and can be seen for miles around. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3bf8534c-32a3-442c-b785-7136f912ee2b/tempImagecJblap.jpg Blog - Northern Skye - Make it stand out The Old Man is in fact just one element in an array of fantastic rock features, including this stalagmite-looking pinnacle. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/fce5d885-ba28-4532-b94b-13fdd3f26ba9/tempImageHJVDoS.jpg Blog - Northern Skye - Make it stand out The area in front of the cliffs of the Storr is known as the Sanctuary. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/80238bfd-f837-4f11-ae5c-083c532f075a/tempImageNvyhqF.jpg Blog - Northern Skye - Make it stand out The Old Man of Storr and the Aging Men of Neumann. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/522ad539-c97d-48ae-83b7-e6d45e13109f/tempImagewWo6sC.jpg Blog - Northern Skye - Make it stand out The Sanctuary has a number of weirdly shaped rock pinnacles, the remnants of ancient landslips. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0e6575f9-b899-445c-b42e-9de515675480/tempImageS8SJih.jpg Blog - Northern Skye - Make it stand out It’s hard not to take a lot of photos on a day as gorgeous as this! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/805d0922-7f26-42e5-948d-f590c6370d3c/tempImageQxPidx.jpg Blog - Northern Skye - Make it stand out At the summit of the Storr Lookout Point with the Old Man and the Sanctuary below, and the Cuillins in the far distance. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1260cd51-6a06-4b34-8f74-0c902167325c/tempImagekjL08V.jpg Blog - Northern Skye - Make it stand out Reunited with our better halves. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/864fe9d0-6d92-4163-8b6a-4295e49aa3dd/tempImageksO86b.jpg Blog - Northern Skye - Make it stand out Back to the car park. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/553816e6-7d2d-43a7-a685-f3d6e9302f5a/tempImage2w9YIl.jpg Blog - Northern Skye - Make it stand out The third time was the charm. After moving out of our cottage (Jul 30), we made it to Talisker Bay Beach with the full cooperation of Mother Nature. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/62d870ee-37a4-46ad-99ed-c89560bdd0d1/tempImagea6T9wS.jpg Blog - Northern Skye - Make it stand out We easily could have been on a Hawaiian island. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/327f6d42-eb61-4fb1-9ac1-150d60e06ba4/tempImageNThuJT.jpg Blog - Northern Skye - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/769be715-89ee-46c1-9c74-39ebfb9c2289/tempImageIaGUHh.jpg Blog - Northern Skye - Make it stand out Talisker Waterfall https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/630bd18e-31d7-4f3e-893e-80dc76eede9b/tempImageadqAMM.jpg Blog - Northern Skye - Make it stand out Talisker Bay Stack https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ec68120d-be07-4252-a95c-b231efbb6ab9/tempImage6u7sE3.jpg Blog - Northern Skye - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7af5b8c1-dee4-4c89-8133-2555cad45ecf/bkm7j4m7epe31.jpg Blog - Northern Skye - Make it stand out We’ve been seeing images like this for years and couldn’t wait to visit. If you Google Fairy Glen Skye, you’ll see some amazing professional photographs of the site. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a00e1be1-41f9-46ac-885d-b8535929520f/tempImage5xWJPW.jpg Blog - Northern Skye - Make it stand out The Fairy Glen (much like the Fairy Pools in Glenbrittle) has no real legends or stories involving fairies that can be traced. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c97fe0f0-55a4-4884-92e9-151f04d0ccb5/tempImageiGIXTa.jpg Blog - Northern Skye - Make it stand out Instead, the name comes from the many small round-topped grassy hills and lochans (ponds) that give the glen a decidedly otherworldly feel. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/fbbc676b-4596-4d7b-8056-5ec0041684e6/tempImageCPGYVe.jpg Blog - Northern Skye - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9c9b9f53-2fcf-45a0-a8ec-6399d1068815/tempImageYW5BfQ.jpg Blog - Northern Skye - Make it stand out One of the hills still has its basalt topping intact which, from a distance, looks like a ruin and has been called (inexplicably) Castle Ewan. It is possible to climb to the top. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9dd7b475-c4e3-4b5d-bb4f-d57eb868b181/tempImageQRMZ8r.jpg Blog - Northern Skye - Make it stand out At the top of Castle Ewan. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8375dff0-222e-45f6-b24d-9ae9b749114e/tempImage96L4Mb.jpg Blog - Northern Skye - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3cd9198c-622c-459c-a5f5-3de9999b3e7e/tempImageW6QUQu.jpg Blog - Northern Skye - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/dcb1449f-c32c-402e-8fce-1c1fa3ae7839/tempImageP3eXcs.jpg Blog - Northern Skye - Make it stand out Climbing down Castle Ewan. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c63119e4-75d4-440c-b4a1-81fc50ce0ab4/tempImage9JHR44.jpg Blog - Northern Skye - Make it stand out Christa captured this panorama. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9a9a09a9-f353-4beb-a92a-5218ac9b897c/tempImagezNdord.jpg Blog - Northern Skye - Make it stand out Such a fun final spot to visit before leaving Skye. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1f3a81c4-f253-4143-9a99-1b8cce48ab99/tempImagets6N3a.jpg Blog - Northern Skye - Make it stand out In less than a week the bottle of Talisker was gone! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/46de81e4-8c6f-4e2a-8df0-b14c429c7e0c/tempImageDm0h0h.jpg Blog - Northern Skye - Make it stand out We simply couldn’t figure out where it all went…but then we figured it out. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/18c1b834-1e28-4f0c-9f57-c85becb17765/tempImageWYWMjc.jpg Blog - Northern Skye - Make it stand out While we were waiting, we stopped in the Isle of Skye Brewing Company, which just happened to be located in the harbor. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0f76d6c5-2a84-4cd3-aa36-6c9bcd1c4ccb/tempImageUgrFlI.jpg Blog - Northern Skye - Make it stand out Brewed with “Faerie Glen water”! https://www.overthehillandacrossthepond.com/blog/highland-games monthly 0.5 2023-11-29 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d95ccaaf-3cf7-4eda-9e66-aaa43d7691a5/tempImageEDLBAr.jpg Blog - Highland Games - Make it stand out Waiting to be directed onto the ferry. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/339c879a-e5dd-422e-9bde-53c331c9e0d0/tempImageDJ3lF7.jpg Blog - Highland Games - Make it stand out Phew! Good thing we paid attention to the sign! Otherwise, we might have driven right into the ocean! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/eb999c19-a873-46eb-b806-736b9832c947/tempImageaXXAmF.jpg Blog - Highland Games - Make it stand out We couldn’t have asked for a more picture-perfect day! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d5104bcd-6bbb-47b3-8d24-25ea33143668/tempImageR85UIh.jpg Blog - Highland Games - Make it stand out After a brief 30 minute journey, the ferry delivered us to Mallaig (the same city where the Jacobite Express train ended when we rode over the Glenfinnan Viaduct). From Mallaig, it was a short 15 minute drive to Traigh Farm where the 2023 Arisaig Highland Games were held. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e181c061-625c-4727-a09a-a60aa8687cc9/tempImageyw88hH.jpg Blog - Highland Games - Make it stand out Traigh Farm overlooks Traigh Bay (Tràigh is a Scottish Gaelic word meaning sandy beach or shore). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/31d23227-d660-4c12-95e9-6b75d88e3a4e/tempImageUgsZaO.jpg Blog - Highland Games - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d8ce5b55-dc2e-4ee7-80bb-f46aab4d98a0/tempImageDp6x6M.jpg Blog - Highland Games - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/643e6c97-6e77-4cea-b996-d95278a19ee7/tempImageovRNfC.jpg Blog - Highland Games - Make it stand out Overlooking the field with Traigh Bay beyond. The piper in the foreground is performing for a judge (just out of camera view) who is rating his performance. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a86b176a-3d0c-436a-85ea-4c8539c5a781/tempImageMjmdDr.jpg Blog - Highland Games - Make it stand out Dinna fash yourself, we opened the games with a wee dram of 6-year-old Ardnamurchan single malt whisky bottled exclusively for the games. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/800a31fd-cf6f-40b6-ad12-0927b75ac1d9/tempImagepNDj81.jpg Blog - Highland Games - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9667ec76-d0ae-4319-abc2-296f6edfbf52/tempImageygH5CC.jpg Blog - Highland Games - Make it stand out As Scots emigrated to far-flung lands they took their sport and culture with them. Tradition tells us that Games were held near Ellerbe, North Carolina in the late 1700s. The Civil War delayed the spread of these events, but by 1875 Highland Games were being held in at least 125 communities across America. Our flag was among those flown at the Arisaig Highland Games, representing nations where large numbers of Scots have emigrated. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5efd3796-853e-45a4-ad7f-f0f0d659835d/tempImageQg0GrO.jpg Blog - Highland Games - Make it stand out The Glenfinnan Monument https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/84ee2e4b-80c2-4414-8731-11c64f124e3b/tempImage2HQaXW.jpg Blog - Highland Games - Make it stand out On the northern shore in Loch Shiel, where Bonnie Prince Charlie landed in 1745. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c880e497-c00b-4b38-abd3-220e8d089909/tempImagegG7ZjY.jpg Blog - Highland Games - Make it stand out Dave and the Glenfinnan Viaduct. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a950835e-7ff2-4db4-9ba4-751cae08f0e2/tempImagecn9Hk2.jpg Blog - Highland Games - Make it stand out Dave and Christa at Dubledore’s grave. https://www.overthehillandacrossthepond.com/blog/next monthly 0.5 2023-11-29 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/87d1ae8c-182c-490f-8795-506fac198c31/tempImage6XBZgv.jpg Blog - Western Skye - Make it stand out Amanda started our day’s tour of western Skye with a dime from her dad. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/98fd2d00-192f-4f01-9bf9-9b9cd97af2c4/tempImage5rVKiI.jpg Blog - Western Skye - Make it stand out One of the many cascades and pools. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b7388357-b515-4339-9edd-791b0b478110/tempImageFFa6rI.jpg Blog - Western Skye - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4077663d-1d40-42f7-89fc-87e39698a025/tempImageeRzccO.jpg Blog - Western Skye - Make it stand out Gorgeous water features at every turn. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/25b37f2f-a51d-4969-b4a9-211dcdd33108/tempImaged79M0y.jpg Blog - Western Skye - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d5857c1c-0c12-4d50-ae7b-e5cdc896520a/tempImageoovaz0.jpg Blog - Western Skye - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/84fd20f5-3812-477f-a67d-1d081568c256/tempImagep6mSgl.jpg Blog - Western Skye - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b5533814-64f0-48e2-8705-7ef4a0cd6980/tempImageAkDIjN.jpg Blog - Western Skye - Make it stand out The water cascades down off the Black Cuillins. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c0ab3fe3-d85e-4ffa-aac3-a1226a3a8788/tempImageNz4igh.jpg Blog - Western Skye - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/be694187-6ab6-48c8-a7a8-b0808ae36262/tempImageuW1BoO.jpg Blog - Western Skye - Make it stand out The name Talisker comes from the old Norse for Sloping Rock, “Thalas Gair.” Talisker was for centuries a possession of the Clan Macleod (pronounced McCloud). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/58a4c7c2-8478-444a-9ee0-164a4330b97f/tempImageprKu0j.jpg Blog - Western Skye - Make it stand out We tasted several drams of Talisker, and I particularly enjoyed Storm. Dave, Christa, and Amanda agreed the 18-year-old was the best. I simply had to trust their judgment because Amanda kept the over-poured 18-year-old dram completely to herself and didn't save me a drop. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/234928bd-e28b-47d5-9c04-7a7edd2a3beb/tempImageYzuWzr.jpg Blog - Western Skye - Make it stand out Since we already knew we would be traveling to Skye together this summer, at my retirement back in October Dave & Christa gave me a voucher for a bottle of Talisker. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/620284a1-de6d-488f-a802-4aa77b882f64/tempImageWz76eB.jpg Blog - Western Skye - Make it stand out Thank you Dave & Christa!! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/52334533-773b-4b5d-af97-3d6488b2efe8/tempImageA9uKFp.jpg Blog - Western Skye - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/99fd6823-6da3-448a-8bcc-c1d8275fec97/tempImageOr7ihc.jpg Blog - Western Skye - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/04ea75ec-d9b6-413f-a590-be1d5e61a70a/tempImage7sDD2B.jpg Blog - Western Skye - Make it stand out Just beyond the distillery was this sign. How’s that for little bit of encouragement as you’re driving down the road? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e107626a-1b6e-4fe3-960e-7459144044df/tempImage8so0Bl.jpg Blog - Western Skye - Make it stand out No, this was not a Mecca for vegans; you actually pronounce it Dun-vae-gan (say the first “a” like in table). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6a8143ea-32ba-4956-9118-b26cb83456b6/tempImageBot8BI.jpg Blog - Western Skye - Make it stand out The castle is located on a prominent rock outcropping on the sea loch, Loch Dunvegan. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4067a71f-b1f2-4ff4-b169-acea982b47e4/tempImagesUtgx0.jpg Blog - Western Skye - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8b88a81d-d084-40d6-af58-d6c0ac3d218c/tempImageglMMKi.jpg Blog - Western Skye - Make it stand out Dunvegan Castle is also famous for its wonderful gardens. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/179c38fa-718f-4328-b1e8-a7817e1afaf5/tempImage8JiiFF.jpg Blog - Western Skye - Make it stand out This is part of their water garden. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1b9e577a-76f2-4ece-a786-f2645ce875cf/tempImagePPTN5m.jpg Blog - Western Skye - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e47d9f32-ae10-4834-a0d2-7b0c4163296c/tempImage8ksAEd.jpg Blog - Western Skye - Make it stand out Just look at the size of these things! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6a1a68df-53c0-45d3-a39a-60f7a7154a07/tempImagenlgP7R.jpg Blog - Western Skye - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/26c9173e-8a5c-41ee-85fe-e52ee415d5ab/tempImageTy7RLx.jpg Blog - Western Skye - Make it stand out Inside the walled garden. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/43f6df72-3ade-42dd-86d6-ae416dd36c9b/tempImageLyrUEE.jpg Blog - Western Skye - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e20f13d5-67bf-496e-a453-ea275e7517c9/tempImagedQVJeu.jpg Blog - Western Skye - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ea31e7b7-b047-4e97-b1cf-1033abdcb522/tempImage4Xiyrk.jpg Blog - Western Skye - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d5500ca2-83d8-4cdc-9a00-b9dba6650889/tempImageEn3WXK.jpg Blog - Western Skye - Make it stand out Massive fungus growing on a tree along the shore of Loch Dunvegan. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/39ac4a95-4be7-4e52-bf99-2296a742173a/tempImageR7y7Xz.jpg Blog - Western Skye - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b62d768d-1557-4ed9-adf5-ca118d16ca45/tempImageKQVLkH.jpg Blog - Western Skye - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8c890f56-9e97-4d5b-9c74-5bd9e1cd2284/tempImageGtiEyg.jpg Blog - Western Skye - Make it stand out What a great shot! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3ebdd1e5-aca2-4269-8417-c065f31cae1e/tempImagefs1jOG.jpg Blog - Western Skye - Make it stand out It’s every bit as dramatic in real life. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ffd54485-31a6-42d3-a8c8-675ddf42ff47/tempImageO9DyCx.jpg Blog - Western Skye - Make it stand out The village of Portree, situated on the east side of Skye overlooks a sheltered bay, and is the capital of the island. Its name comes from the Gaelic for Port on the Slope. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/87257b4e-1b36-415b-b2e9-7953fff7a2e0/tempImageDOVyi4.jpg Blog - Western Skye - Make it stand out An enchanted river… A famous distillery… A castle perched sentinel on a sea loch… A beautiful garden… A majestic lighthouse… A colorful and charming port village… We think you’ll agree, Isle of Skye is spectacular! https://www.overthehillandacrossthepond.com/blog/culloden monthly 0.5 2023-11-29 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6123b2fd-e428-4914-b74b-ba41cd834b60/tempImagey8QsG9.jpg Blog - Over the Sea to Skye - Make it stand out The four of us standing with the battlefield behind. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d8d3bce2-b308-4e3c-9bef-2a108306a56b/tempImage3RQZo9.jpg Blog - Over the Sea to Skye - Make it stand out The red flags mark the front line of the Government troops. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/bf1d60c2-b83f-4a5e-937c-577dd2e7b597/tempImage3QFJ81.jpg Blog - Over the Sea to Skye - Make it stand out The blue flags (in the distance) mark the Jacobite front line. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8445d609-4202-43ca-8358-ccbb78a528e0/tempImagebW4o4M.jpg Blog - Over the Sea to Skye - Make it stand out Amanda standing at the spot where, following their standard Highland Charge, the Jacobite army first engaged with the Government forces. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/24c3201c-d42f-410a-aaa7-22d3b74e1119/tempImageJ5F9zf.jpg Blog - Over the Sea to Skye - Make it stand out Following the battle, Cumberland locked down the battlefield for several days, allowing no one in or out. After he was convinced none of the Jacobites on the field remained alive, he forced locals to bury the dead. Jacobite soldiers were unceremoniously stripped and thrown into common graves. The mounds known as the Graves of the Clans remain visible to this day. Well after the fact, the grave mounds were marked with clan names. There is, of course, no way of associating particular graves with individual clans. Regardless, any Outlander fan worth their salt has to take a picture with the Clan Fraser memorial stone. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/cca86fd1-4e5c-416a-b57a-5c2ee9961616/tempImageKWxr1s.jpg Blog - Over the Sea to Skye - Make it stand out The Memorial Cairn was erected in 1881, some 135 years after the battle. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/86ca75bc-ecfd-455f-8b96-4a1fdf3cc082/tempImageunTckD.jpg Blog - Over the Sea to Skye - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/cbf214c9-8b4f-4826-b2b8-c900b7de68fe/tempImagez1zTn0.jpg Blog - Over the Sea to Skye - Make it stand out Leanach Cottage—During the battle, a similar cottage stood on this spot and served as a field hospital for Government soldiers. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6e52624b-28dd-4e32-a2d4-58776a7d834d/tempImagezVsIKy.jpg Blog - Over the Sea to Skye - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1a702331-e846-46c4-9479-7ab2f36dd939/tempImageNwFqFJ.jpg Blog - Over the Sea to Skye - Make it stand out On the Culloden moor. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/60b2aacd-ce25-4521-b960-6696e887f7ec/tempImageDeJB7G.jpg Blog - Over the Sea to Skye - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e1fe2102-42ca-4f66-b0f1-18994eeac419/tempImagew5zsW9.jpg Blog - Over the Sea to Skye - Make it stand out Fortunately, the route took us along Loch Ness on a beautiful day. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ddb6ce14-692b-4f02-be2b-af40c101d23f/tempImageZZ0EAg.jpg Blog - Over the Sea to Skye - Make it stand out Eilean Donan is a Scottish castle situated on a tidal island at the confluence of three sea lochs in the western Highlands. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/aac63fc5-39b5-4bee-b152-87b0474ac34a/tempImage21Gabd.jpg Blog - Over the Sea to Skye - Make it stand out Easy access and its dramatic location make it one of the most photographed castles in Scotland. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2e9146ba-41bd-40e0-a9a9-d7b0d2cbb84c/tempImageBxHXVr.jpg Blog - Over the Sea to Skye - Make it stand out The castle’s brochure said, “We’re often described as Scotland’s most romantic castle” and this became the running joke for the day. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/83f72fc7-cc31-4526-b899-bd21a38a33fe/tempImageAZfIOq.jpg Blog - Over the Sea to Skye - Make it stand out Our good-natured ribbing aside, can you imagine a castle much more romantic than this? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/dcd2936a-43ec-4bbd-bcf8-cba05d2b337d/tempImageqUFXUc.jpg Blog - Over the Sea to Skye - Make it stand out Eilean Donan, or the island of Donan, takes is name from a 6th century Irish saint. Bishop Donan came to Scotland in around AD 580 and is believed to have established a monastic cell on the island. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2b3ec8d9-e719-4512-a8f4-d62539bb9e40/tempImageIvUVlG.jpg Blog - Over the Sea to Skye - Make it stand out Strategically located where three sea lochs meet: Lochs Long, Duich, and Alsh—Eilean Donan has been inhabited since the Iron Age. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/edfd3e2e-0239-48f2-ab4d-c07d4ba68432/tempImageGpG40W.jpg Blog - Over the Sea to Skye - Make it stand out However, it wasn't until the early 13th century that the first castle was built on the site, probably as a defensive measure against the Vikings. These fearsome people of legend had raided, settled in, and, for a time, controlled much of the north of Scotland and the Western Isles between 800 and 1266. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e8986d9e-a804-4ff6-9b43-88bbdb1969ad/tempImage3zRnLQ.jpg Blog - Over the Sea to Skye - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/31502b68-b154-4bb8-9e8e-a7c26719dabc/tempImageRK0j9l.jpg Blog - Over the Sea to Skye - Make it stand out Inexplicably, we were not allowed to take photographs inside. Being a careful rule-follower, I only took one illegal image! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9db58854-7e36-4c65-a22e-90b0ea731073/tempImageQra2Rt.jpg Blog - Over the Sea to Skye - Make it stand out Amanda, on the other hand, was a very bad girl and took not one but two photos! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f2c85c0d-f028-46c5-acb2-609141e61eec/tempImagetAsExp.jpg Blog - Over the Sea to Skye - Make it stand out She couldn’t resist the beautiful 18th century dresses. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a860f9a7-06b4-4c0c-ac7c-200ebc88ae56/tempImageXSrbCa.jpg Blog - Over the Sea to Skye - Make it stand out Though today one of Scotland's most famous castles, Eilean Donan was just one of dozens of strategically placed defenses along the country's western seaboard in the early to mid-13th century. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/75d3a64c-9623-42ae-8dce-439d86d1e879/tempImageThkMrB.jpg Blog - Over the Sea to Skye - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/78e1adfe-95a5-4b45-911b-09f5f26864db/tempImage9KNCPr.jpg Blog - Over the Sea to Skye - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/bad38993-28d8-4a96-8cfd-4d9e70b9c540/tempImageMvHnZ2.jpg Blog - Over the Sea to Skye - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6b2e18c0-8e8b-4b75-8843-cd955cd066eb/tempImagebm8Ysc.jpg Blog - Over the Sea to Skye - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/bc801932-96bd-4aab-bf4a-e43f0349f2e7/tempImagepH0RRQ.jpg Blog - Over the Sea to Skye - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1b1e7e85-926e-4372-93d5-7949afffd190/tempImageKuxkIo.jpg Blog - Over the Sea to Skye - Make it stand out The Skye Bridge allows vehicle access at the southern tip of the Isle of Skye. In part because you can visit without having to take a ferry, Skye is a hugely popular tourist destination. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0a4302f8-9ce0-415f-8dfb-ead3eb3202ea/tempImageQSsevu.jpg Blog - Over the Sea to Skye - Make it stand out The Sligachan Old Bridge was built between 1810-1818. The waters under the bridge are said to be a portal to the faerie world. Legend has it that the beauty of Scáthach’s daughter and the tears of love she shed in the river, mean that anyone brave enough to dip their face in the water will be granted eternal beauty by the faeries. You must dip your face into the river for at least 7 seconds, which is why I’m definitely not blessed with beauty. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b971657c-f7ff-431d-abbf-217ab8e329d0/tempImageIHJZrH.jpg Blog - Over the Sea to Skye - Make it stand out We had dinner at the Sligachan Hotel (visible in the background). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f660e91d-2240-42e9-b5fe-671955694b8e/tempImageCknm9J.jpg Blog - Over the Sea to Skye - Make it stand out On the opposite bank of the River Sligachan, the Collie and MacKenzie Statue would dominate the horizon, were it not for the massive Cuillin Mountains beyond. The bronze sculpture above was erected at Sligachan, against the backdrop of the Cuillin Mountains to pay tribute to the two renowned mountaineering figures. Professor Norman Collie and John Mackenzie are credited with creating many of the routes across the Cuillins on Skye—one of Scotland’s most famous mountain ranges. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9bec51d2-ba61-4a4c-a989-4b2837b6d3db/tempImagezx0IoF.jpg Blog - Over the Sea to Skye - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.overthehillandacrossthepond.com/blog/loch-ness monthly 0.5 2023-11-29 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/499e28ab-0267-48b4-95bf-2f8eda2981b5/IMG_1200.PNG Blog - Loch Ness - Make it stand out Here’s a wild one we’ll never see again—us at Loch Ness and Jeff and Madi in Edinburgh! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e71b7765-d139-482b-94b7-1c68a34ce4e7/Picture+3.jpg Blog - Loch Ness - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/80e1f869-6ae8-410a-b490-9f60b877a011/tempImageCZ8jzO.jpg Blog - Loch Ness - Make it stand out Loch Ness is the second-largest Scottish loch by surface area after Loch Lomond, but due to its great depth it is the largest by volume in Great Britain. Its deepest point is 755 feet, making it the second deepest loch in Scotland after Loch Morar (the loch upon whose shore Hogwarts Castle rests in the Harry Potter movies). Loch Ness contains more water than all the lakes in England and Wales combined. Water visibility is exceptionally low due to a high peat content in the surrounding soil. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5ee10530-131e-472d-b4cc-7017b0f44663/tempImagelrlCqv.jpg Blog - Loch Ness - Make it stand out Amanda and her beloved hydrangeas. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0eb9bf69-7a69-4862-8db5-d657d13a3439/tempImagezkm3Bs.jpg Blog - Loch Ness - Make it stand out We could show you what’s inside, but they swore us to secrecy. Nessie, your mystery is safe with us! If you’ve read Outlander or other novels set in Scotland, you’ll likely have heard about Selkies and Changelings. In previous posts we’ve also mentioned Kelpies and Unicorns. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3f8013a1-8faf-4af3-af41-c5f9b5b58e18/Hoaxed_photo_of_the_Loch_Ness_monster.jpg Blog - Loch Ness - Make it stand out The so-called "surgeon's photograph" was reportedly the first photo of the creature's head and neck. It turned out to be a hoax. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8ca57691-9c26-4960-9fb9-e72d139995b9/tempImagexYVq8R.jpg Blog - Loch Ness - Make it stand out The castle grounds provide a commanding view of Loch Ness. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/aaf7969a-3ce2-4968-9582-7df1024f2081/tempImagex49IAj.jpg Blog - Loch Ness - Make it stand out Such a beautiful boat. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/232bdba9-8d6a-4b97-b0b5-477e3181ec0a/tempImageqk5Ht4.jpg Blog - Loch Ness - Make it stand out Given its strategic position, the castle has seen its fair share of battles. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3a2869e9-6dd3-4a3a-874f-27ed29c807b5/tempImageyMLsIp.jpg Blog - Loch Ness - Make it stand out King Edward I brought the castle back into English control in 1303 during a lengthy campaign in Scotland. His troops used a trébuchet like this one to lay siege to the castle. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6d17d276-33d3-4055-9868-48094616a0b1/tempImageLuU1jm.jpg Blog - Loch Ness - Make it stand out In 1308, Scottish King Robert the Bruce captured and razed the castle. It was sacked by The Lord of the Isles in 1513 and the entire area was laid to waste. At the end of the 17th century, the castle was packed with explosives and blown up, so it could not be used as a Jacobite base. It’s amazing we have anything left to visit. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1a5f120e-f6d4-453c-be33-0be336f667a4/tempImageEBWgjU.jpg Blog - Loch Ness - Make it stand out The Scottish sky, dramatic as always. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/51aed599-ffd0-4f6b-b7c2-18b10a23aeef/tempImageH0EZNw.jpg Blog - Loch Ness - Make it stand out The Grant Tower House https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3416c5c8-60ce-4519-b618-808fb8b017c2/tempImageNsWLzi.jpg Blog - Loch Ness - Make it stand out Nature always finds a way to spring forth. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/da8e7e84-cba9-462a-a440-52450c2ee087/tempImageTRKerj.jpg Blog - Loch Ness - Make it stand out Inside the Grand Tower House looking out over Loch Ness. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e20512c6-0cc3-4b57-ae73-48ef0915dcd1/tempImagelf5YN8.jpg Blog - Loch Ness - Make it stand out Standing on an older section of the castle, looking north at the Grant Tower toward Inverness. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f3a4f771-187f-4c6a-944b-82000a59bbbb/tempImageE9cy1H.jpg Blog - Loch Ness - Make it stand out Looking south toward Fort Augustus. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/50cfeefc-3328-4472-9c0a-043fd8cb57fc/tempImagekeJiJ8.jpg Blog - Loch Ness - Make it stand out We took a moment to scan the waters, hoping for a glimpse of the elusive Loch Ness Monster. Alas, it was not to be. Maybe next time… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c8b75bfc-ef4b-4989-8590-bf6e80b50a26/Edinburgh+Dime+1.JPG Blog - Loch Ness - Make it stand out Meanwhile, back in Edinburgh on Wednesday evening (Jul 19)—Jeff and Madi found a dime behind the Tron, right off the Royal Mile. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/40c6b32f-9e59-4298-baf1-7c9e178c8e51/Edinburgh+Dime+2.JPG Blog - Loch Ness - Make it stand out Number 4! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5309d2ef-fd6e-4535-9eb9-dbe54b72aa48/tempImageCWkJ15.jpg Blog - Loch Ness - Make it stand out The next morning we set out to explore Fort Augustus and spotted a dime right on the path in front of us. That’s 5 in total for the eleven days of Jeff and Madi’s visit. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/64147368-bdac-4194-a612-bee0a9b744a0/tempImage5O5GTg.jpg Blog - Loch Ness - Make it stand out I think Keith had some fun with us while we were all here together. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d552d411-4f4c-40f0-a792-4e713c645b46/tempImagefsMjM5.jpg Blog - Loch Ness - Make it stand out There are 29 locks—including eight at Neptune's Staircase (which we saw back in Fort William) and five here at the Fort Augustus Locks. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ef5c5042-488a-43ef-aa23-c699993c524e/tempImagelxDciW.jpg Blog - Loch Ness - Make it stand out Each lock is either 170 or 180 feet long, and 40 feet wide and 25 feet deep. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/52c09627-cd42-4d8d-a827-18d0cee68385/tempImage4TufN5.jpg Blog - Loch Ness - Make it stand out The water filling the back lock, while… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ab456e3d-b1ba-44a3-a762-ac2036b06774/tempImageYJieSm.jpg Blog - Loch Ness - Make it stand out …the six vessels were lowered in the forward lock (Loch Ness in the distance). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1705867d-1629-4a58-8813-bfc846d6e2ed/tempImageDiYpug.jpg Blog - Loch Ness - Make it stand out The entire passage through the five lochs and the swing bridge must last well over an hour. Yikes! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e3c2186e-d817-4b31-917e-ae00471e5f8d/tempImageIPVDGq.jpg Blog - Loch Ness - Make it stand out The lock operator (above). Considering that the Canal was constructed between 1804-22 (and refurbished 1843-47), its quite a marvel to see it all still in full operation over 200 years later—especially the amazing swing bridge. Everything moves super slow, so I sped up the video below for you viewing enjoyment. Check out the swing bridge at the end; I think that was the most interesting part. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kyOd5Ry5Lcw https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9b96bb29-8626-469a-8005-8e20d4cc06fe/J%26M+Depart+EDI.png Blog - Loch Ness - Make it stand out Jeff and Madi’s Aer Lingus Airbus A320 narrow-body climbs out of Edinburgh Airport headed for Dublin, Ireland. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e023e760-5899-47bf-a259-c21fde6bfe5a/Screenshot+2023-07-21+at+6.19.03+PM.png Blog - Loch Ness - Make it stand out Hours later, Jeff and Madi’s Aer Lingus Airbus A330-300 level at Flight Level 360 approaching the Northwestern Passages. One factor we were truly unprepared to handle was the gut punch it is every time family leaves us. Yes, we chose to be away for so long. Yes, more family will arrive in one day. Yes, our trip is nearly over and we'll be home in the blink of an eye. Yes, we remain very excited for the many things that still remain. Yes, one day very soon we’ll be crying and wishing we were back here. All true. All true. And yet, it still manages to nearly reduce us to puddles of goo when family leaves. We miss our family and as much as we have deeply loved nearly every minute of this grand adventure, we also look forward to the comfort and familiarity that comes from living near those we most love and adore. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8fd102cb-395f-4579-9cd0-5300bdc8279a/tempImagehp3ygt.jpg Blog - Loch Ness - Make it stand out The Town House is a beautiful municipal building located on High Street. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a7cc0d16-f7e8-479d-9ac2-d7eb3d30a9ea/tempImagenxgU1a.jpg Blog - Loch Ness - Make it stand out Inverness Castle from Ness Bridge. The castle is closed for restoration work. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c05d4601-2faa-4072-9e2a-6bc9333179e4/tempImageSbKHRG.jpg Blog - Loch Ness - Make it stand out We heard a few Scots talking down about Inverness, but we’ve found the city to be quite charming and enjoyable. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2847f7e7-3c7e-4b08-9e9b-ab4c8d923919/tempImagez0cnuz.jpg Blog - Loch Ness - Make it stand out Walking back to our apartment along the River Ness. Here is a quick tour of our apartment in Inverness: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kyOd5Ry5Lcw https://www.overthehillandacrossthepond.com/blog/time-flies-1 monthly 0.5 2023-11-29 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/91398059-9633-4456-bde3-41b947f630e1/tempImageR4RcQJ.jpg Blog - Time Flies - Make it stand out In honor of Amanda’s dad we spent Sunday morning exploring a town whose name holds such meaning and significance for us. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7efdae25-cedf-468c-8354-8865aa18c1c9/tempImageolWlCr.jpg Blog - Time Flies - Make it stand out The Langstaffs pay tribute. The motto on the Coat of Arms “Fortiter et Suaviter” translates as “Boldly and Gently.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b70b4104-2e7b-4b7d-8591-09e7c6cefc24/tempImagemDohA8.jpg Blog - Time Flies - Make it stand out The name Keith translated from the Gaelic means “wind” or “pure air.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/66694583-ae76-415f-9904-04cd7fedaa8d/tempImageNwpuGp.jpg Blog - Time Flies - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0281cc4e-0537-4cf3-b367-6dcb334b4342/tempImageqG1cns.jpg Blog - Time Flies - Make it stand out The charming and idyllic high street. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/712bd6cc-6c36-4151-8600-d3b2c929175f/tempImageyRtpPl.jpg Blog - Time Flies - Make it stand out So close…and in the city of Keith no less. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/146b85b4-d43f-4900-ae31-fecd8032d760/tempImagelSmmpB.jpg Blog - Time Flies - Make it stand out The charming pagodas of Strathisla Distillery in Keith. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/68ca82df-a88d-4a8d-9e45-b0da67d67e6f/tempImageKpR1aS.jpg Blog - Time Flies - Make it stand out A genuine watermill. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/bc29e4a7-f3c9-4d45-96cb-b47ad4570611/tempImage057UzY.jpg Blog - Time Flies - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c983acfd-e6f0-4540-9cb5-501036adf3d5/tempImagernQWfN.jpg Blog - Time Flies - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ae54d4dc-11c3-4e6f-9b21-b4aa442b1db2/tempImage2q61FL.jpg Blog - Time Flies - Make it stand out Like Jeff said, “Who is this Glen character?” The Glen Keith Distillery was built between 1957-60 by Seagram. In 1994, its 10-year-old expression was released; however, the distillery was mothballed 5 years later in 1999. It reopened under Pernod Ricard in 2013, but as a blending facility. Essentially, the bottles you are looking at above are exceptionally rare. If you’re wondering the bottles are on sale for (left to right): $608, $222, & $464. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8e7a65aa-06b0-4985-8a6f-564f5af8675c/tempImagelb8BV1.jpg Blog - Time Flies - Make it stand out Outside of the Strathisla facility (which now owns the Glen Keith Distillery blending facility), it’s highly unlikely you’ll ever see a bottle of Glen Keith whisky. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/86507030-5664-4141-b8af-c64589a7790f/og_image.php.jpeg Blog - Time Flies - Make it stand out Glen Keith Logo https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/889f185d-800b-4c96-a93d-f40e76ca9b01/tempImageirGpwQ.jpg Blog - Time Flies - Make it stand out Amanda and Madi on the Keith Old Bridge over the River Isla, Moray. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/106b985d-a068-4219-acb1-fcc37ca7c493/tempImageKGofEX.jpg Blog - Time Flies - Make it stand out Steve, Amanda, & Madi on the Keith Old Bridge with the Old Keith Burial Ground & Cemetery behind. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4625aa8b-4647-4fd7-9df4-b0aa1afb5feb/tempImageKV1lQD.jpg Blog - Time Flies - Make it stand out The Keith and Dufftown railway station with the spires of St Rufus Church standing sentinel. It was wonderful walking around town and seeing the name Keith around every bend and corner. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7f1d92e8-20eb-40e2-b3c0-f8481454c756/tempImage4qHv17.jpg Blog - Time Flies - Make it stand out Jeff and Madi wanted to visit a castle, so we paid nearby Huntly Castle a visit. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2b2990d4-2f39-489f-909a-1ca4f1393648/tempImagepMU5jE.jpg Blog - Time Flies - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2f559e24-fc97-4cd1-a843-dfb9a1e157e3/tempImagetRShs2.jpg Blog - Time Flies - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b17c4470-c258-48ec-9a0e-325f5cc720b9/tempImagegg6rkE.jpg Blog - Time Flies - Make it stand out Jeff’s first visit to a real Garderobe (“Gardyloo!”). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/65c6dd7b-2952-418a-8062-fc99c41ab580/IMG_5647.JPG Blog - Time Flies - Make it stand out Another huge fireplace! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0d0ed7e5-ba1a-4fb6-937e-b94f80a74f35/tempImageuliria.jpg Blog - Time Flies - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0e309fad-5322-45ed-a882-6af1b1126fe4/tempImageJYFCIu.jpg Blog - Time Flies - Make it stand out Driving away on Monday—we bid a fond farewell to the Mill of Davidston house. The four of us had such great times in this wee country house! ❤️ https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d1e16288-e325-4591-a25e-21611ce59d84/tempImage1KE4XR.jpg Blog - Time Flies - Make it stand out The Old Bridge of Livet—In its original form, the Bridge of Livet spanned the River Livet in three graceful arches. Sadly, the arch on the left bank was lost during flooding in 1829. The bridge likely dates from the 16th century. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d93fdc9d-15a5-48a5-be29-eb8097f7c5b7/tempImageabRbmB.jpg Blog - Time Flies - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2bbdbfc8-0948-475b-82a4-c628a075f965/tempImagezo4ZSG.jpg Blog - Time Flies - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5f4877d7-bfc6-4d4e-af58-f8367e21574d/tempImageBeyJx6.jpg Blog - Time Flies - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/78a201f3-0a9b-4b02-b326-ef1e2de83a8c/tempImageUs9OnG.jpg Blog - Time Flies - Make it stand out At the beginning of the eighteenth century, to the inconvenience of both travelers and local people, there was no point at which the River Dulain could be crossed when it was flooding. Among other problems, burials at the Church of Duthil were often delayed. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b419b8a4-c3c1-455e-94f6-852ccdbbf5e2/tempImagemPRmbs.jpg Blog - Time Flies - Make it stand out Brigadier General Alexander Grant of Grant, Clan Chief, commissioned John Niccelsone, a mason from Ballindalloch, to build a bridge at Lynne of Dalrachney in 1717. Its parapets and side walls were badly damaged in the 18th century and again in the infamous flood of August 1829, giving the appearance it still has today. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/867a732e-9c6f-4c41-b91f-5b57b5fd7c42/tempImageNE4bmj.jpg Blog - Time Flies - Make it stand out That’s enough bridges for one day (huh, Jeff?). We’re off for four nights on the shores of Loch Ness! https://www.overthehillandacrossthepond.com/blog/time-flies monthly 0.5 2023-07-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5f7b395c-a18b-4b6d-8ce2-de03c41b69cb/tempImageUXstXo.jpg Blog - The Walled Garden - Make it stand out The nearby Gordon Castle Walled Garden provided our first diversion and, as you will see in the photos, provided a fuller understanding of the maxim “If you don’t like the weather, wait 5 minutes.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/518aabdc-c85e-408d-a0c8-9a53a5e83047/tempImageehuJsV.jpg Blog - The Walled Garden - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f46340e8-0dbf-444e-9980-06fd2694f64e/tempImageUq5k2T.jpg Blog - The Walled Garden - Make it stand out Wildflowers https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0cc624bc-26b6-4226-bc66-611705403904/IMG_5456.JPG Blog - The Walled Garden - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f1d3a1a5-7ab5-4b19-ab32-704626cb134d/IMG_5477.JPG Blog - The Walled Garden - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/291c1208-79e3-483f-8e9f-0f5e7d4cda34/IMG_5490.JPG Blog - The Walled Garden - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/344e95d1-bfdd-4c76-b44d-d2ff86990109/tempImagetsU5eh.jpg Blog - The Walled Garden - Make it stand out Warmth and abundant sunshine, torrential downpours, thunder, lightning—we had it all today! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9e4513b6-932c-4dd5-abd9-620b6d6cbbd2/tempImagekgdRbQ.jpg Blog - The Walled Garden - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b3d5935f-6df7-43d2-a8ab-143411ff1132/tempImageToO1aM.jpg Blog - The Walled Garden - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2c0b9f37-212a-416c-8a3d-b01954554e04/tempImageUvKeOx.jpg Blog - The Walled Garden - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/21f4f8f9-9d2b-4067-bcc0-f3f3ed4da05b/tempImageK50ExM.jpg Blog - The Walled Garden - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f37a012e-3bb3-40b6-a1b3-900ef15a414c/tempImageuwSbOC.jpg Blog - The Walled Garden - Make it stand out It was wonderful to see such a variety of bees. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c7458ecd-59d2-4e32-a88f-1dc09678ff10/tempImagelglt8Q.jpg Blog - The Walled Garden - Make it stand out Jeff captured this and the next one. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f53215bc-efa6-49a2-a604-700c36acdb5a/tempImageWT0OjW.jpg Blog - The Walled Garden - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/602142f3-2375-4fce-a3d3-8d956fe45273/IMG_5452.JPG Blog - The Walled Garden - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/08e57352-b6e3-4b41-8b1b-41fdb2e8eefe/tempImageFQpbAS.jpg Blog - The Walled Garden - Make it stand out White lavender is very unique, and there are only about a dozen white-flowered species. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1b912128-bf76-46da-9224-4e12b3f9cfa5/tempImageMH983h.jpg Blog - The Walled Garden - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/77995d01-2050-48fe-b3ad-db59d900b04a/tempImagejijOVj.jpg Blog - The Walled Garden - Make it stand out Silver Ghost thistle https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/509b294d-677e-447d-a83d-3d8f19864859/tempImagekDUbJT.jpg Blog - The Walled Garden - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/dc9b4b9e-833c-48d4-b204-ab9617bd93a2/tempImageveESZM.jpg Blog - The Walled Garden - Make it stand out Peonies https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1655a80c-204c-4eaf-bf5c-2991e4377e46/tempImagezihdJI.jpg Blog - The Walled Garden - Make it stand out Peonies https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/02515ace-3cc4-41fe-812e-0eedd87619ff/tempImageJYnSfI.jpg Blog - The Walled Garden - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/37a10715-c8dc-42bc-be84-875a2e2a06d4/tempImageO3DC6T.jpg Blog - The Walled Garden - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3166330f-3a03-4bba-b238-19d1c7cc0431/tempImageCqYmhx.jpg Blog - The Walled Garden - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5082a9e4-daf4-4b4a-a0ab-c649cf8496a6/tempImageAz7xts.jpg Blog - The Walled Garden - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/bfaaf5a7-9285-4901-b605-ffb20ec2f7b4/tempImagemPXi3K.jpg Blog - The Walled Garden - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3b1ccbbc-458b-485f-852b-2bb7bcb3a828/tempImageERfzsa.jpg Blog - The Walled Garden - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/cfdadbd6-9cd9-472c-9eb6-1df1a6f85110/tempImageSduR6u.jpg Blog - The Walled Garden - Make it stand out Blackberries https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/47572035-a5fc-4de5-ba37-3dab73344a3b/IMG_5478.JPG Blog - The Walled Garden - Make it stand out Fresh raspberries https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/71055d03-6aee-440b-8b14-fca86778dabb/tempImageskTDp0.jpg Blog - The Walled Garden - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7e0a8186-15d3-434e-b18b-7b6228eff926/tempImageaLiJA4.jpg Blog - The Walled Garden - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4d37c5ac-0c06-42c6-bb60-334ef9ab9c86/tempImage0BID26.jpg Blog - The Walled Garden - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e67bf038-556d-42c7-8d9f-733a5874660f/tempImagesUHlyi.jpg Blog - The Walled Garden - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a2a6f03b-df4c-4049-af64-28f0b3a021d1/tempImagejWwdAG.jpg Blog - The Walled Garden - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d08592b0-f80a-4b36-82a6-87d44cd0c3ee/tempImage0rypbU.jpg Blog - The Walled Garden - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5f4c885c-aae5-4ef2-89c4-f16a8b9dce3b/tempImagefX50wg.jpg Blog - The Walled Garden - Make it stand out Fragrant sweet peas https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4641362d-ce0c-4e2c-803e-442b6e231143/tempImagecH5Uku.jpg Blog - The Walled Garden - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/dd89054a-4ee0-4122-897c-1a0d740a7884/tempImageiEEq8u.jpg Blog - The Walled Garden - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/05e84530-41e4-4d3e-8787-68761370c7bd/tempImagevqwT7y.jpg Blog - The Walled Garden - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0a2ba754-8657-40ea-88c5-6a28ba9eaf98/tempImageKNvnie.jpg Blog - The Walled Garden - Make it stand out The Cafe sources as many ingredients for its foods from the Gordon garden as possible. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9496ba57-d3e9-486d-ae73-3232ec5dd60d/IMG_5518.JPG Blog - The Walled Garden - Make it stand out Sláinte! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7c5f6b14-1bf9-4d2c-b9e3-807216b4eff6/tempImageIXSEcq.jpg Blog - The Walled Garden - Make it stand out My jackfruit pie with mashed potatoes, peas, and gravy. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f0327c32-78dc-4025-b389-34d2865c0c1e/IMG_5519.JPG Blog - The Walled Garden - Make it stand out Madi’s chicken, ham, and leek pie with mashed potatoes, peas, and gravy. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/28c2d47d-5bc9-4b6f-b7db-e1659652f8f5/tempImageulqS1I.jpg Blog - The Walled Garden - Make it stand out Amanda’s hummus served with sourdough and salad; potato and leek soup. Jeff had a ham & cheese ciabatta. Everything was fresh and delicious! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ba24c771-27a1-4bcc-9e31-6c55a2ee750b/tempImage6uhjsF.jpg Blog - The Walled Garden - Make it stand out With its steep folded sides and rock arch, the formation resembles a fiddle or violin bow tip. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/059b87ab-9703-471d-a22c-d723e0e95bb1/tempImagemSi7H2.jpg Blog - The Walled Garden - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e9a324ec-4776-44f8-81d7-54c3f02e8f23/tempImage0KyYfx.jpg Blog - The Walled Garden - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/36015d86-fd0a-4f3d-8c0f-496e0deabb35/IMG_5539.JPG Blog - The Walled Garden - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7200df9b-4988-4bdd-a824-3fb799a5be62/IMG_5536.JPG Blog - The Walled Garden - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6c777da0-461e-4ee6-bc45-c2a1e44f9882/tempImageBRGQVI.jpg Blog - The Walled Garden - Make it stand out Amanda found this butterfly as we were leaving the beach. A Beautiful End to a Beautiful Day! https://www.overthehillandacrossthepond.com/blog/speyside monthly 0.5 2023-11-29 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/15977608-d979-47a8-a680-6543c66d5947/tempImageETyHEY.jpg Blog - Speyside - Make it stand out When we were close to our house, we passed the Speyside Cooperage Visitor Center, where these massive stacks of casks lie all across their facility. Zoom in on the map below—we’re the first property to the right of the pin. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/88680c22-3e78-4d41-87a9-802fd984e85e/tempImagecc2HgD.jpg Blog - Speyside - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/eedb9d13-e64e-495c-9536-6f638ade64b8/tempImagelgNYxU.jpg Blog - Speyside - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e938df0c-2b0d-4654-abe3-d28d52a8bfb6/tempImageCeRMpt.jpg Blog - Speyside - Make it stand out The house has a lovely garden. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/908836b1-e121-4fef-92a7-93111d8ffdca/tempImagez3EFbf.jpg Blog - Speyside - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/532e0882-c348-406f-9d1b-eecfa5037922/tempImage5BWRmb.jpg Blog - Speyside - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d3e525c7-6a50-4e2a-a3d6-d9d16576a562/tempImage5v27rw.jpg Blog - Speyside - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b7b18d23-2cbb-4520-ba5d-5bf59dbba541/tempImageTyexFE.jpg Blog - Speyside - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/89b6ef2f-ba31-4741-9b29-fc3eb1fdae1d/tempImagebCDOP5.jpg Blog - Speyside - Make it stand out This one is so unique. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6909e41b-5366-47f7-82f5-73372fa33a3c/Scotch+Whisky+Regions.jpg Blog - Speyside - Make it stand out Whisky requires barley, water, and yeast. Barley grows well in the relatively warm and dry Speyside region. Along with the magnificently clear River Spey and a nearby ocean port, Speyside is an ideal location for whisky production. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/28d284fc-985f-4203-800b-959e57111b08/tempImageo9ZtBW.jpg Blog - Speyside - Make it stand out We learned that the CH at the end of their name is correctly pronounced with the K sound. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/513b5c38-b6a3-47f9-b3b0-650804037222/tempImageWlYMLu.jpg Blog - Speyside - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a18a965d-55a2-4f25-9902-484079c96254/tempImageXq1Ts6.jpg Blog - Speyside - Make it stand out In the Glenfiddich tasting lounge I ordered the Peated Collection flight, Madi ordered the Flagship Collection flight, and Jeff ordered the Grand Series hoity-toity flight. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1799df29-78fe-4d35-aae4-013f43f4da7a/tempImageGOQ8xR.jpg Blog - Speyside - Make it stand out It’s not as much as it looks! The bottles are on the table behind each glass only so you can see what you’re tasting. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d7af2bae-7f3b-4b33-aefa-18b644d9c260/tempImagezQOZ0h.jpg Blog - Speyside - Make it stand out Jeff’s favorite: the 26 Year Grand Couronne. It comes in at a cool $600 for the 750ml bottle. I’ll take two please! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/62035e21-a4b5-4730-b596-e09b180795b3/tempImagesqDjx5.jpg Blog - Speyside - Make it stand out In Gaelic, Glenlivet is the glen (valley) through which the River Livet flows. Livet means either "smooth” + “place" or “full of water.” From those meanings, The Glenlivet has adopted the moto “The Smooth Flowing One.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e1794fc8-c3cc-4d33-a884-388c6ba3ae79/tempImagez8kvXh.jpg Blog - Speyside - Make it stand out In one of their many distillation rooms (The Glenlivet is Scotland’s largest producer of whisky). The three stills on the right are wash stills; they are larger and the necks are canted downward. The three stills on the left are spirt stills. The Glenlivet calls the still design “lantern” style. They are steep and narrow, designed to encourage the light and floral condensates to make it into the horizontal neck, while keeping the heavier, oiler condensates in the still. This helps achieves the flavor profile The Glenlivet desires. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a9f3e102-dd01-4e13-a876-d7b92c506fee/tempImageHSHxK9.jpg Blog - Speyside - Make it stand out This Dunnage style storage is now largely for show. These old school storage facilities are rather insufficient when you are producing enough spirit for over six million bottles a year! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3a754b3e-922e-40ca-ba09-3525145ff77c/tempImageeASsho.jpg Blog - Speyside - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5639f09f-cf09-477c-8549-881dbf3fd43d/tempImagelCyRCU.jpg Blog - Speyside - Make it stand out Into the tasting room. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7c62e61f-9913-4f48-85f8-2052a5f766b6/tempImageWvYsC3.jpg Blog - Speyside - Make it stand out We started with the 12 year (their most popular whisky and what you can find in any Costco). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/54f70618-6cee-4fd9-83ae-6247e253bd58/tempImage8XCHph.jpg Blog - Speyside - Make it stand out We moved onto the 15 year and then the 13 year. The 13 year was matured in first-fill American oak and then first-fill European oak. The result is an amazingly smooth and flavorful whisky. It’s sold exclusively at the distillery (and, yes, we brought back a bottle). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9403707d-0a3d-4f72-9dde-b05bfc1306a3/tempImageV8V2RZ.jpg Blog - Speyside - Make it stand out If you’ve picked up on the emphasis on The Glenlivet, you’re perceptive. While still operating illicitly, founder George Smith produced a whisky that became highly sought after. Others seeking to capitalize on Smith’s success also called their whisky “Glenlivet.” After all, Glenlivet is simply a region. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4d81781e-54cc-4ba2-97ac-a48ec6ac14d0/tempImageDTVSPQ.jpg Blog - Speyside - Make it stand out Glenlivet eventually became a legal distillery and sought relief through the courts, fighting for propriety use of the name Glenlivet. To avoid a protracted legal battle, the company settled for the exclude use of the title “The Glenlivet.” The issue has eventually become moot, but the THE remains an intrinsic part of the brand. As you read on, you’ll see other distilleries have similarly adopted The as a formal part of the brand. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4fda0bc2-90c0-4078-abe3-1250e9d31163/tempImageholYkx.jpg Blog - Speyside - Make it stand out Blairfindy Castle, on the Glenlivet estate, was a fortified family home built in the 1500s. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a974b0ac-9192-493e-b2df-c36b0deda8e3/tempImageqFKddu.jpg Blog - Speyside - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9a519e25-a1f0-4446-8412-1aa56bc6b976/tempImageVysaaq.jpg Blog - Speyside - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/658cbf91-d62a-4f12-ab83-c022677df57b/tempImagehGJdHN.jpg Blog - Speyside - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/12344f38-4331-44ce-b19f-4a353d143e0c/tempImage454lZZ.jpg Blog - Speyside - Make it stand out Funny story: We randomly stopped in a whisky shop back when we were walking around Dunkeld on Tuesday, and the shopkeeper recommended The GlenAllachie. Jeff tasted her recommendation and enjoyed it. As it so happened, we passed their distillery on the drive into the area on Wednesday. With time on our hands after visiting The Glenlivet on Thursday, we made the spontaneous decision to also visit The GlenAllachie distillery. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/dbc1cd2d-7d4a-4d15-acd7-cb59ac04a0fd/tempImageP1LuI1.jpg Blog - Speyside - Make it stand out We had only been there for a short while when the woman running the tasting room introduced us to the owner of The GlenAllachie. Being relative novices in the world of Scotch Whisky, we hardly recognized the name Billy Walker. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/304ceb87-dd0e-419a-bf7e-cbc88ecfcd71/Hall-of-Fame-Billy-Walker.jpg Blog - Speyside - Make it stand out Billy purchased The GlenAllachie distillery, as well as MacNair’s Blended Malt and White Heather Blended Scotch Whisky brands. And so The GlenAllachie Distillers Company was formed—one of the few remaining independent and 100% Scottish owned and managed Scotch whisky firms. Billy carried over to The GlenAllachie the double capital letter motif used at BenRiach and GlenDronach. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/047c4013-d3db-4770-98c1-1673198d48a5/tempImagerbY2N2.jpg Blog - Speyside - Make it stand out In February 2020, after over 50 years in the industry, Billy was inducted into Whisky Magazine’s prestigious Hall of Fame. Inspired by the 100 greatest whisky figures in history, the Hall of Fame is a permanent tribute to individuals who have made a lasting contribution to the world of whisky. It was pure good fortune that we ended up meeting a legend. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/427468c8-d337-439a-b2a9-f1f544d4f758/tempImage5jYwVl.jpg Blog - Speyside - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/bad4b3b9-7938-4367-acab-bfa1a43999e1/tempImagen296x8.jpg Blog - Speyside - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3baef8a0-e402-4ff7-9d81-9db8d8413111/tempImagebujj7f.jpg Blog - Speyside - Make it stand out A favorite and available in the States. We bought a bottle of the 13-year-old, which can only be purchased at the distillery. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4a146e96-b7a8-4bcf-b029-1896732f2c9e/tempImageca44P1.jpg Blog - Speyside - Make it stand out We went to dinner that night (which was awful, but we’ll spare you the details). In any event, we parked and Amanda stepped out of the car and spotted a dime sitting right there. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9abbc8d6-b658-4fa9-9156-10d9b72ab752/tempImagex8A5KG.jpg Blog - Speyside - Make it stand out Day Four. Dime Three. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8f4039b8-5386-48f2-8ff7-b95e8105386e/tempImageUsoCxN.jpg Blog - Speyside - Make it stand out The Macallan tasting room is housed in a state of the art, architectural masterpiece. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/93b889f3-33b4-40d1-a3f0-737ecf0ed08f/tempImagepP2NZd.jpg Blog - Speyside - Make it stand out The building blends into and mirrors the local landscape, including local peaks. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/750f76d9-150e-421f-b182-72a4991f4f8e/tempImageohZko1.jpg Blog - Speyside - Make it stand out The approach to the tasting room boasts a colorful array of beautiful local flora. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e656fca5-bbe8-4bfb-9f29-ac19659275c3/tempImagezpcsmW.jpg Blog - Speyside - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d82dd004-f91c-47db-8bcf-5d6e0ae704b8/tempImageE2Ynjb.jpg Blog - Speyside - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b7ff9ca8-cf84-4b68-a1bc-f9cb839d5fda/tempImageMVuQJ8.jpg Blog - Speyside - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/acfa866e-7ca0-4fb6-98ed-a1163229cd01/tempImageJuJKav.jpg Blog - Speyside - Make it stand out In a very clever marketing scheme, The Macallan has been James Bond’s whisky of choice in recent movies. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3ade47ad-fdf8-4e61-9bd4-64ad57a84c62/tempImageYzdwv1.jpg Blog - Speyside - Make it stand out The Monarch of the Glen is a famous Scottish painting housed in the National Galleries of Scotland in Edinburgh. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ded1f648-c9bb-42ba-9b60-c189317eeddf/tempImageor8R21.jpg Blog - Speyside - Make it stand out The Skyfall stag is a mirror of the famous Monarch. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6ae61e15-c1d9-40e9-82fe-00b95ccee283/tempImageY91zgm.jpg Blog - Speyside - Make it stand out Our The Story of Oak whisky tasting was set in the upstairs The Macallan Bar. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e2ea847f-2778-4ac5-b385-d88dfc266806/tempImageY2gRA4.jpg Blog - Speyside - Make it stand out We started with the triple cask 18 year old, followed by the double cask 18 year old, and finished with the sherry oak cask 18 year old. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d3a93ef2-47fa-48fd-871c-24102aa93e61/tempImagePSa4Vl.jpg Blog - Speyside - Make it stand out Our all-around favorite was the double cask 18 year old, and at roughly $400 a bottle, everyone should own a bottle. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/64f4e964-d745-4b07-91b0-36d88049d9d1/tempImageVTFXHJ.jpg Blog - Speyside - Make it stand out We conducted our own informal taste comparison to see if the double cask 15 year old (right) might be just as good as the double cask 18 year old (left), with a far more approachable price tag. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/605be726-9b03-4911-aed8-6b1156d98825/tempImageuJapWK.jpg Blog - Speyside - Make it stand out Sadly, the 18 year old (left) was appreciably better than the 15 year old in every way—not to say the 15 year old is bad, it’s just not the 18 year old! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1972fda9-8c82-4f06-8ccf-3e1999d316b9/tempImageBNUZx6.jpg Blog - Speyside - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d3543857-9702-4caf-aefd-36ba0194dc5e/tempImageRagv8Z.jpg Blog - Speyside - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7475d903-3bca-49af-90fa-5555b1281bca/tempImage9XlRG5.jpg Blog - Speyside - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f14cbd52-3df1-44d3-91a1-d9d581e4d830/tempImageGy8jqa.jpg Blog - Speyside - Make it stand out On the Macallan Estate lies Easter Elchies House. Built in 1700 from locally quarried sandstone for Captain John Grant of Elchies as his holiday home, the house graces the hillside above the picturesque River Spey, famous for its salmon fishing beat. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/90d8c022-9f4d-4450-8701-ab78bac54ad9/tempImagehTqIfo.jpg Blog - Speyside - Make it stand out The Easter Elchies house is now a sort of spiritual home for The Macallan. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9d72bf03-c316-432c-b592-9ee9e177976a/Macallan_Logo_www.themacallan.com_.jpeg Blog - Speyside - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/cc3afe14-948c-4686-b633-e582c6b92a4a/tempImagebbxIUn.jpg Blog - Speyside - Make it stand out The image of this beautiful Jacobean house now adorns every The Macallan product. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5a59d977-dde6-4a93-953d-1d41d6d97026/tempImage32dBe6.jpg Blog - Speyside - Make it stand out The River Spey can be wild, with strong currents and flash floods. For many centuries, ferries were the main way of getting across—fine when the river was low but potentially very dangerous when the Spey was a raging torrent. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d1c7d00a-5714-4f66-9978-c9bfe5b2485d/tempImageAOmehw.jpg Blog - Speyside - Make it stand out Craigellachie Bridge changed all that. Built in 1814 by Thomas Telford, it created a safe new crossing midway along the Spey, and its success was due to its revolutionary design using much lighter cast ironwork instead traditional stone masonry. It was fitting to end our day exploring the Speyside region, standing over the mighty River Spey. https://www.overthehillandacrossthepond.com/blog/perthshire monthly 0.5 2023-11-29 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ff36a374-7144-4681-8fa6-69296c597306/IMG_0850.jpg Blog - Perthshire - Make it stand out Shortly after departure, Jeff and Madi climbing through 8,800 feet directly over the Golden Gate Bridge. After a partial night’s sleep, we packed up our apartment and headed for Edinburgh. Along the way we stopped to see the Kelpies. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c281828e-f102-47a9-a8f2-d0b303655ad7/tempImageOZQVwI.jpg Blog - Perthshire - Make it stand out The kelpie twins live in Falkirk, Scotland, between Stirling and Edinburgh. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8b958893-bb61-4791-80ee-ecd4d8f9a0ef/tempImageQ6rBLI.jpg Blog - Perthshire - Make it stand out Each kelpie towers 100 feet above the surface. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5f1f904f-09ce-4cb5-b385-bb620a5921d0/tempImage1g5V6c.jpg Blog - Perthshire - Make it stand out A kelpie is a shape-changing aquatic spirit of Scottish legend that you can read more about here. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/916084c8-3c80-4841-bfcb-c8c61ef07424/tempImagerM6BbX.jpg Blog - Perthshire - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d9508f18-6f3f-410f-9135-a488fe639336/tempImage8JixTc.jpg Blog - Perthshire - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9f8fbfd6-0342-4e6a-aa24-609c8c80f184/tempImagehOY1BQ.jpg Blog - Perthshire - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0471642d-7567-4299-8a21-8f9943ee574a/tempImageBXLqwz.jpg Blog - Perthshire - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9975b167-1977-4590-956e-2033452754be/tempImagejjhGaa.jpg Blog - Perthshire - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3bc5f3e0-4447-4ecb-869a-992dc06a0192/eht0m1qg8dk21.jpg Blog - Perthshire - Make it stand out NOT! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/27a8ce78-f406-4c7d-9c5f-4b5ae3f02f36/tempImageT4ODwk.jpg Blog - Perthshire - Make it stand out They nailed the hollandaise sauce again—So Good! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/94dd3f05-9a29-4e1b-84ac-e3207273036e/tempImageFMU421.jpg Blog - Perthshire - Make it stand out Jeff and Madi landed in Dublin around 11:30 am our time. Their second flight then landed at Edinburgh Airport around 3:30 pm and we were thrilled to see them again! After they picked up their rental car, we drove north about an hour and had dinner at Pizza Express in Perth. We then walked back to the car park and… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/43f721b7-145e-4d16-a947-bff20df0cf0b/tempImageE6vgb1.jpg Blog - Perthshire - Make it stand out There it was…of course!! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ff795af1-d881-490f-b8c0-f473b827aaf6/tempImageMbtiIu.jpg Blog - Perthshire - Make it stand out Wild! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2b17b32e-50df-45a9-8a0d-df18980a0330/tempImageX4Lis0.jpg Blog - Perthshire - Make it stand out The stone bridge spanning the narrow gorge just below Black Linn Falls was built by the 3rd Duke of Atholl in 1774, partly to give access to a viewing station across the river and partly as a pleasing addition to the scene. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/cc4abd10-edf9-4d61-a38d-fc8d08c171f8/tempImageSWomp5.jpg Blog - Perthshire - Make it stand out The footbridge of the River Braan gorge. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0b4f5d65-75ab-4d34-8c9b-028ce09ab9b2/tempImageSuSYnJ.jpg Blog - Perthshire - Make it stand out Black Linn Falls from the footbridge. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f211d0f7-5173-4b43-85a4-849ae73b11a6/tempImages57xi3.jpg Blog - Perthshire - Make it stand out The original entrance had a gate controlling access to the Hermitage. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0ca33763-66d4-4258-a045-61b337330bca/tempImageqKTTJm.jpg Blog - Perthshire - Make it stand out The gateway https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/126b75f9-32a3-4363-a13a-189d1dbfe763/tempImagexUKSkM.jpg Blog - Perthshire - Make it stand out The previous building here was a summerhouse built in 1757 as a retreat from the pressures of daily life—a “hermitage,” which gave the place its name. Ossian’s Hall was built in 1782–3 to replace the summerhouse. The exterior was transformed to look like a small circular temple, while inside a luxurious drawing room was decorated with plasterwork, paintings, and mirrors. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b01cab24-f3c5-453a-aa51-5d3174879ad3/tempImageL5PuOM.jpg Blog - Perthshire - Make it stand out At the far end of Ossian’s Hall is a balcony overlooking the roaring Black Linn Falls. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e621af6f-3ea0-434a-9220-48dee05b5e86/tempImagegViOVv.jpg Blog - Perthshire - Make it stand out Black Linn Falls https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/44d0eeb3-9ebc-42af-aa95-4c80a986908f/tempImageEyQ4EK.jpg Blog - Perthshire - Make it stand out Ossian’s Cave was created as a more “suitable” bothy for a hermit. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3eae49d3-cd49-4625-9d69-b0cedbfd5e45/tempImageb6CmWv.jpg Blog - Perthshire - Make it stand out Hey! There’s the hermit now! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e131dd54-5522-4239-bdf2-b51096995e11/tempImageteHvYK.jpg Blog - Perthshire - Make it stand out The hamlet of Little Dunkeld is next to Birnam and Birnam’s twin town of Dunkeld sits across the River Tay. Check out our place called the Towerview Apartment: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gIDPSYZKj7U https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8373fdb6-b62e-4065-a2d8-32fb13978b56/tempImageRbzQGa.jpg Blog - Perthshire - Make it stand out For two small towns, Birnam and Dunkeld pack quite a punch. First, the Inchewan Burn running in between Birnam and Little Dunkeld is said to separate the Gaelic speaking Highlands from the Lowland Scots. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5b6ef6b5-b089-4d4d-9199-3d3e7e40fec2/tempImageHJmbQh.jpg Blog - Perthshire - Make it stand out The area also inspired Beatrix Potter, who spent her childhood holidays here. She is celebrated in the Birnam Institute’s Beatrix Potter Exhibition & Garden. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/86c12f16-2b86-4c47-9422-943fe6082004/tempImagevvqDtv.jpg Blog - Perthshire - Make it stand out Last but not least, Birnam is well known for featuring in Shakespeare’s Macbeth. This ancient Birnam Oak stands as the sole survivor of an attack by Malcolm III on Macbeth. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/298b9146-2a90-44ae-ba1c-35310b4a1c90/tempImageLhhlMR.jpg Blog - Perthshire - Make it stand out Although this tree looks as if it has been here since the 11th century, the period in which Macbeth was set, it's unlikely to be quite that old. Still, it is one of the last trees of Birnam Wood, which played a crucial role in Shakespeare's play. Macbeth, a general in the king of Scotland's army, murders his way to the throne, believing that he is safe from defeat because of a prophecy made by three witches: https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5132a62b-3f7a-4ee1-8ebe-4d47fbef1d59/tempImage5adU9P.jpg Blog - Perthshire - Make it stand out Another ancient tree. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/abf0ec35-372c-431e-b4ec-9c28ddb04def/tempImagenqQctA.jpg Blog - Perthshire - Make it stand out Inside the ancient forest. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e5c1a9a8-f448-416c-b996-2c3b9f7fac04/tempImageocbu6C.jpg Blog - Perthshire - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/40719f66-fda7-4112-8e41-c2e44423092b/tempImageYZDl7U.jpg Blog - Perthshire - Make it stand out The seven-arched Dunkeld Bridge connects Birnam on the south (right) to Dunkeld on the north (left) of the River Tay. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/05ee8f81-9ae9-4a22-a91c-9ef80d803449/tempImageaeroFF.jpg Blog - Perthshire - Make it stand out A jail was incorporated into the northern base of the bridge. It was only used, of course, as a short term holding cell. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/354ebda9-9b09-424b-aa14-993c3e874abd/tempImageZqsSBi.jpg Blog - Perthshire - Make it stand out Walking over the bridge into Dunkeld. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7da640b6-65f8-4f8e-a1e8-eab2614e15cb/tempImageeFa9Ca.jpg Blog - Perthshire - Make it stand out In Dunkeld, just outside the Atholl Arms Hotel, we were surprised to learn our son owned a furniture shop. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1c191e14-5ba2-4e0a-b634-199fa02e634d/tempImageLsQilN.jpg Blog - Perthshire - Make it stand out We had lunch at the hotel’s riverside garden terrace pavilion. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1b6f8de2-3f98-4e1a-85e8-9763943811f9/tempImageWhB1A8.jpg Blog - Perthshire - Make it stand out After lunch we stopped by Dunkeld Cathedral on the picturesque banks of the River Tay (the bell tower is just visible through the trees). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3f72f525-6041-471c-ad38-21c80d905d24/tempImagewpSVKI.jpg Blog - Perthshire - Make it stand out Just outside the cathedral. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7b77e62c-8bc6-4902-b0de-ee99e4f4f9e6/IMG_5318.JPG Blog - Perthshire - Make it stand out Watch Jeff and Madi take the plunge: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bxKWboNCfFw https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2b89532b-4585-4f41-9031-ec07518421d1/IMG_5324.JPG Blog - Perthshire - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9edbdc00-324d-418d-8e2c-bdcde1e54851/IMG_5328.JPG Blog - Perthshire - Make it stand out May the peaceful tranquility of this image be adequate compensation for the video. ✌️ https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/03f4df48-58bd-434b-93f8-9f11f42cc999/tempImageshQghN.jpg Blog - Perthshire - Make it stand out Day Two. Dime Two. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/52862355-1cc7-47ea-a662-888931863de9/tempImageMGAnIx.jpg Blog - Perthshire - Make it stand out Amanda brought a bouquet of wildflowers back for the apartment. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/65e7b598-60a5-46e4-8054-7722adc80527/tempImagenupUPW.jpg Blog - Perthshire - Make it stand out And some lavender. https://www.overthehillandacrossthepond.com/blog/stirling monthly 0.5 2023-11-29 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4af0b59c-4d9b-4438-b42e-f0bc4195cca0/tempImageYRxeec.jpg Blog - Stirling - Make it stand out Doune Castle was originally built in 1390. It stands in as Outlander’s fictional 18th century Castle Leoch, home to Chieftain Colum MacKenzie and his clan. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d0fac74d-78db-4793-a6ef-319fd1a3c5f9/Exterior.jpg Blog - Stirling - Make it stand out Doune Castle as Outlander’s Loch Leoch set in 1743 (notice the lack of CGI to “fix” the damaged roof; compare with below). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/af1492c0-16b8-4f54-b127-2eaad5940af6/Exterior+2.jpg Blog - Stirling - Make it stand out Another view Doune Castle as Outlander’s Loch Leach set in 1743. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/33b2799d-e737-4d62-bb0c-50d75d364389/1556227_628384403887439_1615214798_o.jpg Blog - Stirling - Make it stand out Claire and Frank visit the "picturesque ruin" in 1945. Soon after Claire mysteriously travels back in time to 1743 and is taken to the same castle by Jamie and his clan. In these shots, they had to add 200 years of CGI neglect (not shown above) to give the castle an aged appearance. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2aa5ebe2-17ac-4091-afd0-3e02ebb4d321/Shinty.jpg Blog - Stirling - Make it stand out The delightfully rough shinty game between Dougal, Jamie, and more of the clan during “The Gathering”—filmed right in front of Doune Castle. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2abc0df2-03cc-439a-a866-c522b788a9ec/tempImage9jJSVu.jpg Blog - Stirling - Make it stand out Standing where the shinty game was played. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2b8458a2-4bed-456c-929a-343a619510ec/150529-news-outlander.jpg Blog - Stirling - Make it stand out The inner courtyard all dressed up as Loch Leach. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a73dcb56-77b2-4309-bc43-f283fe397151/Interior+1.jpg Blog - Stirling - Make it stand out The stairs in the background are the same ones Amanda is standing on in the photo below. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ae0f11af-caee-428c-b355-a8896ad2c586/tempImageLMxApV.jpg Blog - Stirling - Make it stand out Stairway up from the inner courtyard. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/cdbaf667-b1ca-4d6a-9957-f49b31cac960/tempImage8PXRrE.jpg Blog - Stirling - Make it stand out This was the amazing kitchen at Doune Castle and quite possibly the largest fireplace we’ve ever seen. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/82739b36-e79d-4b45-a96c-b91ff69bb4ae/tempImageAN6hDt.jpg Blog - Stirling - Make it stand out Looking from the kitchen to the food service windows. Because the castle is so old, they were unable to use this kitchen for filming. They wanted the authentic feel, however, so they created a full-scale version of this kitchen in a studio and used that for filming of Mrs Fitz’s kitchen in Outlander. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/bc19e711-ad2c-4da4-a6c8-69d416772a73/tempImagenBo1lN.jpg Blog - Stirling - Make it stand out My how people have become taller over the centuries. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2f4d889b-bddf-4bc8-8502-2e1ba67bb365/tempImageSKWI9V.jpg Blog - Stirling - Make it stand out The Banqueting Hall. The small room on the left is a privy for the laird of the castle so they didn’t have to leave the hall when nature called. Some poor sod then had to empty the privy later. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e53cb2d2-87f5-417e-a136-5f31a2aae8d1/tempImagecHyvYR.jpg Blog - Stirling - Make it stand out In this room, the Duke of Albany conducted business, administered justice, and received his most honored guests. Albany would have governed from a chair of state, framed by hangings bearing his coat of arms. His unusual double fireplace perhaps allowed him to choose between one fire or two. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2618217a-07d7-4a67-8c67-84b3f68dbf35/tempImagemwN7gG.jpg Blog - Stirling - Make it stand out Medieval lords like Albany oversaw local justice. People were brought before the duke, evidence was presented, and sentence passed. The guilty could be lowered through this trapdoor into the pit prison below. (Possibly the inspiration for Jabba the Hut’s lair in Return of the Jedi? You decide.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f4549e71-38d5-42d0-8148-4d70eca2ff69/tempImage3pCtzo.jpg Blog - Stirling - Make it stand out Long before Outlander filmed at Doune Castle, way back in 1973-4, another famous film was made, right here behind this now crumbling parapet. I’ll give you a hint: “I fart in your general direction.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8effab9a-7ba8-4342-a99f-5265dec36f03/Screenshot+2023-07-07+at+9.06.19+PM.png Blog - Stirling - Make it stand out Yes, Monty Python and the Holy Grail. In fact, during filming breaks at Castle Doune, the cast and crew from Outlander would recite lines from Holy Grail. By the way, did you know that Holy Grail was partially financed by Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, and Jethro Tull’s Ian Anderson? Crazy! “Now, go away, or I shall taunt you a second time.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1f85bfcc-51c0-491d-bd83-60f458caea28/tempImage55G7y7.jpg Blog - Stirling - Make it stand out Of course Amanda’s pastime of choice was to explore the many charity shops on offer in a new city. I chose a more practical option: HBW Coffee. Order up for a mocha and a thick slice of toasted sourdough bread with avocado and pan-fried mushrooms, topped with pomegranate seeds. Yummy! Now let’s update that blog! We checked in at 3 pm on the dot. You would think we were settling into the Taj Mahal we were so giddy! Oh! A super-king bed! Oh! A washing machine! Oh! A refrigerator! Check out our palatial mansion: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BPu6PfN36NU https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7aa5aca4-ef6f-40f3-82f8-97613331566b/tempImageXbi825.jpg Blog - Stirling - Make it stand out For dinner we literally walked across the street and into Green Gates Indian Restaurant. We started with samosas, of course. Toward the top, Amanda had chana aloo masala and I had aloo gobi mutter. We were lucky to have such a great restaurant so close to our place. So happy to be in Stirling! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/aae626a8-f07f-44ff-bcbe-194bb44ca4a9/tempImageZMrC7F.jpg Blog - Stirling - Make it stand out On our walk to the castle we passed this building. Made me think of all my years in Scouting, and Erica’s recent years with the organization. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/63c2637a-825d-4746-bd64-08ddd98c3c63/Screenshot+2023-07-08+at+1.25.16+PM.png Blog - Stirling - Make it stand out It must be other-worldly to witness Scotland in Autumn. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d2931add-f31d-4e80-923c-e8b6d97f89f6/tempImageDygYQG.jpg Blog - Stirling - Make it stand out King Robert the Bruce (1314) stands guard outside the castle gates. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e52852e2-29e0-41ec-aefc-7f8d243a6e79/tempImager7h4mi.jpg Blog - Stirling - Make it stand out The Outer Defenses https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/caf67157-0b7d-4b5f-9be0-08c996126aed/tempImageXVHZmm.jpg Blog - Stirling - Make it stand out The Forework https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3f2e2831-ea77-4e7f-b7eb-cd1c28b483b9/tempImageWfdzny.jpg Blog - Stirling - Make it stand out Looking down a canon with the Wallace Monument faintly visible on top the green hill in the distance. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f76a8d64-b3ec-4dfc-ab1c-742b073dd835/tempImageTY0BGr.jpg Blog - Stirling - Make it stand out Standing in the Outer Close looking at the Palace (left) and Great Hall (right). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/eda29cfd-e02c-4d30-97ed-d01b87e1ce45/120573383_3373645709392006_1598434260709277139_n.jpg Blog - Stirling - Make it stand out Source: The Scottish Banner https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d79f163a-f8b9-4110-88cb-b8a6b11db3e9/ezgif.com-webp-to-jpg.jpg Blog - Stirling - Make it stand out The Great Hall, completed in 1503 for James IV, was a royal hall—a place for ceremony and dance, for grand banquets and an impressive space for music and entertainment. The hammer-beam roof was painstakingly recreated by traditional methods in 1997, requiring the timber of 350 Strathyre oak trees, pinned together with 4,000 handmade pegs. The minstrel gallery in at the back of the hall. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2cbb52c8-5823-4eff-8f2a-dfa94a3c5f5b/tempImagex1ZeX3.jpg Blog - Stirling - Make it stand out The sound of trumpets from this loft would have announced the arrival of the monarch. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9e21f95a-ebb0-4a84-a0d8-18da10b1870a/tempImageUcqfhK.jpg Blog - Stirling - Make it stand out From their dais, King Stephen and Queen Amanda preside over the festivities. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7f827b07-8184-481e-8018-9c755714b6f6/tempImage8YqFIT.jpg Blog - Stirling - Make it stand out This Chapel Royal was built in 1594 as the setting for the baptism of Prince Henry (named after Henry VIII), first-born son of King James VI and Anne of Denmark. It took just six months to construct and was lavishly decorated with pictures, tapestries, sculptures, and a golden ceiling. In its center stood the font. James was in line to succeed the childless Queen Elizabeth I of England. His son's baptism was stage-managed to proclaim the Stuart dynasty worthy of both countries' thrones. Sadly, Prince Henry died from typhoid fever at the age of 18 in London in 1612. His death was widely regarded as a tragedy for the nation, and few heirs to the English throne have been as widely and deeply mourned. His younger brother would go on to become Charles I, succeeded as the second Stuart King of Great Britain, in 1625. Charles I would prove to be an ineffectual king who’s rein led to the English Civil War, his own trial and execution, and the establishment of the Commonwealth of England under Oliver Cromwell. If only Henry had become king and not Charles I. If only Arthur had become king and not Henry VIII. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/156517b5-c1af-4c1e-a326-3ee85df6b684/tempImage5TaMdM.jpg Blog - Stirling - Make it stand out On the left dormer: A Tudor Rose over a Scottish Thistle. On the right dormer, a Scottish Thistle over a Tudor Rose. All signaling King James V (Mary Queen of Scots’ father) as the legitimate ruler of England after his Father (King James IV of Scotland) married Margaret Tudor (sister of Henry VIII). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3f38316f-eea2-449e-b362-1d61e9bd7c76/tempImageAraxC6.jpg Blog - Stirling - Make it stand out Inside the Palace of James V and the rich world of Scotland’s royalty in the 1500s, and childhood home of Mary, Queen of Scots. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4c30cfc7-acf0-4dd6-a1a8-274942ad327f/tempImageMb3A3R.jpg Blog - Stirling - Make it stand out The Queen’s Inner Hall: Queen Mary of Guise, mother of Mary, Queen of Scots. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/00d889fe-b9bb-4c6f-adcb-7cdb6b60b912/tempImagerBxpXK.jpg Blog - Stirling - Make it stand out Queen Mary of Guise’s bedchamber https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/34f45020-aa23-44fc-af4b-33d1da08d201/tempImageivhElu.jpg Blog - Stirling - Make it stand out The King James’s bedchamber. Notice the bed is only a frame. This is because James began work on the Palace in 1538, but it was probably completed after his death in 1542 (age 31). As such, the bedchamber is symbolically left largely unfurnished. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5ddad90d-a542-423d-92dd-0edcd57d1b79/tempImageFj4cTw.jpg Blog - Stirling - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c290f747-335a-4a89-8a51-53d51f5623d6/tempImageX8G66p.jpg Blog - Stirling - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c1d07ecc-55dd-46ec-8845-77ed896da6dd/tempImagecJzt2Q.jpg Blog - Stirling - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5087609d-d2be-4307-97e2-90fdc7b27d97/tempImagek1ulwC.jpg Blog - Stirling - Make it stand out The William Wallace Monument as seen atop the small green hill in the distance, on the other side of River Forth from Stirling Castle. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e16806ee-e9c8-45b8-9831-58daf86dc241/tempImager6G4pT.jpg Blog - Stirling - Make it stand out The National Wallace Monument sits atop Abbey Crag, which gets its name from an abbey that once stood below the rugged cliff. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ef4f6619-dec7-4f2e-a58b-0a139f68bb7a/tempImageswL8dL.jpg Blog - Stirling - Make it stand out Queen Anne’s Garden Mary Queen of Scots’ second husband was Henry Stuart, Lord Darnley. They had James VI (of the King James Bible). James VI married Anne of Denmark—for which the garden is named. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d19f9e26-3932-4d61-99f3-ef9f52d6e7de/tempImageY10QVD.jpg Blog - Stirling - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/35aa0fe8-645f-44d4-af99-eb1f0d0e3618/tempImageE1Yb00.jpg Blog - Stirling - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/393362bb-f99c-48bb-a4f7-10e2d28f2fa8/tempImageIKS144.jpg Blog - Stirling - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a18d8431-6d24-4030-882d-324933c49599/tempImageBAXypg.jpg Blog - Stirling - Make it stand out A very Scottish wedding—notice the wee rain drops. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/79a93be8-8b05-4892-836d-a436965863ff/tempImageFBFMFM.jpg Blog - Stirling - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3fd8aae9-9ccd-436f-8470-09aa7c5015e7/tempImageTbqChj.jpg Blog - Stirling - Make it stand out Today we made the 2 mile walk from our flat to the National Wallace Monument. Along the way we passed the Bridge Clock Tower. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8e770936-a848-4393-be9b-0a170d146200/tempImage9RDx7a.jpg Blog - Stirling - Make it stand out The Stirling Old Bridge was built in the 1400s or 1500s, replacing a succession of timber bridges. (The Wallace Monument is just visible above the far end of the bridge.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6933eef8-e038-465f-af5d-e4714ca7b302/tempImageNincHE.jpg Blog - Stirling - Make it stand out Undoubtedly the best-known of the wooden bridges was one that stood nearby in the 1290s, when Sir William Wallace and Sir Andrew Moray defeated Edward I’s forces at the Battle of Stirling Bridge in 1297. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/cf067869-37b7-40e7-8298-62b7983f57f0/tempImage5p2KtH.jpg Blog - Stirling - Make it stand out Crossing the River Forth. The River Forth runs into the Firth of Forth near Edinburgh. Forth roughly translate as “slow running.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b5da28aa-0e88-4587-afd3-b813c6a8091e/tempImageKnPu5B.jpg Blog - Stirling - Make it stand out On the bridge with Stirling Castle on the hilltop. The bridge also played a part in the Jacobite Rising of 1745, when an arch was removed to forestall Bonnie Prince Charlie’s forces as they marched south. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f7d4813f-85ca-4e2d-a747-98df3d463be8/tempImageI81nAm.jpg Blog - Stirling - Make it stand out Over the River Forth with the Wallace Monument in the background. The bridge today remains one of the best medieval masonry arch bridges in Scotland. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0b72e6eb-83e4-4c33-bb90-ab7c1e540d32/tempImageLRX4Sz.jpg Blog - Stirling - Make it stand out The Scottish bakery I never knew I owned. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/75cd4471-e7c5-4cfb-9237-991d75f2458e/tempImage4cGC3q.jpg Blog - Stirling - Make it stand out Very cool pub. Check out the massive broad sword above the door. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/669d1ddf-69c7-4a12-822b-43cb51ae502a/tempImageSj0Ofv.jpg Blog - Stirling - Make it stand out The dates are when Wallace was born and died. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b1a72202-a405-41d2-a998-585fbacd094f/tempImage5VpCVy.jpg Blog - Stirling - Make it stand out Sir Wipealot https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/922f0c9b-0cec-409d-b1f3-3ffc6198542e/tempImageA1n1qs.jpg Blog - Stirling - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d68c2866-f812-48db-bbc0-e8dd76d1e2ca/tempImageO05aWE.jpg Blog - Stirling - Make it stand out The Monument was opened to visitors in 1869 and stands 220-feet tall. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/914dc176-3512-4095-a560-b2e78de5ccce/tempImagepeBwUy.jpg Blog - Stirling - Make it stand out A commanding figure of Wallace adorns the outside, overlooking the site of the 1297 Battle of Stirling Bridge. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/44563cad-39c5-4d7d-889d-ef226ecef39e/tempImageCg7mon.jpg Blog - Stirling - Make it stand out One of Wallace’s warriors took us back 726 years to the Battle of Stirling Bridge and the events that led to Wallace’s rise to fame. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5060a2ed-0340-4e03-a159-46f47c22ebd9/tempImageHTE1vj.jpg Blog - Stirling - Make it stand out Since the earliest times Stirling has been strategically important as a crossing point over the River Forth, and as the main route north and south through Scotland. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/51a76536-2120-4f97-a6a1-abf2455ca211/tempImagergDv7S.jpg Blog - Stirling - Make it stand out In 1297 a wooden bridge spanned the river and led onto a causeway which provided a safe passage over the surrounding boggy ground. Whoever controlled this crossing controlled the realm. (You can see the causeway at the right. The bridge was between the causeway and the castle.) Wallace and de Moray took full advantage of the landscape at the Battle of Stirling Bridge. Positioning themselves here, on the Abbey Craig, they had the perfect vantage point over the river to watch the English army's movements By all accounts the medieval Stirling Bridge was narrow with little room to maneuver. Wallace and de Moray knew that it led to an area of boggy land unsuited to the heavy cavalry of the English. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/09b36d06-683a-43b0-996d-168b59003ee6/tempImageWanNXT.jpg Blog - Stirling - Make it stand out Perhaps even more significantly, they could also see that the land here was surrounded on three sides by the river. If they could block the fourth side—the only route out—the English would end up trapped by the bend of the river with no escape. Their strategy paid off with an outstanding victory for the Scots. Freedom!! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tIZD51LrIlE https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/49ae464a-beb8-4c88-8275-7dcc185d5853/tempImage2UHoeB.jpg Blog - Stirling - Make it stand out William Wallace’s actual sword. The sword is 5.5 feet long and weighs 6.6 pounds. It is said Wallace could wield the sword with one hand, so he must have been one hell of a manly man! (Certainly nothing 5-9 Mel Gibson could manage!) The sword was installed in The National Wallace Monument in 1888, after years languishing in Dumbarton Castle, where Wallace had been taken after his capture in 1305. In 1505, King James IV of Scotland ordered the sword to be refurbished. A recent examination of the sword blade, which has been repaired several times, dates it in part to the 13th century. The maker's marks have been lost through wear and tear over the centuries, but the quality of the sword suggests it was made locally rather than imported from the continent. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/149a38f8-945b-43c6-a952-edc4c2e4dde0/tempImageMsaVty.jpg Blog - Stirling - Make it stand out Inside the Monument, a statue of King Robert the Bruce (reign: 1306 – 1329). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/40fb7a4d-0a26-46df-94f4-0ac081e3d3a7/tempImageSxTAub.jpg Blog - Stirling - Make it stand out Amanda and I created a personal seal. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d58f12fe-d30a-4725-ade6-82f2091d031d/tempImagemLNLQC.jpg Blog - Stirling - Make it stand out After 246 steps up the spiral staircase, we were rewarded with a commanding view of the battlefield. The day was so clear, we could see all the way to the Forth Bridges in Edinburgh. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a0ec0b1f-c0cc-419d-8bd4-fe4245e1a090/tempImageqDJSC1.jpg Blog - Stirling - Make it stand out So, there we were, standing on top of the National William Wallace Monument in Stirling, Scotland—5,143 miles from Camarillo, CA. We heard a group of mostly Scots talking, but then we heard the one guy say he was from California. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f939f0b4-4434-4881-931f-a04be979d398/tempImage72anA1.jpg Blog - Stirling - Make it stand out When they were done talking, Amanda asked him where he lived in California. He said, “Ventura County.” When we told him our connection with Camarillo, he said he actually lived in Camarillo! After a little chat we even realized that we knew some the same people in Camarillo. So, without further ado, we would like to introduce you to Leo Sudue of Camarillo. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3667fdd3-a6ee-459c-97f3-10017f69fb4c/tempImageSb5N6H.jpg Blog - Stirling - Make it stand out Leo and his Scottish brother-in-law Chic Scrimgeour. Leo and Chic were great fun and it’s so interesting how small the world can be sometimes. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/02ccc76f-e29e-481e-9760-e86cebb21c9b/tempImageADoRYg.jpg Blog - Stirling - Make it stand out On our walk back to town we passed this cute little resting baby dragon capstone. We were heading to the aptly named beheading stone. As we neared the spot, Google maps provided this chilling update: https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8671fe93-20fc-44f2-807a-1a1df40b82bf/IMG_0795.PNG Blog - Stirling - Make it stand out Busier than usual?! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/05b48dff-630d-4f70-b971-ba6ab0c3021b/tempImageqKcOWT.jpg Blog - Stirling - Make it stand out The Mote Hill is known locally as the "heiding hill" after its more sinister role as the site of a number of high profile public beheadings (or "heidings") in the 13th and 14th centuries. The most notorious of these was the beheading of Murdoch Stewart, the 2nd Duke of Albany, on May 24, 1425. Stewart was the governor of Scotland when King James I was in prison in England, but was found guilty of treason when the King returned. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1c8c1b57-67dd-4667-82a5-cff838f3a04d/tempImageN6Kg5W.jpg Blog - Stirling - Make it stand out Looking over the River Forth and the site of the Battle of Stirling Bridge to Abbey Crag and the Wallace Monument. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7ac49ee7-c981-491f-af72-f95db1bffdd6/tempImagepS5p0T.jpg Blog - Stirling - Make it stand out Cruachan the Shetland Pony. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/afe09ab1-3192-45ae-a195-ad0de4707cdf/tempImagekN9tU8.jpg Blog - Stirling - Make it stand out Stirling Castle and the Great Hall rendered in “King’s Gold.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/33ad2a7e-91e6-4dcd-8951-df0bc5b93640/tempImagexNKLZE.jpg Blog - Stirling - Make it stand out This is the Church of the Holy Rude. The Holyrood or Holy Rood is a Christian relic alleged to be part of the True Cross on which Jesus died. The word derives from the Old English rood, meaning a pole and the cross. I’m not certain how this church came to spell the word as “rude.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/fa36cced-7e92-4993-b14e-92f5bf1d4d3b/tempImagexlcXgA.jpg Blog - Stirling - Make it stand out The church was founded in 1129 during the reign of David I, but nothing of this early structure now remains due to a fire in 1405. Construction on the new nave (pictures above) had begun in 1414, and was completed between 1440 and 1480. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0d6d3f3a-f5d1-49fc-b2e4-9431f5cf51b5/tempImageq8nuWQ.jpg Blog - Stirling - Make it stand out Gazing up at this roof, I immediately knew it was something special. Amanda read that it is the original timber roof, hewn by adze! It protects the church today as it has since 1414. That is 609 years and absolutely amazing! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/fb3d8f70-9ebe-47c7-b32b-699caac95f07/tempImagecy2kEr.jpg Blog - Stirling - Make it stand out Mary, Queen of Scots, worshipped in this Church. John Knox preached here. Mary's infant son, James, who later became King James I of England in 1603, after the death of Queen Elizabeth, was crowned here as King James VI of Scots on 29th July 1567, which makes this Church the only church in Britain, in regular use for worship, apart from Westminster Abbey in London, where a Coronation has taken place. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/20fd00be-81c8-48d0-86ae-67feda0a4672/tempImageuVeeDE.jpg Blog - Stirling - Make it stand out The Quire https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d37d780f-d49e-475e-bd74-b206fd6cc4b9/tempImageJBgbRM.jpg Blog - Stirling - Make it stand out The Quire roof and the Angel Window. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b70b6759-60b8-40fd-9cf2-679cc1d51197/tempImagehKXJLM.jpg Blog - Stirling - Make it stand out Raven on a tombstone https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/017ec100-4933-4713-9b9d-6c1c052c1ffb/tempImageZS95l5.jpg Blog - Stirling - Make it stand out This Mercat Cross (right) stands in the traditional market area, where proclamations were made and many important ceremonies took place. On royal birthdays town officials drank copious toasts round a bonfire to the music of pipes or trumpets while all the bells rang out. But riots aiso took place here, such as that against the Union with England in December 1706. The ancient unicorn is known as "The Puggy” by local people. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8f0ccf23-d721-4334-b238-73e1e4266730/tempImagesDpJJV.jpg Blog - Stirling - Make it stand out Here’s a shop you don’t see every day! (We took these photos over two days—one ️ and one ☀️) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c7d1231c-e80e-4ce9-9a7a-684ee09a311d/tempImageKkdTMY.jpg Blog - Stirling - Make it stand out This house is traditionally said to have been the home of Lord Darnley, second husband of Mary, Queen of Scots and father of King James VI. This house was the nursery of King James VI and later his son Prince Henry (the one who died at 18). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/42ffa218-7c65-4f72-a858-b9f26485f975/tempImagerAK0Nt.jpg Blog - Stirling - Make it stand out In 1651 the town authorities surrendered to Cromwell’s General Monck in Janet Kilbowte's Tavern, which was in this house. The style is late 16th century; the barrel-vaulted ground floor, which has no connection with the upper fioors, is a rare survival. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5e235077-630b-4954-bc2b-482dcbb44bc8/tempImage8HIYzI.jpg Blog - Stirling - Make it stand out Farewell Stirling. We have had a wonderful time walking your streets and exploring your amazing history. But it’s time to move on to Edinburgh to meet up with our first visitors in over three months, our second son Jeff and his lovely wife, Madi! Frankly, we can’t wait to have new people to talk with! https://www.overthehillandacrossthepond.com/blog/hobbit-hole monthly 0.5 2023-11-29 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5a4c26f7-3e4f-45fd-a2d9-1507caf0b20b/IMG_4719.jpg Blog - Hobbit Hole - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c276417c-4f9b-4af2-93ba-8abab597006b/tempImagerKcWqH.jpg Blog - Hobbit Hole - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b94e1081-0901-49d6-8699-22082ced6954/tempImageLpIV2w.jpg Blog - Hobbit Hole - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/978fba52-025a-4ea2-9a98-fafdcc04016d/tempImageoBa7eu.jpg Blog - Hobbit Hole - Make it stand out In The Hobbit, Gandalf carved a mark into Bilbo’s door so the dwarves would know which hobbit hole their prospective burglar lived in. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2dd25cae-254a-4e4f-858c-4a0cb09d38be/tempImage9nZ7M8.jpg Blog - Hobbit Hole - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/465c756a-f2a9-4a7d-abc7-b505404a3bfb/tempImageYlCaf3.jpg Blog - Hobbit Hole - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4296d74d-c86f-4787-9143-3123e3eba7aa/tempImageC1FJT9.jpg Blog - Hobbit Hole - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ad2e5866-d528-4b78-8ad0-6448df8bce73/tempImageGTQHfJ.jpg Blog - Hobbit Hole - Make it stand out They supposedly have two Highland cows: Uigg and Beagg. We only ever saw this one and we’re not sure if this is Uigg or Beagg. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5de3b887-9580-4c7e-9f33-b47a48ae901d/tempImageUAJnYB.jpg Blog - Hobbit Hole - Make it stand out Surely this is the bucolic setting JRR Tolkien was gazing upon when he created the Shire! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7641e549-9a5a-47b5-8999-94032e67cd90/tempImageEAoUqn.jpg Blog - Hobbit Hole - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/29092f54-6b55-4ab6-9c79-b9a1f50d8e7d/tempImageFZ3gNc.jpg Blog - Hobbit Hole - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/83716adb-50ca-4fd3-b3d8-ea794a2c02e0/tempImageXNjzV0.jpg Blog - Hobbit Hole - Make it stand out Gandalf and his Highland pack cow. Watch Gandalf Steve here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5PmSCQqinqU (BTW, the Lord of the Rings music you here in the background also plays every time you enter the outdoor loo!) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4edf583c-10e1-4599-983b-b7d36fbf902f/tempImageywskU3.jpg Blog - Hobbit Hole - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/92e31273-fffc-4399-8090-153503d73f16/tempImageXUeCNl.jpg Blog - Hobbit Hole - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4e1614b4-d41f-4d21-ba2a-a8a27c375c17/tempImagepBWs5G.jpg Blog - Hobbit Hole - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2a811c81-3b71-433c-a628-1d39e794a964/tempImagebTShfo.jpg Blog - Hobbit Hole - Make it stand out The Wee Tree Howf and the little lochan. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d8d4f9a6-d955-4151-8083-c06fd959f7c8/tempImagePBH7QJ.jpg Blog - Hobbit Hole - Make it stand out Wee Tree Howf with Ofuru wood fired hot tub. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/cde40c53-b177-49b4-bcdf-ad0307038b48/tempImagemEnNOM.jpg Blog - Hobbit Hole - Make it stand out They have five pigmy goats: Hannah, Hope, Harris, Percy Jackson, and Tinkerbell. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/caeba891-6628-4f28-bbf5-edc6c029bb36/tempImageWVlU6D.jpg Blog - Hobbit Hole - Make it stand out The owner Ian has quite the sense of humor. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/966cc447-0e1f-401b-b403-f1e6160b07c6/tempImage7W01eR.jpg Blog - Hobbit Hole - Make it stand out A guinea fowl and the Ash Tree Howf. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/bedfe218-1ec7-4ff2-8734-224159673b89/tempImagekoZFna.jpg Blog - Hobbit Hole - Make it stand out Crollwitzer (left) and Bourbon Red (right) Turkeys. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4a0789ae-bcf9-498a-860a-21eab0281a7e/tempImagewssdNg.jpg Blog - Hobbit Hole - Make it stand out Snow Patrol and Rebel the alpacas. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/bbf56c8d-8dce-49a0-81cd-bb4cf2144f6a/tempImageedm8uH.jpg Blog - Hobbit Hole - Make it stand out Seven geese and three white rheas in the background. The large male is Grumpy Drawers and apparently the names of the two juveniles change daily, depending whether or not they attack the owner Ian. Not pictured are two donkeys, Jason and Spot; a few elderly Say sheep; and Gareth & Homer, the Valais Black Nose sheep. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d5edbef1-f7df-4a6c-984c-7e6e2fcbb7c0/tempImageDNpbKK.jpg Blog - Hobbit Hole - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9df88461-6967-4eb6-bad8-25aed66c2005/tempImage9f9K6j.jpg Blog - Hobbit Hole - Make it stand out The little lochan on Craighead Farm, with the squint roofed Whisky Howf just visible at the right. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e916f35b-1baa-4f5e-a355-bea7e3298c6c/tempImagePWCjUN.jpg Blog - Hobbit Hole - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/88d147f9-5e1b-4a71-b747-aee42921ff6a/tempImageNWfvXO.jpg Blog - Hobbit Hole - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.overthehillandacrossthepond.com/blog/obscure-potter monthly 0.5 2023-11-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e83ba9e6-4e85-4587-bb2c-5b03b2d847cf/Dragon+Fall.jpg Blog - Obscure Potter - Make it stand out Harry, Hermione, and Ron drop from the dragon. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/df0eda5d-bd24-41a2-bb7e-398e0229cd37/tempImage7M0z2t.jpg Blog - Obscure Potter - Make it stand out Looking at the spot on a similarly cloudy day. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e907c988-84d2-4e07-941e-c518ec6883b4/tempImagexwDjNX.jpg Blog - Obscure Potter - Make it stand out Amanda standing on the same rocks where our three protagonists climbed from the water after dropping from the dragon’s back into the loch. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/da1db0a1-811f-4068-8f6b-d1e2df6bce7d/tempImagejQZW2g.jpg Blog - Obscure Potter - Make it stand out The trio then climb to this small hilltop where they change out of their wet clothes. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/57b688ca-04a8-4319-8a1c-75f3a20b42ed/tempImageqNoPBa.jpg Blog - Obscure Potter - Make it stand out On top of the hill. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e98ff758-6bf0-47cc-86a4-b2981f4d6946/tempImageL6S4Hx.jpg Blog - Obscure Potter - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/339df7f0-0ff3-4d4b-bc0f-696cc4bdb216/tempImagexXRcs2.jpg Blog - Obscure Potter - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a3d53585-e4d0-414d-b122-ddb256e3d652/tempImagei9ntmI.jpg Blog - Obscure Potter - Make it stand out As the dragon began to descend over the lake, the camera view is looking down Loch Etive rather than Loch Arkaig, where the remainder of that scene is filmed. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7db4ce06-f2eb-4483-8d40-72e10e2602b9/tempImageRMoQNG.jpg Blog - Obscure Potter - Make it stand out After recovering from the dragon flight, the three set up camp on the shore of Loch Etive. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/eaefe508-6120-49cc-8eb7-40827d914c27/tempImagesrtJ82.jpg Blog - Obscure Potter - Make it stand out Loch Etive is a tidal lake, and we’re fairly certain the lake was lower during the filming, but the the background is clearly the same. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/90c845d9-0b31-4a63-8ce0-35507dc1affa/tempImageoJR9Hl.jpg Blog - Obscure Potter - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d2238551-d7f0-4460-b480-801c4dd92065/tempImage7wx5uk.jpg Blog - Obscure Potter - Make it stand out We walked out to this point, but the best we could do was get the general perspective. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/fde4d027-ce5c-46a7-ba1e-fc02e86b4ffc/tempImagebsXsCQ.jpg Blog - Obscure Potter - Make it stand out After Harry and Ron argue and Ron disapparates, Hermione ties a ribbon around this tree. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/73678a52-8984-4287-8b5c-ffaa1c0174a1/tempImageXHOUC9.jpg Blog - Obscure Potter - Make it stand out We found roughly the the same spot, but it’s not exactly right. https://www.overthehillandacrossthepond.com/blog/glencoe monthly 0.5 2023-11-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2eb52049-432c-43c6-b2b4-e6b9b35dbf3b/tempImage1i228H.jpg Blog - Glencoe - Make it stand out Such was the case with Glencoe, some 30 minutes south of Fort William. Glencoe is possibly Scotland's most famous glen (deep valley), named after the River Coe that runs through it. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/41480760-83f9-4a24-a911-e195ec56abba/Three+Sisters.jpg Blog - Glencoe - Make it stand out As described by Queen Victoria, Glencoe is dominated by towering mountains visible wherever you turn. The most famous of these are the Three Sisters (sorry, I wish I had taken that photo), which ensure every lay-by (turnout) on A82 is packed with cars and overflowing with tourists snapping photos of the beautiful sisters. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0ba375e4-083f-40cb-afbf-bf81dbc8129a/tempImageDdz8b0.jpg Blog - Glencoe - Make it stand out Our home for Sunday and Monday nights was the Clachaig Inn. Their motto is Real People. Real Hospitality. Real Craic. You may recall from one of our posts in Ireland that craic translates roughly into a good time, a fun experience, or a friendly conversation. Scotland, Ireland, Wales, and Cornwall are all Celtic nations, so there are many commonalities to be found. Glencoe is know to three things: the tragic Massacre of Glencoe, early mountaineering, and everyone’s favorite half-giant, half-human Rubeus Hagrid, gamekeeper and Keeper of Keys and Grounds of Hogwarts. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d24c9a6f-79be-4e65-a6c4-4c9595034d8a/Scottish_Highlands_and_Lowlands.png Blog - Glencoe - Make it stand out Lowlanders, on the other hand, largely supported political union between England and Scotland, and regarded Highlanders as an obstacle to progresses. Many Lowlanders believed that the independent spirit of the Highlanders had to be broken. The MacDonalds of Glencoe were victims of what Highlanders called Mi-run mor nan Gall, the Lowlanders great hatred. (Map by Jrockley. Public Domain.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c69a505b-22fc-4424-abbc-1e4d31e9e19d/tempImageRTmgfy.jpg Blog - Glencoe - Make it stand out The Macdonald Memorial. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3828defc-00b0-46cb-b38c-11be17c6e5bb/tempImageuNuV96.jpg Blog - Glencoe - Make it stand out A drenching rain falls on the Macdonald Memorial. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8a7a5afd-e03a-4926-bd1f-3b30e6305796/Screenshot+2023-07-06+at+12.42.16+PM.png Blog - Glencoe - Make it stand out Since the late 20th century the Clachaig Inn, where we’re staying, has had a sign at the reception desk that reads, “No Hawkers (Solicitors) or Campbells.” The massacre became the subject of many poems and songs. Author George R. R. Martin cites the Glencoe Massacre as one of two historical influences on the infamous "Red Wedding" in his 2000 book A Storm of Swords. In the television series Mad Men, it is implied that the Campbell–MacDonald feud is still active as of 1970, when Pete Campbell’s daughter is rejected from an elite New York preschool headed by a MacDonald. Sources: https://www.scotsman.com/whats-on/arts-and-entertainment/looking-back-the-massacre-of-glencoe-1483135 and https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Massacre_of_Glencoe https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/078a578e-e8c4-4f3b-9ba2-9e5b9c43e6cb/tempImageyr4HrR.jpg Blog - Glencoe - Make it stand out The Clachaig Inn logo features The Three Sisters, but there are images of mountaineering and ice climbing all over the building, including the Boots Bar. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/231e7c7f-98e4-41d0-a040-18a847ca6a68/tempImageYjdpM8.jpg Blog - Glencoe - Make it stand out In the mid-1800s outdoor exploration became hugely popular and Glencoe became a mecca for “gentlemen’s climbing clubs” and other outdoor enthusiasts. As far back as at least 1864, the Clachaig Inn served those seeking adventure in the mountains around the Glen. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d16979a4-8237-4156-902f-d2fe29784bfd/Screenshot+2023-07-05+at+1.46.27+PM.png Blog - Glencoe - Make it stand out If you look on Google Maps, not only does the Clachaig Inn display, but someone has gone to great lengths to ensure that the site of Hagrid’s Hut was also included as a historical monument. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/47011c7e-cd47-4f76-a98f-97235a6d6100/tempImageRwrgdG.jpg Blog - Glencoe - Make it stand out For the third movie, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban, an elaborate outdoor set was constructed at this very site in Glencoe. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9e807c72-1100-49af-aafd-9f5273822fcf/tempImagezdLXTi.jpg Blog - Glencoe - Make it stand out The third film was the first to extensively use real-life locations. It’s a bit hard to imagine now because filming took place twenty years ago (my how time flys!). What is now a hillside largely covered in ferns, was then grassy slopes. Nevertheless, Amanda is standing where Hagid’s full-scale abode was constructed over the rocks just to her right. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/554931b4-d739-4d88-8265-8cd958b778bb/tempImageHEmSeK.jpg Blog - Glencoe - Make it stand out Behind Amanda you can still make out the path that descended from the castle and the stone circle. The stone circle and castle entrance was up the hill on the plateau near the copse of pine trees on the right. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8e03fb4b-a5ca-4850-823f-f098bb236ef3/tempImagepJRaI3.jpg Blog - Glencoe - Make it stand out Looking down on where the stone circle stood. The castle door was built in the trees to the left. Amanda is roughly where Hermione punched Malfoy. The hut is just out of view below. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/246b228a-d4e3-45b5-8bc8-e5f75f1d0a1b/tempImagegSQ6IL.jpg Blog - Glencoe - Make it stand out Looking down from where the stone circle stood. You can see people walking on path that Harry, Hermione, and Ron (and later Fudge, Dumbledore, and the executioner) took from the standing stones to reach Hagrid’s hut in the clearing below. The trees where Harry and Hermione hid are on the right. If you’re interested, here are the clips filmed at this location. Scene 1—Hermione punches Malfoy: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JB2ZfDph1pE https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c3f5c61a-cd38-48dc-9894-9a4666432422/tempImageM5ihoI.jpg Blog - Glencoe - Make it stand out The stone wall for the set was dismantled and discarded under the nearby pine trees. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e4908d8b-0cde-4a3f-bbec-64b5964454a8/tempImageSckIqO.jpg Blog - Glencoe - Make it stand out Looking into the trees where Harry and Hermione hid. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/000059be-13fc-4292-a2f8-bd04fd31f812/tempImageLbtU8t.jpg Blog - Glencoe - Make it stand out Hermione’s tree (the two fallen trees were obviously not there during the filming 20 years ago). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/10494d2a-cd89-4757-b751-b429c1d2b99c/tempImageJSwNP8.jpg Blog - Glencoe - Make it stand out Harry’s tree https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f3f3b1b3-fe0d-464b-a251-f3cacaac02a8/tempImageKswrrI.jpg Blog - Glencoe - Make it stand out Mmm! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0c565bf7-5611-43d5-af19-8f8dfe300dc9/tempImage6hlzjf.jpg Blog - Glencoe - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.overthehillandacrossthepond.com/blog/hogwarts-express monthly 0.5 2023-11-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/227701c2-b242-434e-ac49-fe34cdf74c8a/tempImageqtIOqM.jpg Blog - Hogwarts Express - Make it stand out This monument at the northern end of the loch marks the spot where Charles Stuart returned to Scotland and raised the hopes of many Scots that a Stuart king might be restored to the British throne. Today Charles faces a challenger to the throne of celebrity in Harry Potter. Behind the monument is the Glenfinnan Viaduct, over which the Hogwarts Express famously passes. The loch was also used as the backdrop for Harry Potter’s flight on the back of the hippogriff Buckbeak and the second (underwater) task of the Triwizard Tournament took place in these waters. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f93dc3e2-d516-45f4-90f3-274fbc6dcdcf/tempImagettVc2u.jpg Blog - Hogwarts Express - Make it stand out The Glenfinnan Monument was erected to remember the place where, on August 19, 1745, Prince Charles Edward Stuart rowed up Loch Shiel towards the tiny hamlet of Glenfinnan with a small band of his most loyal supporters. He had called on clan chiefs to muster their men and join him here for a daring quest to restore the Stuarts to the British throne. When he arrived at Glenfinnan, there was barely a soul to be seen. But late in the afternoon, the song of the pipes coming over the hill signaled the arrival of the first of 1,200 clansmen who pledged their allegiance to Bonnie Prince Charlie that day, before setting off to start their campaign. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f2c62156-1d59-4dd5-b2d0-a54d000c1529/tempImagexpZAjd.jpg Blog - Hogwarts Express - Make it stand out While the rising ended in defeat at Culloden in 1746 and the Highlands suffered punishment and reprisals for years to come, the gathering of clans and raising of the royal standard (or flag) at Glenfinnan that summer was a moment of hope and enthusiasm for many. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0e1a8362-c233-482b-8d39-6a7586fc00a2/tempImagenxccpq.jpg Blog - Hogwarts Express - Make it stand out The Monument was built in 1815 as a tribute to “the generous zeal and undaunted bravery” of those Highlanders who “fought and bled in that arduous and unfortunate enterprise”—the 1745 Jacobite Rising. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f3115e62-64b9-4f4d-b190-8edaefc0075a/tempImageQWmKjY.jpg Blog - Hogwarts Express - Make it stand out The lone, kilted Highlander. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e8a25915-d1f3-4680-a8fc-d667703ded5b/tempImage2Zl0NH.jpg Blog - Hogwarts Express - Make it stand out Almost exactly 278 years later, standing where Bonnie Prince Charlie came ashore. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5a71f858-6b8d-481a-8571-228c64fe82b0/tempImage5oSAfM.jpg Blog - Hogwarts Express - Make it stand out The colors behind us are so vibrant it looks like we’re standing in front of a green screen. The famous Glenfinnan Viaduct is behind us. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/48b19c26-4a28-4971-9a29-d6c65cc893ee/tempImage3SdLBa.jpg Blog - Hogwarts Express - Make it stand out The Glenfinnan Viaduct https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7884e690-1cf9-4575-ab75-88e070fe0089/tempImagerF2bHZ.jpg Blog - Hogwarts Express - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ec785409-3c9d-4ebc-936f-78d8fcd4989a/tempImageI9XYcY.jpg Blog - Hogwarts Express - Make it stand out Several times each day, a steam-driven locomotive and a string of maroon carriages—some used in the Harry Potter films—make the 42-mile journey from Fort William in the east to the coastal town of Mallaig and back. Each time the train passes, there are hundreds of HP fans gathered all around to witness its crossing over the viaduct. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b1d20a8f-ae80-457b-9117-928ebe04b856/tempImage2yh3FU.jpg Blog - Hogwarts Express - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3ffa5db1-bf8a-4301-afee-60e663e605c2/tempImageyOinvU.jpg Blog - Hogwarts Express - Make it stand out We were two such gawkers. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8779fcb5-bf4a-4608-8177-39ec646b9926/tempImageDKwVyG.jpg Blog - Hogwarts Express - Make it stand out If this foxglove suddenly freezes, I’m going to freak out! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/86751ac0-53d9-4513-be58-54526adb6632/tempImageTTZCFa.jpg Blog - Hogwarts Express - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f64384ed-f7c3-4ef7-ab1c-e1c053ce278d/tempImagee7Qzkc.jpg Blog - Hogwarts Express - Make it stand out The island first appeared in the third film Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban when Lupin and Harry are walking through the forest and discussing Harry’s reaction to the dementors. The pair stops and looks out over the island. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1f7d2423-0a84-4f4a-88d7-375464111d43/tempImage4Z0OXV.jpg Blog - Hogwarts Express - Make it stand out Here is our video “from the grave:” https://youtu.be/r8ug9LeSk4M https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/37d93827-b7ef-46a5-9a41-b34b1afd8a40/tempImage86tLo1.jpg Blog - Hogwarts Express - Make it stand out This cairn, on the the eastern shore of Loch Nan Uamh marks the spot where Prince Charles Stuart embarked for France on September 20, 1746, five months after the disastrous Battle of Culloden. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/87f0f6c6-be64-4bfe-b8a8-d5f1aae33f09/tempImageFR3zPK.jpg Blog - Hogwarts Express - Make it stand out Two problems: very low clouds at the time of our visit and all the angles of the loch from the films were from high above the water. Sadly, we were destined to get nothing more out of the visit than to say we were there. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a04283a3-d239-485b-af5c-3b46c408e052/tempImagesUgYNY.jpg Blog - Hogwarts Express - Make it stand out We did get to see these deer though—a consolation prize of sorts. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7390edc4-1eda-40aa-aaee-e11e524fef85/tempImageJ4Dl49.jpg Blog - Hogwarts Express - Make it stand out Technically, the Muggle version of the train is The Jacobite and it travels from Fort William to the coastal town of Mallaig, which isn’t exactly Hogwarts, although it is only a stone’s throw from Loch Morar, upon which sits Hogwarts in the films. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ba982aea-22c6-4f8b-81e1-38f109f91ce2/tempImageeKKolV.jpg Blog - Hogwarts Express - Make it stand out Anything from the trolly dears? We’ll take the lot! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a9d02650-72a1-4635-8719-0125fc10fbbe/tempImage2f40La.jpg Blog - Hogwarts Express - Make it stand out This was a fun little shop in Mallaig. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9b886fd4-d14c-44c8-9379-35a8fc750fbd/tempImagelhq4vq.jpg Blog - Hogwarts Express - Make it stand out Read it out loud…it will come to you… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/10a69d4c-4b07-4590-9221-2a0476afc433/tempImage0nkVpB.jpg Blog - Hogwarts Express - Make it stand out We thought this was pretty clever. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/cf8a9987-a80c-4833-a441-2da24f01b204/tempImagetPfFzZ.jpg Blog - Hogwarts Express - Make it stand out Back on the train for our return trip to Fort William. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/09d3bd2a-8187-408e-8c25-eca2d5db96e5/tempImagePdojFQ.jpg Blog - Hogwarts Express - Make it stand out After two trips over the viaduct, we arrived back in Fort William. What an amazing, once-in-a-lifetime experience! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1267e4b9-0937-414a-9527-e813351770af/tempImagexhBG81.jpg Blog - Hogwarts Express - Make it stand out Our steam-powered locomotive. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0d3f30bd-4a61-40f5-b009-b257662b6f7f/tempImagezWTAlp.jpg Blog - Hogwarts Express - Make it stand out Fort William, Glenfinnan, three famous lochs, and Mallaig. And to think some people wondered what we were going to do over here for so long! See it all baby! See it all! Here is a video complication of watching the train pass over the viaduct as well as shots from onboard the train as we crossed over the viaduct: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RBf9XpesWC8 AMAZING!! https://www.overthehillandacrossthepond.com/blog/ben-nevis monthly 0.5 2023-11-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8ef2722d-6ea6-428a-adfc-fb5fec54100f/tempImagejfcLYf.jpg Blog - Ben Nevis - Make it stand out Iona Abbey is one of Scotland's most historic and sacred sites. Located on the Isle of Iona, just off the Isle of Mull, it was founded by St Columba and his Irish followers in AD 563. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e4e3bdaf-f9c1-4643-b38b-8010e5d69f7b/tempImagejOCJai.jpg Blog - Ben Nevis - Make it stand out As a celebrated focus for Christian pilgrimage, Iona retains its spiritual atmosphere and remains an enduring symbol of worship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/009b1538-f2c9-42e0-a284-72750b706eb9/tempImageDY2JyK.jpg Blog - Ben Nevis - Make it stand out I had briefly prayerful moment, until I spotted the ferry through the window. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f7bcac36-2e71-4341-a47a-457b74a8b50a/tempImagenmjh3F.jpg Blog - Ben Nevis - Make it stand out Our second and final breakfast at Seaview Bed & Breakfast in Fionnophort, Isle of Mull; Iona is in the distance. The breakfast was very good both mornings, plus we had a chance to meet some people. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4d78342d-58ad-49a4-8dd3-65bf027c79b8/IMG_0201.PNG Blog - Ben Nevis - Make it stand out A quick shout out to our breakfast companion Jennifer Barrett who is the author of two books. We had fun chatting about her home country of Ireland. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/16c26904-5fc2-4c63-9fe4-3d49053220bb/tempImageVym7yi.jpg Blog - Ben Nevis - Make it stand out After breakfast, it was back onto the single track road all the way to the Craignure Ferry Terminal. Straight out of the movies, traffic was halted by some free-thing free-range Highland Coos. You can enjoy the scene too in this short clip: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z6c_aCXtR-0 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/62e54a3d-aaa4-4a23-8a20-66d84cec2d5e/tempImageGPLIxK.jpg Blog - Ben Nevis - Make it stand out Driving onto our ferry, the aptly-named Isle of Mull. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ca0e6fe4-4798-4156-aad5-2c5c1f0fc907/tempImagewVGBF9.jpg Blog - Ben Nevis - Make it stand out Departing Craignure, with my finger partially over the lens, just like my grandma used to do. If only there were some people’s heads in the shot, I could have cut those off too! Love you grandma! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/37e41515-dc5a-4673-8f3a-fbf8f0a05130/IMG_0212.PNG Blog - Ben Nevis - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/bbf5c9ce-32d7-49b9-8104-39e288be8bc2/tempImage5pSx77.jpg Blog - Ben Nevis - Make it stand out After landing we walked around Oban for a short while. I found this funny book at the Oban Waterstones: https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/eabe1b4c-f688-4f8c-94f1-aab9d71f2edf/tempImageBWNNMv.jpg Blog - Ben Nevis - Make it stand out We drove up to McCaig's Tower & Battery Hill for the view over Oban. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/918c0584-b4e0-407d-ad33-065e59e2c807/tempImagepE3xZa.jpg Blog - Ben Nevis - Make it stand out And the flowers. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e109f124-ab5b-4dc3-b30b-ecf4d0130eb0/tempImage0RSh44.jpg Blog - Ben Nevis - Make it stand out Our Premier Inn hotel from Sunday night is the large white building on the left, with the ferry docked at the nearby Oban Ferry Terminal. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/04e0aef2-6ced-4f93-9f28-07a4f34f0ba1/tempImageXfTtkt.jpg Blog - Ben Nevis - Make it stand out Looking slightly more to the right than the last photo, this is the view out the harbor entrance toward the Isle of Mull in the distance (center). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d4cdf6e0-ade2-435d-b421-162dd5c683ae/tempImagerYBr4t.jpg Blog - Ben Nevis - Make it stand out The small metal stairway leads to our room in the center building. Take a quick tour: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b7rGMs5wWUA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/744d8bc8-f88b-472e-a779-60b72e3b021d/tempImagePMvZ4N.jpg Blog - Ben Nevis - Make it stand out Crossing the River Nevis all doe-eyed and oblivious of what lay ahead. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f757f4ba-2ff2-48ec-b08b-9159ae209f8b/tempImageuYqXub.jpg Blog - Ben Nevis - Make it stand out The rugged and wild Scottish landscape, punctuated by the ever-present ominous clouds. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/cd795ea8-e8cd-4279-a9b3-53d77627ca17/tempImageyPp0Uo.jpg Blog - Ben Nevis - Make it stand out Just follow the signs. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9a27cf43-2627-4689-9cf3-dbc3c0887e02/tempImageR5YYIa.jpg Blog - Ben Nevis - Make it stand out Ben Nevis is the highest of The Three Peaks (Snowdon in Wales and Scafell Pike in England being the other two). Despite being the lowest in elevation of the three, Scafell Pike has a reputation of being the most strenuous. Sure Ben Nevis towers 1,204 feet above Scafell Pike, but the relatively smooth and gradual pathway, one that continued as such for more than a mile, had me envisioning how easy it was going to be to bag this final peak. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/493ac032-f845-4f89-b336-9b909c7daed2/tempImageQGSDW5.jpg Blog - Ben Nevis - Make it stand out Yesterday's rain in the rearview mirror, the sun staking its claim on the day, a gentle path before me—a gorgeously backdrop on a perfect day! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/365a48e9-d873-4fd1-b04e-e02f665508ab/tempImageQ4zjfD.jpg Blog - Ben Nevis - Make it stand out At The Junction. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e2f3748b-3fb8-404b-bfc8-84a5b4939c08/tempImageAJV4JS.jpg Blog - Ben Nevis - Make it stand out Crossing The Footbridge near Windy Corner, before turning up-canyon. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/34fb6b00-7c9b-4215-95f3-c56bc468da4a/tempImageliYEsq.jpg Blog - Ben Nevis - Make it stand out In the canyon, looking down on Windy Corner. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/feda4ba2-d20a-48bc-b0c2-5d86b809cb76/tempImageGIPqwO.jpg Blog - Ben Nevis - Make it stand out I thought this sheep looked hilarious, like Simba on top of Pride Rock. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d9e7f6b2-5294-4724-9ee1-202b40c8315e/tempImage3gVzN4.jpg Blog - Ben Nevis - Make it stand out Hmm, the clouds are blowing back in. Well, I am higher up the mountain now, so maybe that’s all it is. At first I dismissed the rain as the near-precipitation you experience in a heavy fog, but it soon became clear that it was simply raining. As the intensity increased, I stopped to put on my full rain gear and pop the rain cover over my backpack. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/70999482-2c09-455f-a271-8384c560961b/tempImageeV3zCt.jpg Blog - Ben Nevis - Make it stand out After a fairly intense 20 or so minutes of solid rain and very cold conditions, it blew over and we saw some clearing again. Thank goodness for quality gear when weather conditions deteriorate (except my hands were freezing Lloyd!). The waterways visible in the distance are Loch Eil and Loch Linnhe near Fort William. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d8db2c45-7f85-4d16-aeda-46b245025368/tempImageuw4T3f.jpg Blog - Ben Nevis - Make it stand out When the clouds parted, the views were spectacular. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9b83559b-be99-40f4-acaa-a161066266aa/tempImagepqOPLS.jpg Blog - Ben Nevis - Make it stand out The trail becomes less distinct over the final mile, so cairns have been built to guide hikers, especially when visibility is low, which was the case off and on again today. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/55d7161a-b561-4187-8410-f222d9062459/tempImageh92byx.jpg Blog - Ben Nevis - Make it stand out The push to the summit saw sporadic clearing, so I was hopeful conditions might improve and allow me the famous peak views. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0d03a7bb-42ec-4a80-84ea-76eedbfef85c/tempImageBY1NFU.jpg Blog - Ben Nevis - Make it stand out Following the Cains in the Mist over the volcanic rubble. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5082980e-e1dd-4195-8b5e-dd11417f3cdd/tempImagefUgv7v.jpg Blog - Ben Nevis - Make it stand out Nearing the summit, this deep crevasse drops a thousand feet or so into the glacial valley below. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/75280fc4-4bb3-461b-8037-6dc13af5a86e/tempImage6Eitfe.jpg Blog - Ben Nevis - Make it stand out At the Ben Nevis Bench Marker S1595 at 4,412 feet after: 3 hours, 26 minutes 5.48 miles 4,381 feet elevation gain https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/812ed943-52f0-4468-80a8-210c34b6b2e3/tempImagebSytwG.jpg Blog - Ben Nevis - Make it stand out A unique feature of the summit is the Old Observatory, which was opened in 1883. It provided hourly meteorological data for almost 20 years, recording some of the UK's most useful information about mountain weather to date. It closed in 1904 and now lies in ruin, but can be used for shelter in emergencies. As for the views, no such luck; the brief glimpses through the clouds turned into full envelopment. I got my picture at the summit marker and then found a nice flat rock to sit down and eat…and then it began to rain again. Between the wind and rain it was quite cold and miserable, so I finished a little food and then headed down for better weather. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a9495a0a-0ea0-4bc5-a460-16efa7e5ce34/tempImageGrxu17.jpg Blog - Ben Nevis - Make it stand out The Old Observatory turned emergency shelter. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c4083b6f-3f5f-4ebb-80e4-1629868aab19/tempImage7vmPRP.jpg Blog - Ben Nevis - Make it stand out About a third of the way down and conditions improved considerably. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/25e5fc3b-7085-40fa-b4d4-50b0f40b2240/tempImagewvnkVb.jpg Blog - Ben Nevis - Make it stand out Below is Lochan Meall an t-Suidhe, better known as the halfway loch. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/015ba822-856e-473c-bdd6-e092a2314758/tempImage8SIKDU.jpg Blog - Ben Nevis - Make it stand out As you can see, the clouds were really on the move all day. The trail down is visible on the left. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a5cf60fd-f528-4133-83bf-fef3dfd98a75/tempImagepwJnoD.jpg Blog - Ben Nevis - Make it stand out Nice panorama. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5c7c80cd-d3af-42ab-a409-d26da582f794/tempImageycXdVM.jpg Blog - Ben Nevis - Make it stand out A random tributary cascading down the mountain. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d151276c-2e55-49df-b462-d5e05e30c276/tempImageOuNewm.jpg Blog - Ben Nevis - Make it stand out Where I’m headed. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/35a35c2f-ce1c-42dd-88a6-2a21aff2f9db/tempImageLCjMAi.jpg Blog - Ben Nevis - Make it stand out Looking back https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/473e98b6-6ad5-4f9b-918f-b3ca552a1ce3/tempImageCemibZ.jpg Blog - Ben Nevis - Make it stand out A lovely Scottish Thistle. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/879f6965-2994-448d-8160-ed787094ba9a/tempImagePIiMPK.jpg Blog - Ben Nevis - Make it stand out Nearly down, taking a look back over my shoulder toward the trail. Wow! What a trek, full of excitement and struggle and epic views. Ben Nevis proved to be very accessible, but still quite the challenge. https://www.overthehillandacrossthepond.com/blog/happy-birthday monthly 0.5 2023-11-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b0b85f9c-188e-4974-8a82-b0c1d30c7205/tempImageuhHBz7.jpg Blog - Happy Birthday - Make it stand out Good morning and happy birthday to the best companion anyone could ever have wished for on this journey of a lifetime. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a252d0ea-f616-4536-b5b2-41e5c4501468/tempImage7Gg4WM.jpg Blog - Happy Birthday - Make it stand out The Loch Frisca was our smallest ferry so far. It’s a relatively short one-hour crossing from Oban to the Craignure Ferry Terminal on the eastern side of the Isle of Mull. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b6682ac9-544a-40cf-b93f-a8c51c01231b/tempImageVFM4KI.jpg Blog - Happy Birthday - Make it stand out Boarding the Loch Frisca bound for Mull. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a1698cd8-e1e5-4142-ae37-ccc2fddf5811/tempImagehI1NFO.jpg Blog - Happy Birthday - Make it stand out Leaving Oban harbor. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/41781c7a-e36a-4d2d-be1c-955a1179f0dc/Screenshot+2023-06-27+at+8.14.14+AM.png Blog - Happy Birthday - Make it stand out This is the bottom half of Mull. The ferry terminal at Craignure is underlined in red on the right and our destination in Finnophort is also underlined on the left. The small island of Staffa with Fingal’s Cave is also highlighted, but we’ll get to that in a moment. The long peninsula to reach Finnophort is called the Ross of Mull—and it’s single-track road the entire hour plus drive. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/95835b30-19d2-4f75-b668-9c217ca75bf6/Screenshot+2023-06-27+at+8.13.28+AM.png Blog - Happy Birthday - Make it stand out The first part of the drive is through this long mountain pass that I can only compare to how you might imagine driving through the lush rain forests in the middle of the mountains on a Hawaiian island. Single-track road aside, the scenery was unexpectedly magnificent. Below is a map that you can zoom and pan around to see more of the region. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/92963fdd-197b-4cae-af01-1e5ddcc15652/tempImageFxL4jd.jpg Blog - Happy Birthday - Make it stand out Looking over the Bruichladdich-blue Hebridean waters at Fionnphora and over the Sound of Iona, which is the stretch of water that separates the Ross of Mull from the smaller island of Iona in the distance on the left. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9913f083-7c7b-4acc-b313-0dd0f4a588c1/tempImageiffD7C.jpg Blog - Happy Birthday - Make it stand out Approaching Staffa (here’s the map again if you want to see where it is). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9da7ae08-30a9-4e20-b8c2-962d027b44e2/tempImageye2dqB.jpg Blog - Happy Birthday - Make it stand out The famous hexagonal rock columns were formed millions of years ago by volcanic eruptions and a vast blanket of lava that spread into the Atlantic Ocean—the same type of lava that created the Giant’s Causeway in Country Antrim, Northern Ireland. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/80ed67ed-bef0-4338-9049-8bdb29423f5f/tempImage5upEfd.jpg Blog - Happy Birthday - Make it stand out The formations are also nearly identical to those found about 650 miles northwest at Hálsanefshellir Cave on Iceland’s southern coast (no idea why we only shot this in black and white ), as they were created by the same Paleocene lava flow and therefore share the same striking hexagonally joined basalt pillars. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6dc21da9-dde4-435f-acbc-90628c91e011/tempImagevihBqO.jpg Blog - Happy Birthday - Make it stand out Looking into Fingal’s Cave. The cave named was named after James Macpherson’s 18th Century epic poem Fingal, which was inspired by the legend of Irish chief Fionn Mac Cumhail, who is said to have built Giant’s Causeway to reach his great foe over the Irish Sea. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/95cc013e-0056-4c4e-a1a3-c4cebcdab272/tempImagekq7jBL.jpg Blog - Happy Birthday - Make it stand out The pounding North Atlantic seas have slowly created this opening. Its natural acoustics amplify the sounds of the waves with its arched roof, earning the cave the Gaelic name “Uamh-Binn”—or the cave of melody. Composer Felix Mendelssohn visited the cave in 1829 while on a tour of Scotland and completed his Hebrides Overture, which is also known as Fingal’s Cave, the following year. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/bee6940b-8f42-45f0-9598-4913bd271ab2/tempImagebypQNj.jpg Blog - Happy Birthday - Make it stand out Staffa was hardly known until 1772, when the botanist Joseph Banks highlighted the wild, natural beauty of the island. It soon became a must-see location. Famous visitors have included Queen Victoria, Lord Tennyson, Jules Verne, Robert Louis Stevenson, John Keats, Sir Walter Scott, and William Wordsworth. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e07e8cbc-1edd-4da0-8aa9-1bac3459f4f4/tempImageZlOWTo.jpg Blog - Happy Birthday - Make it stand out Docking at Staffa was tricky; our captain did a great job navigating a very tight spot under less-than-ideal conditions. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1d59b43b-8e06-448f-bd25-0d652dcb616f/tempImageWmEYS9.jpg Blog - Happy Birthday - Make it stand out Fingal’s Cave is great and all, but the real reason we went to Staffa was to see puffins. After taking steps up to the top of the island and a 10-minute walk, you reach a grassy ledge overlooking a cove below. The captain said we might have to wait for up to 20 minutes for the puffins to show up but if we were patient, they would show up. We sat for about 20-25 minutes, waiting. And then, as if by magic, the birds just started landing right in front of us. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f2eed881-362e-493f-a61b-b0920d17ced5/tempImagerQYOUQ.jpg Blog - Happy Birthday - Make it stand out It felt like an encore at a concert, where the birds were waiting for us to clap long enough and loud enough to make it worth their while to come back out on stage. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/abbb014d-f2cd-4488-a3e4-6928e08d92b7/tempImageb6573C.jpg Blog - Happy Birthday - Make it stand out Apparently we sat long enough and were quiet enough that they decided to grace us with their presence. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/99e01c56-876e-4a4c-8780-81690496d7a9/tempImagewMNM2B.jpg Blog - Happy Birthday - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/daf2d1ad-81ab-43dd-8214-7a2bbc868208/tempImageslXVAe.jpg Blog - Happy Birthday - Make it stand out https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9607321e-4c0e-450d-b12b-fbc6bf9c1caf/tempImagec4gcYB.jpg Blog - Happy Birthday - Make it stand out They are such little cartoon characters in every way. From their comical beaks, quizzical expressions, and bright colored feet, to the funny way they hop and bob their heads while they walk. They are very entertaining to watch. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/77cfbf23-353e-41dc-be4c-77cc55ad12a7/tempImageAI4w6d.jpg Blog - Happy Birthday - Make it stand out Hey guys look, it’s Neil (a Jenny Colgan book reference)! In many ways it was like they knew they had to put on a show for these stupid humans, so they eventually got on with it. They were such little show-offs. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e739e06e-c5c9-4c0c-b0b1-6011127c1ace/tempImageyKVF5T.jpg Blog - Happy Birthday - Make it stand out Sadly, puffins are generally an endangered species. Apparently puffins around the coast of Maine are recovering reasonably well, but the Atlantic Puffin in the UK is still struggling. Puffins raise just a single chick per year. Overfishing often means healthy fish stocks are not available within a close enough distance from the colony. When the puffins cannot find food nearby, they are forced to abandon their chicks in search of food. Hopefully, we’ll do right by these little guys in the long term! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/646a65b4-77f6-43cd-9530-277af397df16/tempImagecKGpQc.jpg Blog - Happy Birthday - Make it stand out You really have to see how cute and funny they look when they fly, hop, walk, and interact with each other. Check ‘em out in this video here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xNQYMkuWu0M https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d88722e3-ccb8-43f1-a9cf-b86715fb1252/tempImagevVzkje.jpg Blog - Happy Birthday - Make it stand out Happy birthday Amanda! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f7ca0327-8cae-4808-858f-222732205ed4/tempImagenI9hJx.jpg Blog - Happy Birthday - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/21303308-b055-480d-88b1-1eff9b749f9f/tempImageXAhsoF.jpg Blog - Happy Birthday - Make it stand out The “stepping stones” where the basalt columns have fallen away. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6ebadaba-01f4-421c-b58c-0b26e95ac100/tempImageLfRH3K.jpg Blog - Happy Birthday - Make it stand out It’s a crazy-looking landscape. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/53aac55c-3dbe-4311-bd97-1bcf9a23de20/tempImageOZY3Xl.jpg Blog - Happy Birthday - Make it stand out Nice to be see Amanda’s birthday displayed when we entered the Seaview B&B in Fionnphort. We’re here for two nights and this is the only B&B we stay in during our trip. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6915da0b-9b9a-4ef4-847c-3e66ca51df4e/tempImageh0oBGx.jpg Blog - Happy Birthday - Make it stand out From Fionnphort, the sun sets over the Sound of Iona and Iona beyond. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0a8f2afd-7625-48c5-bf87-9f12626e6ecb/tempImageySlfgk.jpg Blog - Happy Birthday - Make it stand out A beautiful coda to a beautiful birthday celebration. We all love you so much Amanda! https://www.overthehillandacrossthepond.com/blog/bonnie-scotland monthly 0.5 2023-11-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f5cc10cd-4db2-4e54-93b3-2079a63a6b87/Screenshot+2023-06-23+at+5.23.20+PM.png Blog - Islay - Make it stand out Probably the only downside was they had no on-site parking. It’s only a four-minute walk from the nearby parking structure, but if it’s pouring rain, than that’s a l-o-n-g walk. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/03f3ac01-bdc1-435e-a3d9-6ca0f5f0c960/Screenshot+2023-06-23+at+5.38.34+PM.png Blog - Islay - Make it stand out The error message I received when I tired to download the NCP parking app. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6d24a8bc-d6c2-480d-9a45-2e0cea802285/tempImage9tLV3R.jpg Blog - Islay - Make it stand out A wee Scottish blessing. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d5262008-5f18-4b02-a793-a543f1ada6fc/Screenshot+2023-06-23+at+5.54.31+PM.png Blog - Islay - Make it stand out It rained most of the way, so there were low, wispy clouds hugging the mountain tops and vistas across mysterious blue-grey lochs at every turn. Loch Lomond (sing along: “…The Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond”), Loch Long, Loch Goal, and Loch Fyne. I guess the term “loch” is rather loosely applied in the west. Many of these “lakes” are in fact not lakes at all but long inlets off the North Atlantic Ocean. Whatever you call them, they are certainly majestic. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/282e96b8-7731-4512-a78c-94f2dee318e2/tempImage9s6n9X.jpg Blog - Islay - Make it stand out On the shores of Loch Fyne sits Inveraray Castle, the home to the Duke & Duchess of Argyll. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2e6d3e10-8d70-43a1-976d-868cfe08e191/tempImagehMa7ep.jpg Blog - Islay - Make it stand out To put that into more traditional Scottish terms, the family is part of Clan Campbell, and the castle rests squarely in Campbell lands. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4be4abc3-b546-4e7b-ac36-3347eb097f59/tempImageZDABSE.jpg Blog - Islay - Make it stand out I don’t know why I never put it together, but—yep!—one and the same. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6220bc0f-adf3-41e6-bc9e-a486cc9bb1bc/tempImageFkZ0zk.jpg Blog - Islay - Make it stand out Probably more importantly, it is where they filmed the 2012 Downton Abbey Christmas special (nearly every show worth its salt in the UK will do a Christmas special!). In the special, the family headed to the Scottish Highlands to stay at the fictional Duneagle Castle—which was actually Inveraray Castle. Above: Amanda and her beloved character Matthew Crawley (Dan Stevens). I much prefer him as Alexander Lemtov, the Lion of Love, in Eurovision. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/cf1b3dc4-a549-4d0a-9c2d-be5f9846c99b/tempImageDV50UJ.jpg Blog - Islay - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/faf3b4e0-b80e-4b78-8c68-a670d7b650cb/tempImageooPfXo.jpg Blog - Islay - Make it stand out The extravagant State Dining Room looked in the Downtown Abbey special much as it does here. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0dce55c5-2830-479a-b6e0-1506801aeb6f/tempImagegbOswD.jpg Blog - Islay - Make it stand out The elaborate painting throughout the room was completed in 1784 by two French artists Girard and Guinand, whose work only survives at Inveraray. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/edbf6643-f263-4843-bfae-73c4f82c3bd2/tempImageUXGT5v.jpg Blog - Islay - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a5bc157c-c790-480a-a3de-4e3019b466e3/tempImagewjpylO.jpg Blog - Islay - Make it stand out If you go back and watch, even the gold galleons were in the special. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2e24d585-6499-4226-9015-84514e6c60c9/tempImageKlOqZc.jpg Blog - Islay - Make it stand out The Tapestry Drawing Room, exquisitely decorated in the Parisian style and representing the most sophisticated tastes of the 1780s. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ebafc45c-5027-4919-9c35-3a84a6fcaa76/tempImagenUk2ao.jpg Blog - Islay - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3d845347-8da5-4eb2-a4d9-289eac6d716c/tempImagePW3did.jpg Blog - Islay - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d4f39a45-29ed-4f1f-a038-93e3d7f2e317/tempImageVxaNuJ.jpg Blog - Islay - Make it stand out The entrance to the China Turret from the Tapestry Drawing Room is ingeniously concealed by a pair of double doors covered with tapestry panels integrated into the design of the drawing room. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8591c5cc-3d52-4d4d-ad3d-ed514f84bf52/tempImagedD7Hnm.jpg Blog - Islay - Make it stand out Armory Hall https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/67eb6905-5f97-491c-bb4d-2d94b6e40ba1/tempImagefM2Lcv.jpg Blog - Islay - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7f029d3b-b06b-415a-b4a1-668e9a4e57f2/tempImageYRbVtr.jpg Blog - Islay - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/46734292-e36b-4d98-a39b-276b3d36885b/tempImage8D2JCH.jpg Blog - Islay - Make it stand out The old kitchen. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ecbd0d38-6d51-4f9a-9d96-41cd089e7da0/tempImageKmJAeL.jpg Blog - Islay - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f218d2c4-ac52-49c8-8762-2249a9dc1000/tempImage0Tnwgc.jpg Blog - Islay - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1c3ba291-b916-4b12-af43-324890066483/tempImageTdMnFq.jpg Blog - Islay - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/16568ae0-b000-4887-a79f-66c0ab128066/tempImagev2hCx0.jpg Blog - Islay - Make it stand out Stonefield Castle was built in 1837 in the Scottish baronial style. Like virtually everything else on this peninsula, the estate was owned by a Campbell. We’re not sure a house that is only 186 years old can truly qualify as a castle, but we’ll just accept their title because it suits our needs. You can see the castle’s location on the map below. While you’re there, you can pan to the left and see the island of Islay, where we’re headed tomorrow. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/04efad0b-52e5-4db1-8912-eb9a66093b1f/tempImage2RlFbB.jpg Blog - Islay - Make it stand out We had to leave our hotel in Glasgow this morning too early to have breakfast, so the moment we settled into our room at Stonefield Castle, we broke out the tea, biscuits, crumpets (remember we’re now the proud owners of a charity shop rescue toaster!), Scottish potato scones, and our new frother. Cue Young Sheldon—afternoon tea is served! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1f7ae905-49c4-424a-8391-f8a1fa6602ac/tempImageYmR8qJ.jpg Blog - Islay - Make it stand out After tea, I headed down to the bar and grabbed a dram of a peated Ardbeg whisky. Then it was off to one of the many lounge areas to find a quiet nook—such a deeply atmospheric place to read and enjoy a wee dram. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/14e8d9f2-f2e8-4137-9557-9f284a17a612/tempImageReHZiu.jpg Blog - Islay - Make it stand out The castle sits on the shores of Loch Fyne. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/92ca46b8-92e4-4477-b49b-ad8b9ed6f3e4/tempImageHPiXZH.jpg Blog - Islay - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/65ddf0fe-bcf2-4a66-a10b-730d5a136c7f/tempImageadyXYc.jpg Blog - Islay - Make it stand out The dining room with panoramic views across the forest and loch. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8b63fe19-5d51-4d0b-9e02-641cd84b61a4/tempImageNBL70T.jpg Blog - Islay - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/afff586b-ad5e-45a1-b25f-dccdf2f3f8a6/tempImageasRm66.jpg Blog - Islay - Make it stand out So bougie! We really don’t have the clothes with us to play the part properly, but the food was exquisite! It’s hard to tell, but there’s a fancy tart under all the frou-frou. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ebb47877-df28-4fd9-867b-5952315f21af/tempImageRnxZ8T.jpg Blog - Islay - Make it stand out Dessert https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/35cb33b2-061c-4f46-8a2f-b25de2796f13/tempImageaFOOQ8.jpg Blog - Islay - Make it stand out Waiting for our ship to come in at the Kennacraig Ferry Terminal. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c1ce5028-5c08-4e84-ae20-ad31b2d8d23e/tempImagesdeApX.jpg Blog - Islay - Make it stand out Lord of the Isles https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ba6df06d-631a-4833-b1ef-8294813ef4af/tempImagefpMPvU.jpg Blog - Islay - Make it stand out Nearly all of the ferries operating in the Western Isles are double-sided. We drove in the front, and when we arrived on the island, the captain used the contra-rotating propellers to spin the ship 180-degrees and then docked stern-first so the cars could drive straight off the stern of the vessel. Pretty impressive! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a99a0d1e-b9fa-4c62-9d76-959d4c473415/tempImager4Ipif.jpg Blog - Islay - Make it stand out The journey to Port Askaig Ferry Terminal took about and hour and a half. The mainland behind me. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/414ba35e-8c7b-4fb2-a0fe-8eb4595261c3/IMG_9936.jpg Blog - Islay - Make it stand out Finally out into the open channel. You can see from the dashed blue line to the right of our location circle, that the Kennacraig Ferry Terminal is pretty far up the inlet, so it takes a while to hit the open seas. It was actually a very pleasant day and smooth sailing the whole journey. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0658ec88-e255-4637-afdd-dbfb6b643407/tempImageDGEQZE.jpg Blog - Islay - Make it stand out Bunnahabhain, from Gaelic meaning “foot of the river,” on the northeast coast of Islay, is the name of the bay, the tiny village, and the distillery. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/32d8a862-d3eb-4872-9f26-6e2d9f02c1ed/tempImageX8p08U.jpg Blog - Islay - Make it stand out Such a beautiful setting at the northern tip of Islay. The hill in the distance is the neighboring island of Jura. The Sound of Islay is a narrow strait between the islands of Islay and Jura. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1afc641e-c411-411b-9586-5b849aba8393/tempImageiymfXK.jpg Blog - Islay - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0bf3f6ca-549b-4f8f-8e74-8e337c07089f/tempImagezr0Pby.jpg Blog - Islay - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/07caea92-19dc-4ff4-8bfa-37bcd3760bc0/tempImageQZylGi.jpg Blog - Islay - Make it stand out Don’t worry, we just stopped in Bunnahabhain and Ardnahoe to check out the merch, because you can only drink so much whisky in one day, and we had a tour scheduled at Laphroaig Distillery at 2:30. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c7e0599b-98b9-4f28-a155-4a0024557e28/tempImageR0oe83.jpg Blog - Islay - Make it stand out Jim McEwan MBE retired from the whisky industry in July 2015 after a prodigious career that began in 1963, and later saw his name become synonymous with both Islay and the Scotch whisky industry. Eighteen months after he retired, Jim took the position of Production Director of Ardnahoe, the first distillery to be built on Islay for more than a decade. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c8820d26-4f3a-45c9-b1c1-e7a477df0be1/tempImageoCywja.jpg Blog - Islay - Make it stand out Jim spent 38 years in a variety of roles at Bowore, the distillery he first joined as a 15-year-old apprentice cooper in 1963. During his career there, he worked in every aspect of the distillery, from warehousing and cellar master, to trainee blender, distillery manager, and Global Brand Ambassador. You can learn a lot more about Jim and Islay whisky by watching the documentary Scotch: A Golden Dream (2018). He was then Master Distiller at Bruichladdich Distillery for 15 years before retiring (well, kind of). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ca147e7c-b616-4e6f-a142-608ba7b97f96/tempImagesx5rxs.jpg Blog - Islay - Make it stand out On our drive down to Port Ellen, we passed this peat bog and stopped to check it out. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ebec5b39-6eff-46b6-89fc-d677a5cdc714/tempImageEAxrR9.jpg Blog - Islay - Make it stand out This is the real deal baby, carved from the earth one hand shovel full at a time. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/741f925b-27c9-42de-a092-c1edd1c31474/tempImagewRwZnn.jpg Blog - Islay - Make it stand out The seaweed, tar, and iodine so typical of Islay malts are partly due to decomposed marine vegetation and sea salt in the island's peat. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e23e9020-4d1d-471e-b2c6-02481c2737d3/tempImage7R8y4n.jpg Blog - Islay - Make it stand out The day may have started grey and rainy, but by the early afternoon, it transformed into a gorgeous summer day. And what commanding real estate Laphroaig owns! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/cd28c15a-c127-4357-b6d1-7adf49dee00c/tempImagev1dSFf.jpg Blog - Islay - Make it stand out If you’ve watched the documentary Scotch: A Golden Dream, then you’ll have seen Laphroaig. How Whisky is Made: Barley—The grain for making whisky. Harvested barley has a natural resistance to growth known as dormancy, so the seed must be tricked into thinking it’s spring, thus encouraging the barley to start to grow (germinate). Steeping—The barley is coaxed into growing by a series of immersions in warm water over the course of around two days; this process is known as steeping. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b236c4de-ffe5-44e9-91ec-17ad639ba5ac/tempImagezkgLp0.jpg Blog - Islay - Make it stand out Germination—After steeping, the grain is spread out evenly and encouraged to germinate. The “Green Malt” is turned regularly to keep the grains cool and separate. This ensures an even rate of growth. As the barley germinates, enzymes created turn the starch inside each grain into sugar. It is sugar that is needed later to make alcohol. The thermometer sticking up from the grain helps monitor the temperature of the grain and control growth. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/bacf9e14-a4ca-4d87-90c5-f360384d6e53/tempImageUW3ckG.jpg Blog - Islay - Make it stand out Laphroaig is one of only a handful of distilleries that still have their own malting floor and that turn the grains by hand. Note the sprouting of the grains. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/baf1cce7-fdec-4ea9-ab77-5154c421b500/0+Grain.jpg Blog - Islay - Make it stand out If you watched Men in Kilts S1:E1, the malting floor at Laphroaig should look very familiar! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1f22c170-be57-473a-b4db-1fd15fa96c5f/tempImageeL7aow.jpg Blog - Islay - Make it stand out After about six days on malting floor, the barley is all pushed down this hole in the floor. Kilning—To arrest germination, the “green malt” is dried by heating, a process known as kilning. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/53db97c3-32a9-41cb-ae91-8aea1dc1f5c8/tempImageVFEoYp.jpg Blog - Islay - Make it stand out What makes Islay whisky so unique is that is that during the kilning process, the barley is heated by peat fires. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/dfb7037f-5054-44ab-9191-0aac66fd99f4/tempImageeDfxgY.jpg Blog - Islay - Make it stand out All peat fires produce smoke, but the drier (and lighter) peat is used for heating while the wetter (much heavier) peat is used to produce an even more smoky fire. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f9390dd9-0d3b-44c2-a5f1-5bbea53fb6bd/tempImageLyaDII.jpg Blog - Islay - Make it stand out We visited on a Saturday and they don’t run their kilns on the weekends., which is too bad because you miss the peat fire smell in the air (believe me, you can still smell it though). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c429cbd6-af9a-48f1-a44f-b1289a1f47cf/tempImageTNShLY.jpg Blog - Islay - Make it stand out This fire is stacked and ready to go for Monday. When we visited the Jameson Distillery in Middleton, Ireland, they explained how they burn anthracite grains smokeless fuel so their barley does not acquire any smokey flavoring. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3c76cc7a-226d-4e48-9602-5f853ec2a043/tempImageBOZmHM.jpg Blog - Islay - Make it stand out The advantage of it being the weekend is you can actually go inside the kiln. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/44e6eedd-ee18-44e5-a4b0-cc860e57f0ff/tempImageLMqoxZ.jpg Blog - Islay - Make it stand out The “green (sprouted) malt” is spread across this highly perforated floor and the peat fire lit below. The heat arrests germination and reduces water content. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d0c2e51e-5ea5-4d49-bc84-0f2f5b0a8296/tempImagez8YH5X.jpg Blog - Islay - Make it stand out Of course the barley absorbs the smokinesses from the peat fire below. The slope of the kiln’s roof and fan are designed to create a low pressure area, drawing the smoke from the fire, through the grain, and then out from under the pagoda. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1e34c332-4f4d-4657-a77d-677a0ade09a2/tempImageT9kkIY.jpg Blog - Islay - Make it stand out A common feature of distilleries is the pagoda-style roofs over their kilns. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/31d31b24-5491-401c-aadd-df3d1ae634fa/tempImagewEmbs9.jpg Blog - Islay - Make it stand out Fermentation—The washback is a large container called a mash tun that can be thought of as the tea pot of the distillery. This is where yeast is added and all the alcohol finds its way into the whisky. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8a9587fb-57d6-438e-8aed-0a6cf97f7e75/tempImageJDJPns.jpg Blog - Islay - Make it stand out Fermentation continues for between 2 and 4 days. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/676137ba-c13e-4212-885e-e213d54129c2/tempImageflzXgv.jpg Blog - Islay - Make it stand out Distillation—To turn the wash into spirit, it needs to be distilled. Distillation is when a liquid is heated until boiling and the resulting vapors are collected. At Laphroaig, distilling is a two-stage process, as it is at the majority of distilleries in Scotland. You may recall from Jameson bottles that they are triple distilled. The lack of smoke and the triple distillation process makes Jameson a generally “smoother” spirit. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5b75b3ae-bd0e-46d2-a55b-5ef21f1901e4/tempImageMjgCA3.jpg Blog - Islay - Make it stand out The wash stills carry out the first distillation. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/690274cc-1912-47f1-9f17-a559e4a80183/tempImageyv9WcK.jpg Blog - Islay - Make it stand out The spirit stills carry out the second distillation. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/235ac4cf-a6fa-4c0e-9b56-38d4d99b7187/0+Stills+Landscape.jpg Blog - Islay - Make it stand out Sam Heughan and Graham McTavish visit Laphroaig’s stills on the Men in Kilts episode. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/df73090d-6eb6-42a1-8ff7-6de5dfa37856/tempImage4MTK3M.jpg Blog - Islay - Make it stand out Maturation—Then it’s off to mature in oak casks or barrels. Above are European sherry barrels, American oak bourbon barrels, and a quarter casket (which is an American barrel disassembled and reassembled into a smaller size to create greater wood contact and expedite the maturation process). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1115e2d9-f1f8-4e3d-be1e-50ca876e5e20/tempImageCAKH4D.jpg Blog - Islay - Make it stand out By law, to be considered whisky, the spirit must mature in the cask for a minimum of three years. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f0a25e1d-7731-4a5a-a857-45156bfa12ca/tempImageAAMhof.jpg Blog - Islay - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/cfa249e7-781d-45f8-a673-4ec2a22ebd00/tempImageiGQpDv.jpg Blog - Islay - Make it stand out Finally to the best part, the tasting. Amanda had Lore, Select, and Quarter Cask. Her favorite was the Select and she found the Quarter Cask a bit too sweet. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9c7edeed-cfe8-4b00-8d2d-7fb5b9387a2e/tempImageFxfupd.jpg Blog - Islay - Make it stand out I had Lore, Batch 11, and Batch 14. Maybe it’s all those years camping in the Boy Scouts, but I’ve found I really enjoyed the peaty (Batch 11) and smokey (Batch 14) offerings. If I had to pick, I would choose Batch 11. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1edcb3c2-e86b-4df2-bee7-3a9b8ad9d026/tempImageB6AmAk.jpg Blog - Islay - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/eaa16950-ea7e-4cde-951e-cd2916d77179/tempImageAlDsJh.jpg Blog - Islay - Make it stand out Blessed beyond measure not only to be here, but to be here with a great friend and to have been gifted with such a beautiful day! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/fed00d12-6c13-41a4-ae82-195e7c1cdc7e/0+Table.jpg Blog - Islay - Make it stand out A parting shot of Sam and Graham at Laphroaig. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/83b4d321-fa74-4bbb-b865-6d6661d49c2f/tempImageDrx2cx.jpg Blog - Islay - Make it stand out We stayed at the Islay Hotel in Port Ellen. You’re on a small island (and a touristy one at that), so this was not a cheap night (roughly $350), but we were talking to someone on the tour and his place sounded horrible. I’m glad we bit the bullet to ensure we stayed in a descent hotel—and the Islay Hotel was a great choice. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f3a978bb-d872-47b0-91a0-50470d1c2f4e/tempImagei3z53G.jpg Blog - Islay - Make it stand out Like I said, Saturday really turned into a beautiful day! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e622299a-a6ee-4ec8-8db1-4697899e980b/tempImageEuZX1Q.jpg Blog - Islay - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/37200033-400c-4ca2-8733-707c4635257c/tempImagepQL7tu.jpg Blog - Islay - Make it stand out The Islay Hotel is the taller white building with the tree dormer windows just left of center on the other side of the bay. Port Ellen is a really picturesque town. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e6d3ca37-4f0e-4849-b595-e925ed6370a5/tempImage5T4Eo6.jpg Blog - Islay - Make it stand out Dunyvaig Castle at the end of the peninsula from Lagavulin Distillery. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1687716322399-K60CNGUQ2OXP9FSO9VZF/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Islay - Make it stand out Unless we hiked out to the castle, there was no way to get a good shot of the distillery, so we’ll have to settle for the above stock image (which, let’s face it, is better than any photo I was going to take). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e0b8687d-e02f-4fa5-886f-bfbb328c26c9/tempImages7asmw.jpg Blog - Islay - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6522bb2c-ea7c-404e-a675-4e35c692dac1/tempImagePmBbAi.jpg Blog - Islay - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9124b48a-2a62-4110-9e27-85070112e7de/tempImagejoYLMr.jpg Blog - Islay - Make it stand out My Mary Poppins! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/dc52208d-5fc9-4a71-8e67-52f8b2dc73ef/tempImagenaWFE4.jpg Blog - Islay - Make it stand out We thought these were pretty clever. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a007bc42-861d-45c8-8e3f-bb1d2969fb55/tempImagedmJ3AZ.jpg Blog - Islay - Make it stand out Carved about 1,300 years ago, this is one of the finest and most complete early Christian crosses in Scotland. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c27d3116-9a71-41e7-8286-c8b1fd76a1f4/tempImagedpdaYj.jpg Blog - Islay - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9301eac6-bb51-459c-a797-754095a81834/tempImageTyZL6H.jpg Blog - Islay - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/96c079dd-5355-43e1-85e2-4f83eaadf9b7/tempImageA8Pnzm.jpg Blog - Islay - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6a833453-414b-4cc0-b9d0-74a24d6de3ad/tempImageSLzrNm.jpg Blog - Islay - Make it stand out We were getting attacked by Highland midges, so time to go… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/443d3779-aa42-42af-b803-91cd265374ba/tempImagepMr0nX.jpg Blog - Islay - Make it stand out Bowmore was closed, so we’ll just settle for a selfie and the stock image below. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1687717410557-BQU57S4F68750CLHRWS5/image-asset.jpeg Blog - Islay - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3087defd-f546-4ae9-8ff4-829a29163409/tempImageDuCtrJ.jpg Blog - Islay - Make it stand out On our way to the next distillery (Bruichladdich!), Amanda spotted this hydrangea bush in front of Bridgend Restaurant & Katie's Bar and we had to pull over to snap a shot. We’ve never seen one multicolored like this before. It was so beautiful! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/20427b66-70dd-478e-bc8a-4ac5c4486168/tempImageQMqKdw.jpg Blog - Islay - Make it stand out Amanda was in hydrangea heaven! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/92f2cbb1-9229-4ad4-b5fd-ed5597232b25/tempImagerz1esS.jpg Blog - Islay - Make it stand out Wow! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b9409e4c-60ab-477a-aa55-fb3aff10fd82/tempImage2mJ8SH.jpg Blog - Islay - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5b5f0c1f-228f-4084-ba64-ebd27c7a25a7/tempImagesX05fL.jpg Blog - Islay - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c1a03a4f-831f-4fa7-ad41-1f7cf9ecb7f0/tempImagehfGamx.jpg Blog - Islay - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2cb4bd1e-3e85-488e-8d47-cc43c620828e/tempImageb1pIX3.jpg Blog - Islay - Make it stand out In 2001, the owners of Bruichladdich were flying to Islay and— noticing the color of the shallow water around the island on a sunny day—decided to adopt that blue as their branded color. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1bbd41ba-17f1-4c1f-a489-5190906178d9/tempImagewTc15n.jpg Blog - Islay - Make it stand out Bruichladdich is a very old distillery and this massive belt-driven milling machine shows how in many ways they still produce their whisky as they did back in 1881. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d4f2161c-86fe-4556-a74c-0ebe53fbca6f/tempImageO3tEeA.jpg Blog - Islay - Make it stand out This open-top cast-iron mash ton is a rarity in the industry. The ground malt (grist) enters the tank from the copper pipe at the top of the photo. Temperature-controlled water is added and removed in order to extract the fermentable liquid, known as wort, from the mash. Every single bottle of Bruichladdich ever made has spent time in this ton. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0934254f-5cf6-4b31-8898-48fbdec989de/tempImageozyFTh.jpg Blog - Islay - Make it stand out Ugly Betty is an old Lomond Still they converted for making The Botanist Islay Dry Gin. Whereas whisky will not be ready for three years at the very soonest, gin is ready for consumption immediately following distillation. Making and selling gin allows Bruichladdich the opportunity to make money in the short-term while their whisky matures. Did you happen to the notice the “Bruichladder” in this photo? Scroll back up and take a look. So funny! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4deea6b5-731c-42a4-9a8d-8d74042c3087/tempImageQLUfL8.jpg Blog - Islay - Make it stand out Bruichladdich essentially steeps these 22 locally foraged botanicals in their gin before distillation. As the vapors make their way up the neck, they pass through the large cylinder at the top, which adds specific botanicals to that batch. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/488ab3e9-143f-48d4-993a-3773454bce77/tempImageD1jb5q.jpg Blog - Islay - Make it stand out The original design of the Bruichladdich stills with taller, narrower necks, still in use today, help to produce a slightly more viscous (oily) whisky. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/42391827-deb6-497e-ae14-75a064e0c226/tempImage3U0Y6A.jpg Blog - Islay - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ff7c5b4a-4156-40d2-bd7e-6050d176ed88/tempImagef7chpb.jpg Blog - Islay - Make it stand out The Spirit Safe where they separate and test the “head, heart, and tail” of the whisky. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/dabed7e9-3c32-4f31-ab90-30e1666d7512/tempImageWikxEL.jpg Blog - Islay - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/527e229c-bdff-427f-b14a-97b185d255db/tempImagecww3FG.jpg Blog - Islay - Make it stand out In Scotland, “traditional” often means dunnage warehouses, with barrels stacked no more than three high. These single-floor warehouses, with earthen floors and stone walls, regulate temperature and humidity naturally. In a country with minimal seasonal variance, the climate inside the warehouse remains consistent, which allows for slower, longer aging. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/833162e1-8478-47ca-9ccf-16c9357f9524/tempImagec2vp90.jpg Blog - Islay - Make it stand out 34 years and counting! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/64cf38ab-c5ee-43a0-8a80-c9a4a86efc0d/tempImageZvZtR4.jpg Blog - Islay - Make it stand out 16 years ain’t bad. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a17a6bcc-934f-43e4-8720-d7fb038193bc/tempImageJPURl4.jpg Blog - Islay - Make it stand out This cask had a former life holding Jim Beam bourbon whiskey in Clermont, Kentucky before coming to Islay. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/da8238f5-6ac4-43eb-8fbc-293f2bfcd6e6/tempImageg60KJm.jpg Blog - Islay - Make it stand out At the end of the tour we tasted their festival whisky, a Port Charlotte, and an Octomore. We learned they have a trick with their naming convention: a Bruichladdich label will be unpeated, Port Charlotte (the port nearest Bruichladdich) will be heavily peated, and Octomore will be super heavily peated (137.3 ppm). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/85ba67a2-e028-44b8-beeb-94f0b67bfebc/tempImageCD1AuE.jpg Blog - Islay - Make it stand out We met the two Chinese men during our Laphroaig tour. We saw them again before this tour and chatted for a bit. Apparently the guy on the right is the owner and the guy on the left the distiller (Wu Hao perhaps?) for Lanzhou Distillery in Shanghai, China. It’s a nascent market, so perhaps one day we’ll be able to say we met them when they were on the verge of introducing Chinese whisky. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a33db84c-92e7-4b78-b4f2-0a0a94cbbb9e/tempImagejVSee8.jpg Blog - Islay - Make it stand out Apparently the house of the right belongs to Jim McEwan. It’s literally the house closest to Bruichladdich. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d18b5972-fa27-4332-a0ff-1e542f009075/tempImagessrhTe.jpg Blog - Islay - Make it stand out Before catching our ferry back to the mainland, we stepped across the street from Bruichladdich and had lunch looking over Loch Indaal toward Bowmore Distillery on the opposite shore. What a beautifully perfect day! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7a35541e-2fb2-43ea-be01-91a16c8f3d4f/IMG_0093+copy.jpg Blog - Islay - Make it stand out Looking toward Bruichladdich. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/28a0dd59-923d-4a87-a5bd-99496a22df7c/tempImageor6Csb.jpg Blog - Islay - Make it stand out Back on the ferry at Port Askaig (Islay) headed toward the Kennacraig Ferry Terminal on the mainland. We’ve known for some time that this would be a long day. Our ferry did not leave until 6 pm and arrived back in Kennacraig at 7:30 pm. Ultimately we were not on the highway again until 8 pm. Google maps estimated our arrival time at our hotel in Oban as 9:30 pm. Fortunately, the roads were empty and the drive was gloriously beautiful. We knew the Scottish Highlands would be amazing, but nothing prepared us for the lush forests of deep green, the grandness of the topography, and the setting sun sparkling across loch after loch. We expected Ireland—the Emerald Isle—to be the greenest place on our itinerary, but the Highlands beat Ireland hands down. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/fe90362f-babe-4657-9e5c-4702a65533c2/Badger.jpg Blog - Islay - Make it stand out We were the only car driving through the forest when we suddenly saw a badger pop up from the right shoulder! He took one look at us and scurried back into the vegetation. Neither of us have ever seen a badger before. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2a737164-a1a7-48a8-bd0d-5ee1176cd267/fox-flickr-adrian-coleman.jpg Blog - Islay - Make it stand out As if the badger wasn’t enough, a few minutes later, a fox appeared out of the vegetation on our side of the highway before quickly disappearing again. https://www.overthehillandacrossthepond.com/blog/glasgow monthly 0.5 2023-11-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8ab7da2d-7f1c-4021-923c-19cca893a6ec/tempImagebunNct.jpg Blog - Glasgow - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7dc4a8d9-ead7-4a5f-af7c-5872e878dbf3/Glasgowc.jpg Blog - Glasgow - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3714fc5c-054e-4420-b6b4-253310cfbeda/tempImageS942kr.jpg Blog - Glasgow - Make it stand out The apartments are situated within this beautiful Edwardian building that was formerly the headquarters of the Anchor Line Shipping Company (a transatlantic passenger service founded in 1855). We have the smallest-sized room, what we would call a studio. Native prefers the more sophisticated sounding French term pied-à-terre—meaning a small living unit, e.g., apartment or condominium, often located in a large city and not used as an individual's primary residence. We do have a small kitchen which has really come in handy and ultimately saved us money. Here is a quick video tour of our “home” in Glasgow: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lQgtjNPV0Sw https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/477733bb-0e33-4cf7-b829-ff5a0145af7a/tempImagesDnXvC.jpg Blog - Glasgow - Make it stand out The equestrian statue of the Duke of Wellington, located outside the the Gallery of Modern Art in Royal Exchange Square, is one of Glasgow's most iconic landmarks. Since at least the 1980s it has been traditionally capped with a traffic cone by members of the public. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/746fa7ef-8d06-44d3-8ae8-b1b90e9170d1/tempImageu96E2P.jpg Blog - Glasgow - Make it stand out Funky architecture https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/befa93ef-99bb-4361-bcfe-6f724832e8b0/tempImageIDsIBD.jpg Blog - Glasgow - Make it stand out Australian-born mural artist Sam Bates, better known as Smug, came to live in Glasgow some 20 years ago and he’s been leaving his mark on the city ever since. His distinctive style has been praised for its hyperrealism by Glaswegians as well as his choice of subjects. His most famous piece depicts a modern day St Mungo—Glasgow’s patron Saint. Above is called Saint Mungo by Smug. In the mural, St Mungo is depicted with a robin, in reference to the pet robin of St Serf which was brought back to a life by St Mungo after being accidentally killed. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ba05ea49-740d-4fed-b8db-d1299faedf31/tempImagePqIEDD.jpg Blog - Glasgow - Make it stand out St Enoch and Child by Smug. This time Smug depicted St Mungo as a young child being breastfeed by his mother St Enoch. The robin is once again featured in the mural. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/095b4f93-4214-408b-9b22-6938bbcea62a/tempImageD1Q4LJ.jpg Blog - Glasgow - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/549fbf28-9d75-4926-9dcc-547d69ab73c5/tempImageRuweWr.jpg Blog - Glasgow - Make it stand out This long mural was commissioned by Glasgow City Council to celebrate some of the wildlife that you will see in Glasgow’s green spaces, such as squirrels, foxes, and highland cows. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f811b396-07a4-4111-b437-2c4aef574479/tempImage2v4urm.jpg Blog - Glasgow - Make it stand out A badger and Highland coo. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/994839b8-d554-475c-8ca6-eb68a004d199/tempImagedaLFzC.jpg Blog - Glasgow - Make it stand out May be the only hedgehog we see. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/614eacce-e4ee-4dab-9bef-518fbf342c76/tempImageiZo0D9.jpg Blog - Glasgow - Make it stand out The entire piece is named Fellow Glasgow Residents and it was completed by Smug. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7a193332-bf82-446f-9eb7-3decccb5cc3f/tempImagezTGs07.jpg Blog - Glasgow - Make it stand out The entire piece appears to be bursting through the wall. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/99dfd184-ffb5-4485-82f6-626ef1f434e5/tempImagejYk1E6.jpg Blog - Glasgow - Make it stand out Honey…I Shrunk The Kids by Smug https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6194feae-0fa7-4eeb-8fe8-6e981f89d98e/tempImagepJLDif.jpg Blog - Glasgow - Make it stand out Look out dude!! If you search “Smug Glasgow” and click on Images, you can see even more amazing Smug works. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/58b16699-6fcf-448f-b04a-a3602de2458c/tempImage3P3hpH.jpg Blog - Glasgow - Make it stand out The World’s Most Economical Taxi by Rogue-One. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/17ad9ee8-05c7-4f8e-a549-cd670b9a26c8/tempImageqnMLzk.jpg Blog - Glasgow - Make it stand out Wind Power by Rogue-One. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/eb6edd28-8985-424f-b2cd-e9168fbdffef/tempImage8C4GJD.jpg Blog - Glasgow - Make it stand out There are three murals at Strathclyde University in Glasgow (Strathclyde is an older regional reference to the southwest part of Scotland, which included Glasgow.) The Land-Ship (above) was a mock up navigation bridge on the roof of the School of Navigation in the Royal College, used to teach the principles of compass adjustment. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/22d8792d-b478-4b1c-ad1f-5d4d0ddaa5b8/tempImageQTmdND.jpg Blog - Glasgow - Make it stand out The Dansken equatorial telescope was once used by the university to teach nautical astronomy. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c067f909-ff48-4ece-85bc-4876fb11960d/tempImageZumU83.jpg Blog - Glasgow - Make it stand out The 7-story-tall Wonderwall celebrates the people of the University of Strathclyde and their many significant achievements. All three projects were completed by Art Pistol, Rogue-One, and Ejek. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3d513e46-bf08-4820-a82d-215d63f189fa/tempImageofrpIw.jpg Blog - Glasgow - Make it stand out I’ve been looking for old police boxes since we arrived in the UK and found none. Suddenly, here in Glasgow, we’ve seen three. Of course, none of these are still being used for their original purpose (the one above appears to be unused). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/af0e184f-1264-4795-9c4a-62653cd01f07/IMG_9773+copy.jpg Blog - Glasgow - Make it stand out The first public police telephones in Britain appeared in Glasgow in 1891. These tall, hexagonal, cast-iron boxes (above) were painted red and had large gas lanterns fixed to the roof, as well as a mechanism which enabled the central police station to light the lanterns as signals to police officers in the vicinity to call the station for instructions. These were known as the "Glasgow Style Police Signal Box System.” Trusted public officials also had keys to use the telephone in emergencies. A special key that was registered to them would remain trapped in the lock until released by a master key carried by a policeman. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/bbff0582-f42f-46d8-8185-bd7a82051bd5/IMG_9777+copy.jpg Blog - Glasgow - Make it stand out A newer, rectangular type of cast-iron police box was introduced in Glasgow in 1912, but with the signal light powered by electricity rather than gas, and access to the telephone restricted solely to the police. Between 1933 and 1938, over three hundred of a newer rectangular Police Signal Boxes were erected throughout the city. Beat officers would report on/off duty from the boxes and the public could communicate with the local Police office in an emergency. Police pillars were also erected where space for a box was restricted. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2e7c5d5f-f7c8-483d-a894-e56fda7e05f8/tempImagegxjCYq.jpg Blog - Glasgow - Make it stand out The typical British police box contained a telephone linked directly to the local police station, allowing patrolling officers to keep in contact with the station, reporting anything unusual, or requesting help if necessary. In the newer boxes, a light on top of the box would flash to alert an officer that they were requested to contact the station. The mini waffle merchant above still has an operational blue light! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3b098c1d-8d40-42d1-ace8-2cdc4b1e3a96/tempImageIRz7OU.jpg Blog - Glasgow - Make it stand out The boxes evolved to include a small door with a phone inside that would connect any member of the public the the police. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/427f57af-8d8a-481c-b5ef-9951508e3da6/tempImagemy49sr.jpg Blog - Glasgow - Make it stand out Police boxes were usually blue, with the most notable exception being Glasgow, where they were red until the late 1960s (go figure, every box we’ve seen in Glasgow has been blue). The one above is a mini coffee shop. In addition to a telephone, they contained equipment such as an incident book, a fire extinguisher, and a first aid kit. Of course, the blue police box is most often associated with Doctor Who’s "Time And Relative Dimension In Space" (TARDIS) hybrid time machine/spacecraft disguised as a British police box. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/11153f67-2b12-4927-aa75-4ee647abdea4/tempImageNFwfBe.jpg Blog - Glasgow - Make it stand out Finally, on Thursday (Jun 22), Amanda found a red box—ironically selling CBD edibles. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/23be71c1-49cd-45cf-b8ec-b1b9878ac1d6/tempImageqoem8j.jpg Blog - Glasgow - Make it stand out Found one more on our last night out on the town…that makes five! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/fe7e0796-d8df-4630-aa7b-ba78c537613e/tempImageFKX2KP.jpg Blog - Glasgow - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/70dfa3c5-c424-4553-b0b3-4c4d874f5f0e/tempImage78Vnb9.jpg Blog - Glasgow - Make it stand out Glasgow Cathedral sits on Cathedral Square below the Necropolis. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/feeb6a46-5100-441c-b8cf-e539aceb6248/tempImageVkCgyT.jpg Blog - Glasgow - Make it stand out From the cathedral, the dead were placed in a carriage and carried across Molendinar ravine and taken to the Necropolis. The Bridge of Sighs over the ravine has been described as “the separation between time and eternity.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/edb2d5f4-9d22-412d-8ae4-e8cb0dfc6429/tempImage95uqry.jpg Blog - Glasgow - Make it stand out Entrance to the Necropolis, just over the bridge. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5693dca7-e91b-4b03-9744-8cabb804e97f/tempImagekHETRp.jpg Blog - Glasgow - Make it stand out This imposing 70 foot John Knox Monument predates the Necropolis and is capped with a 12 foot statue of the brutal Reformationist and founder of the Presbyterian Church of Scotland in his Geneva gown clutching a bible in his right hand. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a551b336-fedd-4ae8-8685-413767c0e11d/tempImageMnaXpy.jpg Blog - Glasgow - Make it stand out From the Necropolis looking down over Glasgow Cathedral. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/dfdc93e2-3e2e-407c-9d96-74e3deacc193/tempImageknMXHX.jpg Blog - Glasgow - Make it stand out Workers taking a break on the cathedral roof. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a0e3d7a5-34c2-41e9-9792-764070c2054e/tempImageUiMgUM.jpg Blog - Glasgow - Make it stand out Certainly not the cityscape of Edinburgh, but it’s still a beautiful day. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b2c31af1-ce3f-4d4d-90e6-00f4c207dcec/tempImageQpnYvI.jpg Blog - Glasgow - Make it stand out Amazing Celtic cross featuring lions. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c58ce62a-fb8a-4a41-a844-9709a0437b0f/tempImage9xZNqs.jpg Blog - Glasgow - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/89f0bf9b-1d30-4f96-8380-2b164ccf99ba/tempImageX0iXtI.jpg Blog - Glasgow - Make it stand out I love the finery of Celtic crosses. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5cf36f65-d9b9-4a28-ac06-131139b4751f/tempImageKs1D0P.jpg Blog - Glasgow - Make it stand out A beautifully detailed cross with an amazing Celtic Knot in the middle. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/25e92c28-a0c1-4877-8b13-e92191fc94ff/tempImageWQxfxS.jpg Blog - Glasgow - Make it stand out We both really loved this contemplative angel. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a3d687ae-5172-4570-b2fe-8bfb4c9e76df/tempImageUCHq52.jpg Blog - Glasgow - Make it stand out My buddy John in the background. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0c2c24d6-cc9e-4cc3-b88d-7a8890d113c6/tempImageGOEbhz.jpg Blog - Glasgow - Make it stand out A beautifully unique monument. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9041c05f-a588-45ea-8e86-cb4b29f048a5/tempImageIheHPW.jpg Blog - Glasgow - Make it stand out William Wallace Monument at the foot of the Necropolis. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/fe2fdbe8-0776-4ee5-9ae8-b3aca44601ff/tempImageFGJ1I4.jpg Blog - Glasgow - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/dd469732-f986-4408-99aa-e44e6290fb62/tempImagecJHpfw.jpg Blog - Glasgow - Make it stand out Glasgow Cathedral in the background. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/bd83edb1-83dd-4d22-ae23-6de42af18df4/tempImagePXqDoA.jpg Blog - Glasgow - Make it stand out On Thursday (Jun 22) I visited the Glasgow Police Museum, and met museum curator Alastair Dinsmor MBE, a retired member of the Glasgow Police. I was very interested to learn that Glasgow was the first police force in the UK. Established in 1800, the Glasgow Police Department predates—by nearly three decades—the London Metropolitan Police Service founded in 1829 by Home Secretary Sir Robert Peel. Peel is considered the “father of modern policing,” but we need to rethink that idea. Glasgow also had the first detectives in the UK. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3dfdebbf-5514-4348-bc7d-b1b98481b0c2/tempImageKwy7Sg.jpg Blog - Glasgow - Make it stand out Long before a police siren was ever heard, you knew the constable on patrol (COP) was coming because you heard their clappers or rattles. How crazy is that! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/45d48b29-f9c6-4a58-9822-2573ed78b207/tempImage4QCUKc.jpg Blog - Glasgow - Make it stand out The whistle eventually replaced the clapper and baby rattle. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/363b3f34-1e18-4010-863f-f30dffc0cad0/tempImagePQ8EMq.jpg Blog - Glasgow - Make it stand out Police pistol from c.1860 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a10b03f2-59d4-4128-b56a-7acb4165c0f7/tempImageWdUTKM.jpg Blog - Glasgow - Make it stand out Handcuffs from the 1800s. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/fd22b79c-5fde-444e-bab5-fd2c3cc625e7/tempImagecPKhFI.jpg Blog - Glasgow - Make it stand out And we sometimes think our flashlights suck! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b754633b-62a1-4e2f-863b-f8073512c443/tempImagedUqxiQ.jpg Blog - Glasgow - Make it stand out Police in the UK do not typically have badges the way they do in the USA. Instead, the car “warrant cards.” Before warrant cards, the baton was your official ID. The crown symbolized that the bearer had the authority of the monarch to carry out his duties. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1698df24-54d5-40be-92d5-44628a1057fe/tempImagew6WfWV.jpg Blog - Glasgow - Make it stand out Non-uniformed officers could not carry a baton around so they were issued a “tipstaff” to act as a symbol of their authority. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/60c34c88-c367-4216-974b-37b60e2406df/tempImageYonTsI.jpg Blog - Glasgow - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4109d0bf-7722-4690-8c78-2d65f2d915a6/tempImageUCrsct.jpg Blog - Glasgow - Make it stand out A “receive only” radio set from inside a UK-made “Alvis” brand patrol car c. 1937. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/81a5a7fa-72be-436d-a3df-c0b25456cbf6/tempImageZvQTGr.jpg Blog - Glasgow - Make it stand out Somehow the museum managed to obtain the Stone of Destiny movie prop from the 2008 film The Stone of Destiny. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e2833935-346e-487c-88a0-302010519946/tempImageiZ9e4a.jpg Blog - Glasgow - Make it stand out The museum has an absolutely astonishing collection of uniforms, patches, hats, and uniform insignia from all over the globe. They rotate through the USA police uniforms, but did have a few familiar items currently on display. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a502dc12-a052-49d9-8e0c-9484957e2741/tempImageX1rQMK.jpg Blog - Glasgow - Make it stand out If you’re wondering, the ID on the real badge is 13205 and on the flat badge its 12007. I agreed to send him Air Operations wings pins after I return home. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/829cc1dc-8c9f-4611-96cb-140a9183298e/tempImagew0uU4Y.jpg Blog - Glasgow - Make it stand out The most astonishing item in the collection was a police cap from North Korea. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/58f44b0b-52de-4b93-a0d7-82ff213c985d/tempImageACbVCT.jpg Blog - Glasgow - Make it stand out He also had some insignia from North Korea. Apparently a trader from China had secured the items and traded them to him for the museum. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/92ceb42c-1410-4ab6-8da1-adf349d91d62/tempImageWbN0k1.jpg Blog - Glasgow - Make it stand out Looking up at the ceiling at just one of the many bars inside. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/819e1f3f-895b-4cbd-ad0a-d58bf354326e/tempImageKu6CoW.jpg Blog - Glasgow - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/eddd42d5-c5f7-4b9f-bdba-0b30803f9000/tempImage6y3jat.jpg Blog - Glasgow - Make it stand out Amazing vegan shepherd’s pie and Caesar salad. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c9496fb5-f115-41a6-8f31-bde090825bb8/tempImagexUj6mh.jpg Blog - Glasgow - Make it stand out The pub is sometimes a rabbit warren. The interior is a maze of seating across three levels that are then split into sub levels, with seating everywhere. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2ac96408-3c46-4c93-ae99-bfff6cd07330/tempImage5yvqpd.jpg Blog - Glasgow - Make it stand out Its cavernous inside, and half of the fun is finding the perfect spot to settle into. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/18d77f09-312e-4ebb-904c-8f5d71483538/tempImagerzHqMb.jpg Blog - Glasgow - Make it stand out The tree motif adds to the fun, underground atmosphere. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/adb80a78-19ed-4691-afda-a3436c5d6481/tempImageDb1Ztf.jpg Blog - Glasgow - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9f987572-dd8f-4dc5-9790-a7f5107214ad/tempImage1umwXg.jpg Blog - Glasgow - Make it stand out It was a great way to spent our final night in this great city. Cheers Glasgow! Tomorrow (Friday) we head north and into the Western Isles. We cannot wait! Islay is on Saturday! https://www.overthehillandacrossthepond.com/blog/scotland monthly 0.5 2023-11-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/98fd9180-a277-4721-b151-76c8595ce3a0/tempImageQ67IQp.jpg Blog - Scotland! - Make it stand out On M6. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/39d457c6-b741-461c-bfbd-b0031c32ffe8/tempImageP0vWxp.jpg Blog - Scotland! - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/70471a3d-bc7d-458d-b7c0-0130d3842836/tempImagef7bSzu.jpg Blog - Scotland! - Make it stand out We thought it would be fun to spend a night at Greta Hall Hotel, as it is possibly the oldest hotel to spring up for the purpose of facilitating quick marriage ceremonies (well, two nights as it turned out). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f16bc6bb-afd5-4369-8735-001aee9d4b76/tempImagepadOnk.jpg Blog - Scotland! - Make it stand out We arrived at the hotel on a Saturday, so as we pulled into the parking lot, a wedding party was busy taking pictures in the garden (above). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5ab63c24-f065-4a11-8c97-931b00a2f395/tempImagehBcRkb.jpg Blog - Scotland! - Make it stand out At the same time, this bride was being escorted to her wedding ceremony presumably by her son. At least two other ceremonies took place later that afternoon. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/98f39fcc-b969-46d9-94f7-199eb59188bc/tempImageMQV4RF.jpg Blog - Scotland! - Make it stand out The tradition of the blacksmith sealing the marriage by striking his anvil led to the Gretna blacksmiths becoming known as “anvil priests.” Indeed the blacksmith and his anvil are now symbols of Gretna Green weddings. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8950432e-97de-4ca7-b90a-18dca2302437/tempImageC4bRFf.jpg Blog - Scotland! - Make it stand out Gretna Green’s famous Blacksmiths Shop, the Old Smithy, where lovers have come to marry since 1754, is still in the village and still a wedding venue. Amanda is standing by the original anvil. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c09bc316-018e-4ccd-a39f-e24295972923/tempImagem51EDH.jpg Blog - Scotland! - Make it stand out There are now several wedding venues in Gretna Green, but marriage ceremonies are always performed over a blacksmith’s anvil. Here’s a video from inside the blacksmith’s shop: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oEl85DyzB_o https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d8f6c791-a45b-49f9-9e37-00da0a116a3b/tempImageCdsgYj.jpg Blog - Scotland! - Make it stand out We stayed two nights at Gretna Hall, a former manor house and coaching inn, that was leased by the anvil priest John Linton in 1825. He successfully advertised it for men and women of gentility and social prominence, and it soon became the favoured spot for aristocratic weddings. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a255d190-b2f7-4c44-804a-9b3e54b1378e/tempImaget6y9wn.jpg Blog - Scotland! - Make it stand out Handfasting has been part of wedding history in the UK since medieval times and is a symbolic way for people to commit to each other. Their hands would be bound together with rope, ribbon, or cord—so beginning the phrase “tying the knot.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5d87798a-9b89-4217-9f25-52683a22ce30/tempImageksWgTQ.jpg Blog - Scotland! - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a66d725d-2037-4a7a-af20-2d128738b1e7/tempImageL98ibA.jpg Blog - Scotland! - Make it stand out The Scottish Thistle is the oldest recorded “National Flower” and is probably one of the most well-known, and easily recognized symbols of Scotland. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/fdb22e82-e122-4441-8601-7ca9677514ec/tempImageDZlEdR.jpg Blog - Scotland! - Make it stand out Engraved “love” padlocks on a LOVE monument. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d2935daf-3329-47b7-b415-c86edeb57c04/tempImagezjrIfy.jpg Blog - Scotland! - Make it stand out The wall became the northernmost part of the Roman Empire until Emperor Constantine III, withdrew virtually the whole of the Roman army from Britain around AD 409. When the Romans left, the Anglo Saxons settled in Britain and ruled until the Vikings from Scandanavia made their way across the sea to invade and settle in Britain in AD 793. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/eae1822d-d749-44c8-9831-f53fcd5b149a/tempImageN0YY6d.jpg Blog - Scotland! - Make it stand out Housesteads is one of 16 permanent bases along Hadrian's Wall. Nearly 2,000 years ago, 800 soldiers were living and working at Housesteads. There was a large barracks block, hospital, commander's house, granaries, and a communal toilet. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2470a40b-20d3-4228-a2f7-e8cdaca39a57/tempImageIKkPcf.jpg Blog - Scotland! - Make it stand out Hadrian’s Wall at Housesteads. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/dd7b529a-5700-468c-87d6-ad1ddfa12afb/tempImageZtC3u2.jpg Blog - Scotland! - Make it stand out Looking east. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ad03d825-2d12-4491-b3d5-1e10f36e6428/tempImageCxwqsE.jpg Blog - Scotland! - Make it stand out This is the largely intact communal toilet for the soldiers. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/909d7165-1178-4c8a-9a2a-e92202a9d659/tempImageNSaBP6.jpg Blog - Scotland! - Make it stand out The most disturbing part of this image are the lollipoops. Here a quick video overlooking Housesteads: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lzs652S66Bw https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4c971e0f-3d67-4485-b506-a4ceaa5c4094/tempImagerJEM67.jpg Blog - Scotland! - Make it stand out The vast Vindolanda archaeological site is just down the road from Housesteads. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b39f644e-1056-4e96-9090-f314e6bebb1a/tempImageFA2qQI.jpg Blog - Scotland! - Make it stand out At Vindolanda, a Roman street lined with barracks on either side. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/09dc4d41-ec0b-4a60-8192-3e8f4eee0b23/tempImage1qVlJZ.jpg Blog - Scotland! - Make it stand out The small table-looking object marks where the remains of a 9-11 year old child was discovered in an unmarked grave dug through the corner of this barrack room. The child was buried after cAD 213. Because it was illegal to do so, the burial was likely done to cover a criminal act. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e2522fd9-5a31-43c0-b187-dadd98c67900/tempImageNZpzWH.jpg Blog - Scotland! - Make it stand out The original Roman road leading through the west gate and into the fort. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/cde36fbe-3484-49bd-9c6f-38c36104aab8/tempImagexBK3tC.jpg Blog - Scotland! - Make it stand out How the west gate would have looked during the height of Roman occupation. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/949c93a0-2e31-4292-8202-3e381414f4fb/tempImageu5g5ob.jpg Blog - Scotland! - Make it stand out A tavern located just outside the west gate. The tavern was highlighted by English historian Alice Loxton @history_alice on Instagram. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/025b783e-2fa1-4e61-8bc3-5f9745d332ce/tempImagefP3Ukj.jpg Blog - Scotland! - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8e7a0e46-e26f-4c5e-95f3-ff2de8423095/tempImagecs61Cf.jpg Blog - Scotland! - Make it stand out Our third and final stop along Hadrian’s Wall was to visit the famous Sycamore Gap Tree. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2717ddb9-8a72-4f0d-9926-ce9408cfbcbd/tempImageG0rMMr.jpg Blog - Scotland! - Make it stand out Walking along the England side of Hadrian’s Wall. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6abe873b-063a-4866-8025-5e9bd79c5116/tempImagecW1IKa.jpg Blog - Scotland! - Make it stand out Looking down on Milecastle 39. In the absence of a major fort, the Romans built small forts (mile castles) approximately every mile along the 84-mile-long wall. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2849f393-eb4f-45e9-8563-755d661878a2/tempImagevufjUc.jpg Blog - Scotland! - Make it stand out The Sycamore Gap Tree is a sycamore tree standing next to Hadrian's Wall near Crag Lough in Northumberland, England. It is located in a dramatic dip in the landscape and is a popular photographic subject, described as one of the most photographed trees in the country. It is sometimes called the Robin Hood Tree after its staring role in the 1991 Kevin Costner, Morgan Freeman, and Alan Rickman film Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/20749ddf-8e59-4be7-8cf2-ae1b774e8a65/tempImageYGXmoC.jpg Blog - Scotland! - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/29d7672a-e2b9-438f-9f83-e1dc11ff7efb/tempImagelWHMzN.jpg Blog - Scotland! - Make it stand out Magnificent and majestic! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/01955026-993b-440c-91a3-0547798cad63/tempImageUm6SBn.jpg Blog - Scotland! - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5badf3f3-22d0-4bf3-92c8-ec3eb99442c4/tempImage5yZgwN.jpg Blog - Scotland! - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f452b47e-ae4c-4f27-aa78-465b65f32a53/tempImageBNOwjc.jpg Blog - Scotland! - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f39613c7-f9fc-4297-acfb-f99093196eec/tempImage9xDsXX.jpg Blog - Scotland! - Make it stand out But before we get to those two, here’s one for all you Lord of the Rings fans, we ran across the restaurant in Dumfries. For elevenses, Winnie-the-Pooh preferred honey on bread with condensed milk. Paddington Bear often took elevenses at the antique shop on Portobello Road run by his friend Mr Gruber, for which Paddington would buy buns and Mr Gruber would make hot chocolate. In The Lord of the Rings, a party is implied to be particularly lavish in that food was served "continuously from elevenses until six-thirty." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/27f2bb05-9856-4617-a2cf-8038056fea40/tempImageFJiS5w.jpg Blog - Scotland! - Make it stand out He described his teenage years in Dumfries as the “happiest of his life” and he credited the garden at Moat Brae as the inspiration for Peter Pan and Neverland. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4fa37aad-f910-4b10-ade8-384ad88213b5/tempImageUK2vCN.jpg Blog - Scotland! - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6e449223-62aa-45b6-9aac-7eaf0c0874c9/tempImageNwLm5R.jpg Blog - Scotland! - Make it stand out A disrespectful seagull stands on the Robert Burns Statue in front of Greyfriars Church in the middle of Dumfries. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/da687c02-0209-4106-af59-a2819d86c765/tempImagepHcmau.jpg Blog - Scotland! - Make it stand out In May 1793, the Burns family moved into this red sandstone cottage on Mill Street, now called Burns Street. It was in this very same house that Robert would die four years later in July 1796. By the standard of the time, it was a good-sized family home, with a kitchen and parlor downstairs, two bedrooms on the second floor, and a full-length attic where the six children roomed. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/82bd1433-8ace-4a61-9bb1-3297532c09ae/tempImageSfP5wc.jpg Blog - Scotland! - Make it stand out This is Robert and Jean’s room. Robert had a small study through the door in the back. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f744effe-c5e9-4977-b0a8-deb6cd3c577a/tempImageY631Pk.jpg Blog - Scotland! - Make it stand out The small study off the bedroom. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/50e5189e-56d6-4b57-b020-4d634f31921c/tempImageI2gIAm.jpg Blog - Scotland! - Make it stand out Burns etched his name in the window glass in the small study. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e19584c3-7f12-466d-b90d-2689913778df/tempImage1GVlf2.jpg Blog - Scotland! - Make it stand out The small door next to Robert and Jean’s room, leads up into the attic where the children slept. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f648dd38-7bf7-4503-9af5-affcf6c95e3f/tempImageVwBI6g.jpg Blog - Scotland! - Make it stand out The smaller second bedroom, possibly where their eldest bairn Bobbie slept. (Amanda is holding the toaster we bought for £3.50 at a charity shop. It’s cheaper to have crumpets for breakfast in a hotel than to eat out.) On July 18, 1796, quite ill, Burns passed the threshold of this house, and climbed for the last time the white-edged stair into, most likely, this room. It was here that he died several days later when he was only 36 years old. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7b1fce0b-aaf8-4cd3-9060-61c02ff82752/tempImageNkRuZP.jpg Blog - Scotland! - Make it stand out On our short walk to the kirkyard where Robert was buried, we passed this statue in honor of his wife Jean (Armour was her maiden name). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d2450a01-afb7-417e-a60d-88609e7cf50d/tempImagetIFyKn.jpg Blog - Scotland! - Make it stand out Burns was interred in the nearby kirkyard of St Michael's and South Parish Church. It was widely felt that Burns original grave, marked with a plain stone slab was an insufficient memorial to the poet. When Dorothy and William Wordsworth visited Dumfries in 1803 they had difficulty in even finding the grave. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/15d64856-bd51-473d-8350-78b324ebaacb/tempImageUZ5pT0.jpg Blog - Scotland! - Make it stand out In 1815, Burns' body was exhumed and placed in this new mausoleum. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ea76ee24-450a-4e92-83d3-f309fc0cb57a/tempImagey1c6jo.jpg Blog - Scotland! - Make it stand out Some thirty-eight years later, Jean was carried from the same red sandstone cottage they lived into together, and laid to rest beside her husband. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1a62e633-c3e8-4c56-b88e-157095795a46/tempImageCilnpz.jpg Blog - Scotland! - Make it stand out There are number of historic places to visit in Alloway, several of which are connected by the Poet’s Path, which displays icons from Burns’ poems and songs. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/70411a03-93a2-4af2-b938-36f155ecd163/tempImage8NMIA9.jpg Blog - Scotland! - Make it stand out One of his more famous writings is the narrative poem Tam O’Shanter (1791). In the poem Tam is riding his horse Meg home after a late night drinking in the pub, when he sees witches and warlocks dancing and the Devil playing the bagpipes. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b2563ed9-1672-44d7-b239-3d7bad438734/tempImageqnEFlN.jpg Blog - Scotland! - Make it stand out Still drunk he notices one particularly wanton witch in a short dress; he loses his reason and shouts, “Weel done, cutty-sark!” ("cutty-sark" meaning short shirt). Immediately, the lights go out, the music and dancing stops, and many of the creatures lunge after Tam, with the witches leading. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/757a1e1c-abd9-428c-8e76-cef91e189774/tempImageTZ6juk.jpg Blog - Scotland! - Make it stand out Tam spurs Meg to turn and flee and drives the horse on towards the River Doon, as the creatures dare not cross a running stream. The creatures give chase and the witches come so close to catching Tam and Meg that they pull Meg's tail off just as she reaches the Brig o’ Doon (bridge over the River Doon). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5e78b94a-f770-4a01-8dc2-48ab05e4ddd7/tempImageJOBWX3.jpg Blog - Scotland! - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b373fb03-89e1-4ad9-9290-5bb9c8b90efe/tempImageNWLt2t.jpg Blog - Scotland! - Make it stand out In the garden, a large reed statue of Meg and Tam from the Tam O’Shanter poem. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c7473d3e-c625-4321-848b-c129ae8cb225/tempImage9UwS44.jpg Blog - Scotland! - Make it stand out The small farmhouse where Robert was born. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2f0fed6c-bf78-4cc2-9d5d-7365ef03566e/tempImageQO9xMi.jpg Blog - Scotland! - Make it stand out Half of the home was a stable. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/32be3c13-2ce8-43ed-8f8b-f4762d5a7503/tempImageKHPeOl.jpg Blog - Scotland! - Make it stand out The other half of the house must have smelled like a stable. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d0f5992d-89e2-4820-9940-240ea86936e7/tempImagexgHHFm.jpg Blog - Scotland! - Make it stand out This tiny bed is where his parents slept and where the children were born. The small loft above is where the young children slept—a crazy small living space! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c7f62038-5692-447a-bbcf-4e60c42f10c1/Cottage.jpg Blog - Scotland! - Make it stand out The kitchen in the one-room living space. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f30f0ba0-d2a4-4f9d-9957-1ae94120e6f5/tempImages2BGud.jpg Blog - Scotland! - Make it stand out In the garden, a reed statue of Burns. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6fa546b7-d900-4bac-9f3b-45f2535830fe/tempImage9ZSzg7.jpg Blog - Scotland! - Make it stand out Alloway Auld Kirk (old church) dates from at least the 1200s, but the present structure was probably built in the 1500s. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/fbe20474-9d35-47ca-a46a-6cf79dcbdee8/tempImage0h0vuz.jpg Blog - Scotland! - Make it stand out The kirk was a ruin by the time Robert Burns lived here as a child and it was the setting for many spine-chilling local legends. Such tales inspired his famous poem Tam o' Shanter. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/75515d05-4a0b-4de1-9c26-26721faaa45d/tempImageJ37ZMz.jpg Blog - Scotland! - Make it stand out William Burns, Robert's father, is buried in the kirkyard, together with his daughter Isabella as well as two of his nieces. Robert inscribed an epitaph on the back of his father’s headstone; I find the last three lines particularly poignant. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7a8b1fa2-f544-4223-8fd2-c060172d9d06/tempImageUyRPnZ.jpg Blog - Scotland! - Make it stand out The Brig o’ Doon House hotel where we had originally planned to stay. Instead, we opted for a visit to the city only and then carried on to Glasgow. The Brig o’ Doon in the background. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ce7ff768-0f56-4221-89b4-3d070a186d8f/tempImagejFOa7v.jpg Blog - Scotland! - Make it stand out The Burns monument inside the Burns Memorial Gardens, behind the hotel. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e79472a3-0892-4ecb-bbda-ebcfefe2d2fc/tempImageKKsV37.jpg Blog - Scotland! - Make it stand out The Brig o' Doon (bridge over the River Doon) dates from the 1400s and was the main crossing point over the river when Robert Burns was a child. His father William crossed the brig every day on his way to and from work at nearby Doonside Estate. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/44c9ed6c-c284-430c-915d-d336c458ea74/tempImagecwv2gv.jpg Blog - Scotland! - Make it stand out Cool memorial built into the bridge. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/377923b9-c287-468c-bcb3-1583dbdbe1a0/tempImageXiFrhD.jpg Blog - Scotland! - Make it stand out Many years later, Robert returned to the landscape of his youth and found inspiration here for two of his best-loved works: The Banks o' Doon and Tam o' Shanter. The brig has been saved twice from demolition thanks to its connections with the poet. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9a65bc47-ccc8-480d-ac3d-8e2ff6625aea/tempImagexDXOV3.jpg Blog - Scotland! - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0573f39a-15d1-4205-9d13-fda210d84889/tempImageRBBIWA.jpg Blog - Scotland! - Make it stand out Brig o’ Doon as seen from the Burns Memorial Gardens. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9fdce1c8-4be4-40e6-bfef-f5da1b660241/tempImage2NZ14h.jpg Blog - Scotland! - Make it stand out On a related note, Brigadoon was a 1954 musical film where two Americans on a hunting trip in Scotland happen upon Brigadoon, a miraculously blessed village that rises out of the mists every hundred years for only a day. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b5a3e0ba-cd54-437d-a602-fa25d9cfcf72/tempImagegTFMJm.jpg Blog - Scotland! - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/230ff4d1-4fb2-4610-8489-4561f3818dcf/tempImageOvRDhC.jpg Blog - Scotland! - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/fbb3e08d-3f9d-443b-b2e1-6bdc4e650d9f/tempImagePeRiEa.jpg Blog - Scotland! - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f1736c7e-bf0a-4b16-8bab-8174073ca538/tempImage0jHA2m.jpg Blog - Scotland! - Make it stand out Brig o’ Doon in the distance from on top of the Burns Monument. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e88f6ff1-d041-40a7-8074-bc7de1282957/IMG_9680+copy.jpg Blog - Scotland! - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5cfffcec-7455-4fdd-8fc8-e65e95295c54/tempImagesDimgh.jpg Blog - Scotland! - Make it stand out In the Burns Memorial Garden. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/92874a1a-6704-4793-958d-2f994d838210/tempImagemrsmaC.jpg Blog - Scotland! - Make it stand out This stone was brought to the garden when the 1788 “New Brig” of Robert Burns' poem “The Twa Brigs” was demolished. It had suffered flood damage in 1877. The bridge had featured four plaques such as this one, each bearing the Burgh's coat of arms: Ayr Castle. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/92f56e61-dac1-4f54-b0d2-c0f47518602f/tempImage7nSFYu.jpg Blog - Scotland! - Make it stand out Beautiful wild flowers. https://www.overthehillandacrossthepond.com/blog/scafell-pike monthly 0.5 2023-11-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/10e8e833-9f08-4ba5-8055-2e737f816e8b/tempImage9ajT6s.jpg Blog - Scafell Pike - Make it stand out One mile to Seathwaite and the trailhead. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5fbf8bdd-5e62-4cc9-9084-4f83b12de29e/tempImagew0UcTW.jpg Blog - Scafell Pike - Make it stand out Car parked and ready to hit the trail at 6:20 am. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/401a59cb-6902-45e4-ad23-a533e8498734/tempImagezNHSO7.jpg Blog - Scafell Pike - Make it stand out And so it begins. The prominent peak in the distance is Seathwaite Fell. My route will follow the River Derwent to its headwater directly up the gill (ravine) left of Seathwaite Fell, ending at the obvious saddle in the far distance. My return route will come from the right of Seathwaite Fell, down through the copse of trees. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/865c51f3-3fc5-4293-b3f9-78e3f13918ae/tempImageLXSE9w.jpg Blog - Scafell Pike - Make it stand out An idyllic scene with the pretty pool of water formed by the relatively low river levels. The stone bridge over the River Derwent leads to the gate on the right. Through the gate I turn left and follow the path up the gill to the left of Seathwaite Fell—known as The Scafell Pike Walk Route. My trail home is just visible up and right of the gate. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/95af5676-a57e-40df-9f0e-6e58acbeed3c/tempImagefa2l6y.jpg Blog - Scafell Pike - Make it stand out Perhaps halfway toward the saddle and Seathwaite Fell seems to slide to the right, allowing the imposing north face of Great End to finally come into view in the distance. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6211c0ae-d59b-4402-a0d5-d6ab1ca8b7a2/tempImagesBU320.jpg Blog - Scafell Pike - Make it stand out A black slug (Arion ater) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f68e40d3-dd46-443a-a0a5-639ca3f5a302/tempImage7FlL8C.jpg Blog - Scafell Pike - Make it stand out Finally reaching the saddle I had strived toward for so long, I could see to my right Sprinkling Tarn resting below the base of Great End. I continued left and climbed another pass over, the east shoulder of Great End, to reach this plateau known as Esk Hause, where someone found a spectacular spot to make camp! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a4e85867-f8e7-44c1-85a6-2faf06cbaaf5/tempImagegVu4dh.jpg Blog - Scafell Pike - Make it stand out The trail continued west behind Great End, and the summit first becomes visible in the far distance. While the majority of the climb was done, the trail still held a few tricks in waiting. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b9dd9c3c-c428-4d29-ad7b-8869ec8788da/tempImageV9ydnv.jpg Blog - Scafell Pike - Make it stand out The faster pace on the more gentle slope of the plateau behind Great End was short-lived. A scramble up and over a rocky peak revealed a significant descent across a large scree field. After the slow-going over and down the scree field, all that was left was the final steep climb up the northeast side of Scafell Pike. The above photo is taken from halfway up Scafell Pike, looking back on the huge scree field and down the massively eroded “trail” up the peak. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4727033c-a709-4ac7-b911-3681f8ac7bd1/tempImagecbd7sp.jpg Blog - Scafell Pike - Make it stand out Standing near the summit cairn looking west, with Wast Water just behind my ear and the North Sea beyond. The air over the Sea is hazy, but if it was clearer you would see Isle of Man further west. The visible trail is the one I will take down, and the most popular route to the summit. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5d5932c1-65d7-4aa9-a981-73fe45ce47de/tempImageDCO9M9.jpg Blog - Scafell Pike - Make it stand out The view from on top the monument looking east back over the trail from where I came. The fourth mountain from the monument is Great End. After climbing up the third mountain top and crossing the obvious trail, a scramble is required to reach the top of the second mountain top. What awaits after that can only be described as a non-stop exercise in rock hopping to cross the huge scree field. A large descent and climb is deceptively hidden between the second peak and the monument. In the following video, look for the small lake (tarn) when I say, “I came up roughly from down in that valley way down there.” See how far away it is! I have a picture of the tarn toward the bottom of the post. Here’s the video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sms1TMToEOA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0a4e8f98-1427-49ad-899f-6ec6f6ed71ad/Summit-Scafell-Pike-Lake-District.jpg Blog - Scafell Pike - Make it stand out I failed to take a photo of the monument, so here is one from someone else so you see what it looks like. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/09634d76-7dfd-4153-be90-1c7a9def578f/tempImage3zzHfS.jpg Blog - Scafell Pike - Make it stand out Despite the relatively low elevation, I consider it a great accomplishment given the difficulty of the trail. It was a wild ride reaching the top. Even Alfred Wainwright described Scafell Pike as “…every inch a mountain.” Little did I know the hike down would also be very challenging. And God bless the people at The Cornish Bakery for making the perfect food not just for miners but also for hikers. A breakfast pasty and an apple, and I’m ready to head down. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d21266f3-8fd4-462c-83e2-f0fecd1d191d/tempImage7HSEhW.jpg Blog - Scafell Pike - Make it stand out After taking the initial path that overlaps with the most popular route from Wasdale Head, I turned east to take the Corridor Route back to my trailhead in Seathwaite. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/45a42c4c-b620-4c9e-b573-35f46fd3d46d/tempImage0AW3YJ.jpg Blog - Scafell Pike - Make it stand out After the trail disappears around the corner in the distance it reached a section where the hillside was fairly sheer. Over time the trail has eroded and much of it has fallen down the ravine. The trail became so thin that I had to stash my trekking poles and, for a few hundred feet, scramble across the cliffside in what I would say qualified as low level Class 5 climbing. It was much easier to navigate from the direction I came because the trail slowly disappeared and I climbed up and back onto the normal trail. I hate to imagine people coming from the other direction where the trail suddenly disappears over the cliff and you have to find your way across. I ran into a couple who were at that point. She seemed petrified. I gave my best advice and continued on. I made it safely across and was not about to do it again! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/291cbed5-65aa-4b05-a456-5d9bc929842e/tempImage70bVyR.jpg Blog - Scafell Pike - Make it stand out Styhead Tarn (remember this was visible from the summit). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/bb4d0d83-52cb-46b1-b9a6-d89e10b4492d/tempImageLBSMAy.jpg Blog - Scafell Pike - Make it stand out Read about the following map below. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2e8f0086-acd0-4072-994d-0d6ea976c773/IMG_9425.PNG Blog - Scafell Pike - Make it stand out This is the portable Ordnance Survey (OS) map on my phone. The route starts at the top and flows clockwise. The maroon is the path as I planned it on the app, and the dark blue is the actual path I walked. https://www.overthehillandacrossthepond.com/blog/wordsworth monthly 0.5 2023-11-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/190603e4-d305-4f55-aef7-3bb6cf311900/tempImage3f4y0M.jpg Blog - Wordsworth - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6397f26d-c137-4d07-97e6-ec8a2e266a5c/tempImageoGZrJG.jpg Blog - Wordsworth - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/61edb94d-ac4e-4efb-a348-4f1df4b76b7a/tempImageOI0ktR.jpg Blog - Wordsworth - Make it stand out AA Roadside Telephone Boxes—Something like our Call Boxes in California, AA installed 862 phone boxes throughout the UK. AA members were given a key that provided them access to the phones inside the telephone boxes. By the early 1960s no more traditional boxes were being built and now only 19 remain, eight of which are Grade II listed buildings. Above is Box 487 on Dummail Raise, on A591, 10 miles south of Keswick in the Lake District. Its telephone number was “Grasmere 258.” It is a Grade II listed building. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e8f8a7a1-f488-42c9-a777-c6faf1e660ed/tempImageIjMMgU.jpg Blog - Wordsworth - Make it stand out While we were in the “big city” getting our tire replaced, I used the opportunity to take care of printing, filling out, and then scanning some paperwork for our CPA and to get the over-zealous U.S. Customs and Border Protection to release the hold they have on the clothes we shipped home. I went to the small Ryman Stationary but their computer wouldn’t read my drive. Apparently Ryman is the only such store in town, so I went to the library to see if they would take pity on me. I am now the proud owner of a Cumbria County Library Card. Add it to the ever-growing list of strange things you encounter on a prolonged journey through a foreign country. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e04193b2-b4a2-4d73-bf12-24bbe97bf30b/tempImageUfohCn.jpg Blog - Wordsworth - Make it stand out After dinner, we walked around Ambleside and found this old Urban District Council (UDC) sign from the late 1890s. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/abf4ecd3-2e4d-4239-a2a7-60ba7073e30a/tempImageNQuy0z.jpg Blog - Wordsworth - Make it stand out Rydal Mount, just north of Ambleside, was William Wordsworth's best-loved family home for the greater part of his life (36 years)—from 1813 to his death in 1850 at the age of 80. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5306ca3f-29ed-4cee-9ac2-88e3dab65c09/tempImageCmWBEN.jpg Blog - Wordsworth - Make it stand out Because we visited his final home at Rydal Mount ahead of Dove Cottage, I’ll tell some of the story from Dove Cottage while we walk through Rydal Mount. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/fcb2d301-98b3-43d3-8c69-be528f60ac03/tempImagexbgt5O.jpg Blog - Wordsworth - Make it stand out When William returned from France to the Lake District he was reunited with his beloved sister Dorothy. They lived together in Dove Cottage from 1799 to 1808. In 1802, Wordsworth married his childhood friend Mary Hutchinson. Dorothy continued to live with the couple. John was born at Dove Cottage in 1803. Dora was born at Dove Cottage in 1804. Thomas was born at Dove Cottage in 1806. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/087db24c-f92a-40ba-9e22-d337a39b2bb1/tempImageRyjbA6.jpg Blog - Wordsworth - Make it stand out In May 1808 Wordsworth moved his wife Mary, their three young children, his sister Dorothy, and Mary's sister Sarah Hutchinson to a rented villa called Allan Bank. Here at Allan Bank the Wordsworths had 2 more children: Catherine was born in 1808. William “Willy” was born in 1810. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/99bc6ff4-2949-41cb-8aff-9d6320fe69ca/tempImagekh0MkW.jpg Blog - Wordsworth - Make it stand out Unfortunately, Allan Bank wasn't built to a high standard and suffered from constantly smoking chimneys that covered the furniture in soot. The Wordsworth's growing family also made it cramped, so in 1811 the family moved to the Rectory in Grasmere (a building that is no longer standing). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/df99abae-bd18-4d48-a348-82973f831d51/tempImageeMug3e.jpg Blog - Wordsworth - Make it stand out Tragically, not long after moving to the Rectory, Catherine died in June 1812 at the age of 3, and Thomas died in December 1812 at the age of 6. Both children were buried at St Oswald’s Church just across from the Rectory. Given the tragedy that befell them in that house and the proximity to the graves, the family moved to Rydal Mount in 1813. In time, Rydal Mount grew to be the family’s best-loved home. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e75cc291-9616-4814-9986-51a467ad1c2c/tempImagecz2yWY.jpg Blog - Wordsworth - Make it stand out William and Mary’s bedroom. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/83461437-2d4e-47a5-9684-ea1c560f0d7f/tempImageTnA3YK.jpg Blog - Wordsworth - Make it stand out The beautiful view from their bedroom. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/61c672a3-d06f-4348-a906-ce62fb2b2fd0/tempImageY8gaAB.jpg Blog - Wordsworth - Make it stand out Dora’s Room—Dora was their second child and had a long-suffering struggle with tuberculosis. Dora married Edward in 1841, adopting Edward’s two daughters. Dora was, however, to continue in ill health, and after only six years of marriage, she died in 1847 at age 42, at Rydal Mount, where she had been nursed in her final days of illness. Wordsworth had previously bought a field adjoining the garden of Rydal Mount, intending to build a house there. When this proved unnecessary Wordsworth dedicated the field to his daughter, and it became known as "Dora's Field." On Dora's death, although both parents were 77 years old at the time, they personally planted the field with daffodils as a living memorial to their daughter. Each year these have multiplied and now provide a wonderful display of many thousands each spring. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/bd2a350b-39db-4948-a3b0-7c0e6b1b11be/tempImagegtjysl.jpg Blog - Wordsworth - Make it stand out This was the bedroom on William’s sister Dorothy. The pictures above the bed are of Dorothy, Mary, and Dora. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1cfaa3bb-4140-4156-8bad-e91b1100d316/tempImageKj5rp1.jpg Blog - Wordsworth - Make it stand out Rydal Mount has a beautiful expansive hillside garden covered with trees and plants, which also includes this “Summer House,” where William would sit and compose his verse. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/fcc55ddd-872e-40c9-9760-b6b957ec3b9c/tempImagetq0o3n.jpg Blog - Wordsworth - Make it stand out Hmm…what rhymes with Nantucket? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/fa806e21-f39e-486a-981e-ef27b6f9c024/tempImage44lFIY.jpg Blog - Wordsworth - Make it stand out Rydal Water visible through the garden trees. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e2f76fbe-701b-468e-b575-984c9cbbb71a/tempImageVwO7Cg.jpg Blog - Wordsworth - Make it stand out Garden shed. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d3d345a5-b2b0-4cf3-88a7-99be31b77054/tempImage1P5afd.jpg Blog - Wordsworth - Make it stand out Looking over Rydal Water. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8540b7f7-517c-4f67-9296-172b97606727/tempImagePe9Pw0.jpg Blog - Wordsworth - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/bc611b93-b294-4e30-ac72-ddf30679f5e8/tempImagenJ8a68.jpg Blog - Wordsworth - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b0d8030b-8d6f-44b0-aedf-6187762fc850/tempImageXoA3YL.jpg Blog - Wordsworth - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/23c82dc9-0ae1-49d6-94b4-28624d68ff67/tempImageoMUuXP.jpg Blog - Wordsworth - Make it stand out In 1802, William married Mary Hutchinson. Dove Cottage became home to their growing family. Despite its rural isolation, the cottage was a destination for the family's notable friends, including Samuel Taylor Coleridge, the novelist Walter Scott and the scientist Humphry Davy. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b9704bc6-8694-4074-94e7-736b90eea727/tempImagesgcnXz.jpg Blog - Wordsworth - Make it stand out Their first three children were born here; afterward, they moved to Allan Bank followed by the rectory in Grasmere. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/90a86ad5-f5d8-44d3-92f8-edc81a2cbb11/tempImageGQGrs9.jpg Blog - Wordsworth - Make it stand out Walking into the home was an unexpected pleasure. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/62cf221c-15e7-4e15-9e64-88da24a067ad/tempImageVZCtVF.jpg Blog - Wordsworth - Make it stand out The house so quickly transports you back 200+ years that you can’t help but feel a true sense of euphoria—dim lighting, dark wood cabinetry and walls, and large flagstone floors. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b7281524-41b9-4658-979a-b0f608234bc2/tempImage1xlEQP.jpg Blog - Wordsworth - Make it stand out A truly rarified space. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5391c251-1d0a-48b8-8dd6-7da41349c40f/tempImage5LYf8c.jpg Blog - Wordsworth - Make it stand out The downstairs bed chamber. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c0674ceb-9816-4086-912d-ac06371522f1/tempImageE4clRS.jpg Blog - Wordsworth - Make it stand out They hid four mice in the house for kids to find. You can’t fool us, we found two right away! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3998ff03-d81d-484e-9ffc-ac747dc9ab42/tempImagewR4rxd.jpg Blog - Wordsworth - Make it stand out The kitchen. Again, darn these new fangled cameras that do such a good job capturing light, so much so that the kitchen actually appears well-lit. In fact, like the rest of the house, it was quite dark, as it would have been when the family lived here, lit only by one small window and the light from the fire. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/46a4fdcf-c257-4560-b27c-ea452e1e4f4e/tempImageJXmdTM.jpg Blog - Wordsworth - Make it stand out Wonderfully creaky old stairs. At the landing halfway up is a door to the back garden. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/cbe34e72-dc9d-47d9-88dc-b0ac3ca6ce67/tempImageTyiXPa.jpg Blog - Wordsworth - Make it stand out Dorthy’s small bed chamber upstairs. The walls were plastered with old news papers in an attempt to add some form of insulation to help keep the room warm. You can only imagine how well that worked. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/61c5b910-d1a3-43cc-a3ae-9fbd470f7c5e/tempImagevwDUNz.jpg Blog - Wordsworth - Make it stand out So fun to imagine reading and writing everything by candlelight. Probably far less romantic than I imagine. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f3d9346d-a12d-4356-a65b-65dc2230d16a/tempImageAKzAU6.jpg Blog - Wordsworth - Make it stand out #3 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ac89dbab-970d-49d3-8c70-a243d6153e01/tempImagePNYf6q.jpg Blog - Wordsworth - Make it stand out #4 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1a477234-a9f0-44d9-83ce-50b6ac7b0e70/tempImagebwnUnU.jpg Blog - Wordsworth - Make it stand out Ah, so fun to imagine William, Dorothy, and Mary working together in this room, copying out poems, perhaps altering them as they go along. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6a5e4fd8-b451-46b0-8aac-79fc3bf1aa20/tempImageQC58AW.jpg Blog - Wordsworth - Make it stand out The back garden. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ffe2464b-73fd-4684-a404-80a7172e86c3/tempImageLXtcE9.jpg Blog - Wordsworth - Make it stand out The Wordsworth’s family church. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4d497763-1bfe-47e6-9a7e-1d3085f95369/tempImageamqPVa.jpg Blog - Wordsworth - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/cde044cd-8b11-44c5-bca7-41cc6f38ab52/tempImage3akdsc.jpg Blog - Wordsworth - Make it stand out Young Catherine’s headstone. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2cc1ef75-14b3-4b15-a2ad-aef3ac92d462/tempImagei823uT.jpg Blog - Wordsworth - Make it stand out Young Thomas’ headstone. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/eac924c7-5cf4-4b26-9017-4040cefa0adb/tempImageELlOv5.jpg Blog - Wordsworth - Make it stand out William and Mary’s headstone (left), Dora’s headstone (center), and William and Dorothy’s brother John’s headstone (right). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3cc27608-b3f3-4e35-91a3-ade82c5bfb84/tempImageIFgKlJ.jpg Blog - Wordsworth - Make it stand out Dorothy’s headstone. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a06dae95-5baa-419a-be99-aafda5148588/tempImageTr56cE.jpg Blog - Wordsworth - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.overthehillandacrossthepond.com/blog/lakeland monthly 0.5 2023-11-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a67f481c-c218-49ea-87a3-fccef38fe553/tempImageJYOxRH.jpg Blog - Lakeland - Make it stand out Our primary interest in the house were the gardens, but here are two shots from inside the house. The grand staircase (above). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6790e420-1dcd-4595-ba60-c7053c7f2531/tempImageyhF0Rb.jpg Blog - Lakeland - Make it stand out Holker icons emblazoned on the windows. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/44075c08-0aa2-44fc-8c30-2a31221fbc49/tempImageG94mJ3.jpg Blog - Lakeland - Make it stand out Stepping into the Elliptical Garden. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/96e49b9d-e813-4ad6-8ca3-c3924f294ed9/tempImageS0dDF1.jpg Blog - Lakeland - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2aa36ac8-e5e2-42cc-9349-eb62cb148790/tempImageAf0E0d.jpg Blog - Lakeland - Make it stand out Monster cream-colored peonies. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/403fff82-9d59-48d9-b020-61d27869ab5e/tempImageHvVJvJ.jpg Blog - Lakeland - Make it stand out Amazing trellis work in the Summer Garden. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/933d28ce-036c-498a-ba80-f4eb0c3a5bb5/tempImagejhaoHg.jpg Blog - Lakeland - Make it stand out Another amazing trellis formed with Portugal Laurel (PRUNUS lusitanica). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/54593ee7-bc20-42e6-b08e-27495a009ce8/tempImagev8S8Nc.jpg Blog - Lakeland - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ec41aab6-8f44-4865-8789-7f3659a555f9/tempImage0rAoxK.jpg Blog - Lakeland - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5556d674-54bd-463e-b0fc-78ca5eaf1f2a/tempImagePSp75T.jpg Blog - Lakeland - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c7e9bcf3-10dc-4fe5-918a-482a0bfe3913/tempImageGxitSH.jpg Blog - Lakeland - Make it stand out Wonderful umbrella-shaped trees (Crataegus laciniata) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9dbac837-857c-4fff-9a64-3aae2fa6ae6a/tempImagehUPuDO.jpg Blog - Lakeland - Make it stand out Iridescent green East Indian Cayuga ducks live around this fountain. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9ad4ea43-544b-4563-8aa7-97b735c8e1c0/tempImageizQspd.jpg Blog - Lakeland - Make it stand out Gorgeous Iridescent blue-green dragonfly spotted in the Sunken Garden. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/58699240-1618-431f-8f46-d8595ee1a453/tempImageoaaXw5.jpg Blog - Lakeland - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6bc5b46d-1f17-4643-b917-8e2d1d93e578/tempImageAcN5Hy.jpg Blog - Lakeland - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5c0eee10-46e8-4776-a6d0-dc97ffa5a636/tempImageKVL2Zz.jpg Blog - Lakeland - Make it stand out Because it is a “family home,” they ask that you not take pictures inside. I couldn’t help snapping this one that had me singing, “Hickory, dickory, dock, the mouse ran up the clock…” Out of curiosity, I looked it up the nursery rhyme, and apparently “Hickory, dickory, dock” may be a distant cousin of “Eeny, meeny, miney, mo,” used as a way to determine who will go first in a game. How the mouse comes into it, though, remains a mystery. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5317d87d-7e66-4980-a5b5-e3284e649a46/tempImageptAWRb.jpg Blog - Lakeland - Make it stand out The gardens are awash with color, but don’t overlook the topiaries that border everything. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/cbe29883-4a52-4ed3-a616-475ed8799a55/tempImageFKJLPv.jpg Blog - Lakeland - Make it stand out The wide angle lens distorts things a bit, but I wanted to capture the entire pond in one shot. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5cfd570d-43e7-49c1-9f5e-2c9e739cca77/tempImagetksmYa.jpg Blog - Lakeland - Make it stand out Beautiful water lilies. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/44e597bb-e364-49cf-ba4c-89974f361c4b/tempImageUOAOwb.jpg Blog - Lakeland - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/cffbfc2d-f565-4f48-9035-fab9269bebb6/tempImagevz6VBw.jpg Blog - Lakeland - Make it stand out Beautiful lavender delphiniums (ironically, with lavender in the background). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6add9ce5-d486-4c8a-a65e-c4ec063c4b4d/tempImagedhZ3jr.jpg Blog - Lakeland - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/516dbc41-acd1-4dbc-8ac6-a714b652711b/tempImagepRqYPk.jpg Blog - Lakeland - Make it stand out The topiary garden. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4df2ecf2-0bf9-4aee-93d9-846e6b184f5f/tempImagejK2DXg.jpg Blog - Lakeland - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ba28c8c8-9fe4-420e-90e5-9a821172574f/tempImagetfBZQU.jpg Blog - Lakeland - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1997fb33-86d2-4d8f-a892-46312e28251d/tempImageskuvCN.jpg Blog - Lakeland - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1686598551362-PT6H5AB45K6Y56LV8JK4/IMG_9161.jpeg Blog - Lakeland https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1686598554570-4CINE7IE3754CUTMMHVR/IMG_9162.jpeg Blog - Lakeland https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1686598559326-EKXSC4LN4WBH5PMT8KDP/IMG_9163.jpeg Blog - Lakeland https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1686598563507-8RY50R72YATA4HDCP1LH/IMG_9164.jpeg Blog - Lakeland https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/036004ba-5a87-492e-86bf-f789a77864ea/tempImageqfKRXB.jpg Blog - Lakeland - Make it stand out Much like Levens before it, Sizergh has that Medieval old creaky wooden floors vibe throughout, reminiscent of our favorite: Haddon Hall. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/767e40d5-cc6f-461c-8e95-3f0c9865be72/tempImagekVeBDn.jpg Blog - Lakeland - Make it stand out Amanda really loved the dress in this family portrait. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/929fa167-c829-4253-8677-958faff6b47b/tempImageWlvcGP.jpg Blog - Lakeland - Make it stand out The incredible Banqueting Hall. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6af05afe-7e99-4a3e-830e-6b1367bc4585/tempImageWR5XB6.jpg Blog - Lakeland - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/541c178a-5827-41b2-a759-5de28253d2e0/tempImageG3zFFK.jpg Blog - Lakeland - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6054e436-b219-43c5-b9d6-3b5a932ff401/tempImageB8ctii.jpg Blog - Lakeland - Make it stand out A door directly behind the Banqueting Hall leads to the extravagant Inlaid Chamber, designed to impress very important guests. The inlaid panelling in this bedchamber is considered to be among the finest ever made for an English country house. Its style is predominantly Italian Early Renaissance, perhaps received via Flemish pattern books. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/710e6511-5101-4b88-9cc2-9eb1c605b03f/tempImageSqZWte.jpg Blog - Lakeland - Make it stand out The carved and inlaid state bed. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c40d3572-3b67-4077-9621-c75bba282db7/tempImageqoCNKi.jpg Blog - Lakeland - Make it stand out All the main panels and friezes are inlaid on a sumptuously large scale, and use inlays of poplar and bog-oak to create contrasts of light and dark. The three-sided corner porch and door is not inlaid, but has lion masks in relief on the upper tier and a dome. It was made for privacy as well as draught-proofing, and is an extremely rare feature outside of the southern counties. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1e90f2b1-d427-4b14-b450-6c7a97ce0cfa/tempImageGRX3mt.jpg Blog - Lakeland - Make it stand out The Rock Garden is an amazing blend of colors. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/349ec311-fbeb-4091-bbee-bdfabed7e0c9/tempImageXJaP3W.jpg Blog - Lakeland - Make it stand out Sadly we ran out of time to explore more; it’s off to Sainsbury’s. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e593a198-84ff-4660-afdd-8f4919720f71/tempImagexJpVQG.jpg Blog - Lakeland - Make it stand out After returning home and making dinner, we enjoyed this glorious Sunday sunset from our balcony. The monsoonal weather made for a hot and muggy day, but it brought with it nice clouds to emphasize the setting sun. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/31e74d17-effa-49d2-89d6-973d43f90f02/Wray_Castle_2008.jpg Blog - Lakeland - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7825a6a8-3b7a-4a86-9ca7-2a5325f90118/tempImageYMhDIP.jpg Blog - Lakeland - Make it stand out Above are boats for tourists lined up on the shore of Windermere when it started becoming popular in the late 18th century to visit the Lake District (shortly after when Wray Castle was built) It may be hard to read, but each of the small piers on lake are labeled and the one denotes “Longstaff.” You say Longstaff, I say Langstaff. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/cc1fe72d-bf29-44ae-8d09-4ab7d0698053/tempImagezq1Vz6.jpg Blog - Lakeland - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/50dedc60-3393-48d7-97ab-4c5afc86c8f7/tempImageLTkgSg.jpg Blog - Lakeland - Make it stand out Foxgloves, ducks, and lily pads…oh my! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/59f38246-5fb5-4907-b0ad-642a80bce635/tempImagetjJaLa.jpg Blog - Lakeland - Make it stand out I’ve got to stop taking pictures with my stupid phone clipped to my side under my shirt! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a9b3fdea-d20f-4423-b4f3-a2f4fdf59436/tempImageLnliQC.jpg Blog - Lakeland - Make it stand out We stepped out of the sun and enjoyed a beautiful view from this shady spot. From here we also watched people below whose dog was swimming in the lake but found a resting sheep and started chasing the poor thing around. I hear sheep are pretty dumb, but this one outsmarted the dog, who was left running in circles while the sheep walked away down the lakeside. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/81ad5ad3-5931-4b13-b0cc-8c564c04a4fa/tempImage6dFTV5.jpg Blog - Lakeland - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/976e4b90-5bfb-43e0-9888-f7c13be7c341/tempImageKhuJqx.jpg Blog - Lakeland - Make it stand out Let me see if I can set the stage for this: you’re driving along a very narrow and windy road, the stone wall and thick vegetation above it endlessly rushing by immediately left of the car. Suddenly, a giant sheep’s head is jutting nearly into the roadway from the left—its evil right eye staring at you like the spawn of satan! I mean this thing is a foot way and eye-level, like an evil sheep in a haunted house thrust in front of your face—we both about jumped out of our skins as we passed the little devil! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/bfbb38be-a25f-4d11-be4f-e5911aecae03/tempImageTZmklD.jpg Blog - Lakeland - Make it stand out By the time we turned around to see if we could capture the impudent bugger on film, she and her two lambs had already jumped the wall and were wandering in the road. Sure, she looks cute now, but ! We’re seeing her left eye here; the right one might be red! You just never know what you’ll see when driving in the country! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1a0e510f-2965-43cb-8cd7-c43c24ac9772/tempImage7U29Rf.jpg Blog - Lakeland - Make it stand out The poet William Wordsworth was born and spent his childhood in this home in Cockermouth. William was the second of five children. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9d4876f4-3652-4041-8215-d5e3f7a8550b/tempImage5MsskO.jpg Blog - Lakeland - Make it stand out Dining Room https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/87c6e07c-6af1-4a53-aa8f-b8e8fd6c7bed/tempImagejG0QnC.jpg Blog - Lakeland - Make it stand out Front Study. Note the drawings on either side of the desk. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/21e1d906-a8af-4163-8511-8c4b4798f736/tempImage2qfldn.jpg Blog - Lakeland - Make it stand out For everyone who just finished the most recent Bridgerton season: Queen Charlotte. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/230f6929-3d0e-4ef9-93d0-d2a33ab7ec90/tempImagebcg4D3.jpg Blog - Lakeland - Make it stand out King George III https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5749adec-ac73-4f63-9727-9046554e44f6/tempImagenT0V7N.jpg Blog - Lakeland - Make it stand out Pretty cool kitchen with stewing stoves to the left, a large roasting range with a Smoke Jack (a convection powered mechanism to turn the spit), an oven behind Amanda’s left shoulder, and a boiling copper tucked in the right corner (see the door at the bottom where fuel was added to heat the water). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/078062ef-0d50-4351-855c-6a2c2af0c11d/tempImagembu46Y.jpg Blog - Lakeland - Make it stand out The family dining room off the kitchen, where William and his siblings ate. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/fcee1f30-d53b-4de7-8f7d-d5f5c8e38a9f/tempImage2PzYae.jpg Blog - Lakeland - Make it stand out The Drawing Room is the grandest room in the house and, like the dining room, would have been used only if the Wordsworths were entertaining. After dinner, the ladies would have retired here to drink tea and talk, play cards, or listen to music, while the gentlemen carried on drinking and discussing business and politics downstairs. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/82adca79-bdf8-43dc-a092-b8c0a6b1db06/tempImagediUYkY.jpg Blog - Lakeland - Make it stand out The mid 18th century oak table belonged to William's sister Dorothy. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e65b4ea2-1768-4bd7-b75c-4c4cb46428b3/tempImagerg6tld.jpg Blog - Lakeland - Make it stand out This beautiful four-poster Chippendale-style bed dates from around 1770—the lawn curtains are copied from a 1765 design. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e2847d64-f841-4dcf-83fa-5b8333093bb0/tempImage2BWCJO.jpg Blog - Lakeland - Make it stand out Amanda playing dress-up in the kids’ bedroom. It’s believed that all five Wordsworth children could have shared the children's bedroom, with the youngest sleeping in the willow cradle. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d147593a-afea-44c5-9bd1-1d9637eda936/tempImageRtM50F.jpg Blog - Lakeland - Make it stand out From this bedroom, the children would have been able to look out over the River Derwent, which runs behind the house. William and Dorothy fished and swam in the rushing waters of the River Derwent and read on its banks; they roamed the countryside, climbing trees and hunting for birds and butterflies—life events remembered with much affection in his autobiographical masterwork The Prelude. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/17c97cde-57f3-4035-ab68-1e3af3933269/tempImageiZ7HdH.jpg Blog - Lakeland - Make it stand out The River Derwent directly behind the house. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1c2700d5-3734-44e1-86a9-05399fabd02c/tempImageaS9rvE.jpg Blog - Lakeland - Make it stand out Sadly, the children’s mother died in 1778, when William was almost eight, Dorothy just six. Their distraught father packed Dorothy off to relatives she had never met in Halifax, and it was nine years before the siblings were reunited. William and his older brother Richard were sent to school in Hawkshead, returning to Cockermouth only in the holidays. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9f73c34b-ab93-4aec-add1-0aaf4deca472/tempImage6FXG4U.jpg Blog - Lakeland - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.overthehillandacrossthepond.com/blog/hellvellya monthly 0.5 2024-02-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a138ba28-5a62-4f38-a1f8-4791b9eb74f4/tempImageLJ5nEX.jpg Blog - Helvellyn - Make it stand out Anticipating invasion by the Nazis, the government insisted all signposts were removed. In some cases the posts and fingers were melted down for the war efforts. In other instances, the posts were left but the fingers were removed and either buried at the foot of the post or collected and stored at a designated site. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/384481a5-3461-4cc7-b255-041344839150/tempImagefYM9Aw.jpg Blog - Helvellyn - Make it stand out The sign above needs a good scrubbing, but it’s an example of the those with a donut on top that indicates you are in a village—in this case Dockray. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0173e44f-f982-462b-ba96-bc532d4099c5/tempImageRmKIhD.jpg Blog - Helvellyn - Make it stand out There are multiple ways to reach the peak, but I wanted to cross a ridgeline known at Striding Edge. For this reason, I drove about 45 minutes so I could begin in the village of Glenridding. Here I am just starting up the trail from Glenridding with the gorgeous Ullswater in the distance. The following map is centered on Helvellyn, but you can also see Glenridding and Ullswater to the right (you can pan around and zoom in and out on the map). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c2fd67b8-765a-4837-a487-d9fee2617a19/tempImageBry3wX.jpg Blog - Helvellyn - Make it stand out A foxglove and ferns in the foreground, Glenridding in the valley below, and Ullswater in the distance—so beautiful! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2e84f487-1d41-4000-8001-c7ba8112431e/tempImageeEGnXp.jpg Blog - Helvellyn - Make it stand out The tiny Lanty’s Tarn just beyond the gate. Tarn isn’t one of those new local terms to learn. A tarn is a mountain lake, pond, or pool formed in a cirque excavated by a glacier. A cirque is an amphitheater-like valley formed by glacial erosion. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f807f7ff-8953-4e18-a085-49f84ec91041/Screenshot+2023-06-12+at+1.59.30+PM.png Blog - Helvellyn - Make it stand out As you’ll see—from tarns, to arêtes, to cirques—this entire region was shaped dramatically by glaciers. It’s very much like Yosemite, only without all the dramatic granite cliffs. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e864cfae-0446-46ef-9e88-54fe3f127bdc/tempImageL9id1U.jpg Blog - Helvellyn - Make it stand out The trail traversed ever higher up this mountain side, along the amazing Grisevale Valley below. Section 4 of Alfred Wainwright’s classic 190-mile Coast-to-Coast Footpath travels through this valley, typically from the far side of the valley (west) toward the camera (east). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a323c29d-3436-4e99-8349-b1a4b131513a/tempImageeBF4es.jpg Blog - Helvellyn - Make it stand out After a steep climb I finally arrived at the landmark known as Hole-in-the-Wall (no clever Lake District vernacular here!). I ate my delicious pasty on the other side before crossing through here and having my photo taken. This essentially marks the start of the section known as Striding Edge. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b4beab06-4ed6-4117-b5b9-f35b882b15c6/PICT0030.JPG Blog - Helvellyn - Make it stand out Clouds Rest in Yosemite National Park is an arête that my sister Debbie and I hiked in June 2007. Go Debbie! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0bcae3aa-544e-412f-a0f8-6c9fd74cefe9/tempImagepb6rNt.jpg Blog - Helvellyn - Make it stand out Starting across Striding Edge with Red Tarn below and Helvellyn in the distance. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8a12bf1d-824d-4a92-91d9-6966bf810c62/tempImageNuPpuC.jpg Blog - Helvellyn - Make it stand out From here you can see the knife’s edge you carefully walk across. The two obvious U-shaped glacial valleys on both sides—Red Tarn is to the right and Nethermost Cove to the left. Here is a short video compilation of the trip up to this point: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lELEwe7Q9yw https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d7343ca7-da0f-4df1-9f4e-bd09b35ce74c/tempImagetWbz6a.jpg Blog - Helvellyn - Make it stand out This probably won’t translate to a picture, but above is where the rocky top of the Edge stops abruptly, forcing you to downclimb. It’s only about 30 feet down, but it made for a slightly technical task that made me feel good—once it was over. The photo below probably captures better the technical descent required to get off the Edge. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/fa8dbf09-5312-4acf-9e4a-302772d2c7d6/tempImagevY7gei.jpg Blog - Helvellyn - Make it stand out If the hazards associated with crossing Striding Edge aren’t glaringly obvious, there are signs. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/eeb2c305-4267-44d6-b5c1-53516c317143/tempImagehP4bJr.jpg Blog - Helvellyn - Make it stand out Like the iron monument above that I found at the end of the Edge, memorializing 33-year-old Robert Dixon who plunged from the ridge on November 27, 1858. I’m not sure the end of November is the ideal time to be up here. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/55de2e27-fc48-4fdc-bf70-7ced616c7c1d/tempImage8tVirU.jpg Blog - Helvellyn - Make it stand out Here I am at the end of Striding Edge, looking back on where I came from. You can see there is an option to remain below the Edge. I’ll give you three guesses which route I chose, and the first two don’t count… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b7618354-2f04-4c5f-91f0-ec53ea55681c/tempImagefEyPoB.jpg Blog - Helvellyn - Make it stand out If you think the fun ends when Striding Edge runs out, think again. The final push to the top of Helvellyn was nearly as sketchy. From here you can roughly make out the trail, but once you are there, the path is anything but defined. Your primary obligation is to remain away from the edges, and pray no one above you sends a rock tumbling down. It was an exhilarating final push to the summit to say the least. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/bf7e36b3-a2b8-4403-8cbf-89015cfe1aa8/tempImagez2Xfm7.jpg Blog - Helvellyn - Make it stand out Here is the drawing of me, red shirt and all, from inside our apartment! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1e1710fb-2775-41d5-80ac-731f01962abc/tempImagekA7PPc.jpg Blog - Helvellyn - Make it stand out And then, just like that, you are out of harm’s way and back onto a relatively smooth path. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e4d9b517-de34-43b5-9cc0-432f07de5706/tempImage6gLGe4.jpg Blog - Helvellyn - Make it stand out Looking back on my accomplishment! Phew! If you look for the fairly obvious pathway leading from the tarn up to the saddle in the distance, that is where Hole-in-the-Wall is located. I came up from the other side of that saddle. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4b815be9-4221-4996-bb26-c06a129da1bc/tempImageqcKqi2.jpg Blog - Helvellyn - Make it stand out As you near the summit of Helvellyn, you reach this memorial stone to Gough, which was erected in 1890. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5e3dcab4-eeed-423b-b014-81fe669624ad/tempImageQ6eN1v.jpg Blog - Helvellyn - Make it stand out I added this photo several days after publishing this blog. This photo was taken by Ambleside photographer Herbert Bell during the 1890 installation of the memorial. Canon Hardwicke Rawnsley (front center) was a charismatic and passionate man, whose devotion to protecting land from development and energetic campaigning style led to his well-deserved nickname of “Defender of the Lakes.” His belief in preserving the natural landscape for everyone to enjoy forever is as important today as it was over 125 years ago, when he helped to found the National Trust. Rawnsley collaborated with the writer Francis P Cobbe to install the Gough monument. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/de1c6258-0008-4251-bc3c-4c4307e76ae3/tempImagej0MYuy.jpg Blog - Helvellyn - Make it stand out It’s hard to get numbers more round than this: 3 hours and 4 miles to the summit. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c0516beb-73b4-4280-ae8c-fea985754872/tempImageWOwigc.jpg Blog - Helvellyn - Make it stand out The view from the summit, Ullswater is the far distance and Striding Edge to the right of Red Tarn. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0dcb5e37-7fcc-446c-b9f9-641bf0b6ca20/tempImageX1erFc.jpg Blog - Helvellyn - Make it stand out A panoramic photo from the summit. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d915bf95-eb9d-4aef-9f54-0f1400167d48/tempImageecSitD.jpg Blog - Helvellyn - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8bd08731-d05a-44c0-a65f-41360a08dea2/tempImageFphJTh.jpg Blog - Helvellyn - Make it stand out Ordinance Survey Bench Mark S5948. In the UK they call these fixed surveying makers “trig points,” and most major peaks have them. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/414af928-0ed9-4cf6-b069-458bec7ea71f/tempImagetZKSAy.jpg Blog - Helvellyn - Make it stand out Swirral Edge is the path down the opposite side of the cirque. Although it’s an exposed scramble down, it was a relatively straightforward descent. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/631650fb-c06e-4b6d-b9fb-96f2574f2e61/tempImageTAaNo4.jpg Blog - Helvellyn - Make it stand out Once at the bottom of Swirral Edge, it was a simple rocky path down to Red Tarn below. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/613286ad-2c24-42d3-9322-3e7492d5d2ca/tempImageDeAEAj.jpg Blog - Helvellyn - Make it stand out Striding Edge to the left, the final climb segment just right of the pronounced cleft, Helvellyn pike, and Swirral Edge to the right. Red Tarn is just visible. Phew! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/047bc16a-f1b4-4931-a0ec-be801cf30c6c/tempImagekvR7MH.jpg Blog - Helvellyn - Make it stand out It ain’t over yet folks! From Red Tarn, you still have over three miles of fairly steep descent to get back to Glenridding. At least the trail is fairly easy, not to mention very pretty in places! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d6ddf69e-ee3f-4cad-b8f9-afe1cd1bf144/tempImageZDXy2q.jpg Blog - Helvellyn - Make it stand out Nothing better (or more apropos) than a fresh pint of Wainwright ale at the aptly named Travelers Rest pub back in Glenridding. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/23ae9884-7aac-44e9-ba58-da08dcc3b074/tempImageJwKkvf.jpg Blog - Helvellyn - Make it stand out Final Details: Elapsed Time: 5 hours and 54 minutes Total Distance: 8.26 miles Elevation Gain: 2,892 feet Not too bad for an old man! On to the next one… https://www.overthehillandacrossthepond.com/blog/pikes monthly 0.5 2023-11-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e1014ffa-350c-4308-84e7-47dd6e0bf00e/tempImageA7VwLd.jpg Blog - Fells, Forces, & Pikes - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5e870e7a-ac94-4d23-a263-3ff273517715/tempImageh5BTTJ.jpg Blog - Fells, Forces, & Pikes - Make it stand out Classic stone steps built into the wall—it never gets old. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/aeab370f-7425-4290-b61d-12e356daf62a/tempImage5DJSKs.jpg Blog - Fells, Forces, & Pikes - Make it stand out The first half mile plus was a doozy! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5f2e67d8-94aa-4692-a0ad-c8eb02902cb0/Screenshot+2023-06-07+at+8.00.10+PM.png Blog - Fells, Forces, & Pikes - Make it stand out This should have been my first indication that the hike from the waterfall to the summit wasn’t destined to be an easy one. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/de28427c-9850-432e-86c1-bb02f1e31142/tempImagemcK7DC.jpg Blog - Fells, Forces, & Pikes - Make it stand out However, the view from the top was rewarding. This is looking west down on Ambleside from the Wansfell Pike. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/34302c7c-e71f-4c8e-9d89-0692302d0eba/tempImageiS1gEi.jpg Blog - Fells, Forces, & Pikes - Make it stand out From Wansfell Pike looking south over Windermere. Hey, I just bagged my first Wainwright! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/65f4f92d-8cad-4e76-911e-6bd8dc8e3321/tempImageDwjNxq.jpg Blog - Fells, Forces, & Pikes - Make it stand out From the summit, I headed down the opposite side of the mountain toward the pub. About halfway down, the single track turned onto a wider lane for the remainder of the trek to the down. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3198cb4f-d148-4e0d-8c41-3aca6845ec1d/tempImageYu9Yp2.jpg Blog - Fells, Forces, & Pikes - Make it stand out Finally, the Mortal Man peeks through the trees below., https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/92569289-bb36-4ef6-a8e9-0775f04a2ac3/tempImageIKVpsL.jpg Blog - Fells, Forces, & Pikes - Make it stand out Another 1.5 miles past the summit and I was enjoying a pint in the beer garden at Mortal Man pub. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1a7c26cc-f54d-4eaf-a2b6-7524055d14ab/tempImageePof6k.jpg Blog - Fells, Forces, & Pikes - Make it stand out In time, the nickname became so universal that The White House was dropped in favor of Mortal Man. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/89e6f1a8-a0ef-4ce8-95dd-e4097c9fe195/tempImageC4q209.jpg Blog - Fells, Forces, & Pikes - Make it stand out From the pub, back up to Wansfell Pike. The trail leading back down to Ambleside is behind me (no sun on this nose!). Ambleside is nestled beautifully in the valley below. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8ecf47ef-9078-4464-898e-106711dafcfd/tempImageZiDUCS.jpg Blog - Fells, Forces, & Pikes - Make it stand out Friends on the fell. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1192224f-0dc4-458d-a495-8872ef60b387/tempImage54Ezy0.jpg Blog - Fells, Forces, & Pikes - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/bd8ee101-2f30-4289-ad60-582a3e1cf33d/tempImagemhwpHu.jpg Blog - Fells, Forces, & Pikes - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f8a9ae90-6d2e-452a-bf4f-fe55cd2f8d06/tempImagemN7Qh2.jpg Blog - Fells, Forces, & Pikes - Make it stand out It was a perfect day on the water. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d1c83be3-b4e1-4ec6-94e7-ce7ed5ca53eb/tempImageg7vE2a.jpg Blog - Fells, Forces, & Pikes - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f9ebcf48-d6dd-4dfb-b092-480fb1790413/tempImageJOqotO.jpg Blog - Fells, Forces, & Pikes - Make it stand out These kayaks are resting on Peel Island, near the southern end of the lake. However, the island is perhaps more famously know as Wild Cat Island because of the Swallows and Amazon books written by Arthur Ransom. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5a62de86-fe8e-49c5-b2aa-e8fbe19fa393/tempImageKD2kC2.jpg Blog - Fells, Forces, & Pikes - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/49171d3b-efce-4987-8dca-4536970c7a6c/tempImagezWzfDQ.jpg Blog - Fells, Forces, & Pikes - Make it stand out Some of the beautiful wood detail. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3c381eae-fdd6-4cd2-bb74-d5d4af9c1825/tempImage7jXg7n.jpg Blog - Fells, Forces, & Pikes - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/93a5d403-fbdd-4008-8c51-2161d9f83ed0/tempImage2kPk7z.jpg Blog - Fells, Forces, & Pikes - Make it stand out Some of you will recognize the name Coniston Water as the spot where Sir Donald Campbell broke several water speed records. It was also the site of his fatal crash in 1967. In his first southbound run, he smashed his own existing water speed record by over 50 mph. His return run northbound increased the record even further to 328 mph—sadly, this was too much for the Bluebird K7 boat and it flipped over, disintegrating the boat and killing Campbell instantly. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6d9c9a7b-1c19-4149-b6ee-f8485bc78012/tempImageDjtXQ2.jpg Blog - Fells, Forces, & Pikes - Make it stand out After visiting Coniston Water, we were walking around Ambleside when Amanda spotted a lone dime on the sidewalk in front of her. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d6e4295b-a87b-4a0c-b12b-d83ba67a851a/tempImageNESWt1.jpg Blog - Fells, Forces, & Pikes - Make it stand out Hi Dad! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c3bb71e9-8e0d-42a6-a8be-aeee782cb947/tempImage7paJAa.jpg Blog - Fells, Forces, & Pikes - Make it stand out Later, we went out at dusk to wander the local sections of woodland in search of hedgehogs. We walked past a house along the way that had these peonies growing in the front garden. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ade41bd7-7376-4338-afa4-4c379872cbb2/tempImageSPqC4l.jpg Blog - Fells, Forces, & Pikes - Make it stand out Amanda said these were the biggest, most beautiful peonies she has ever seen. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5b76efed-44ec-4f4e-8d46-e7d38d403967/tempImageGCdVyU.jpg Blog - Fells, Forces, & Pikes - Make it stand out After our thwarted attempts to find hedgehogs , we stopped in the Tesco Express for crumpets (can’t have tea in the morning without crumpets!). As we approached checkout, Amanda found a second dime! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b12a7530-9cb6-41af-92e7-2ea319b82492/tempImageVm8eHr.jpg Blog - Fells, Forces, & Pikes - Make it stand out This photo was taken from our balcony at 10:15 pm. In a few days we will reach the summer solstice when our sunrise will officially occur at 4:36 am (meaning it’s light by 4 am) and the sunset will happen at 9:50 pm (which means it’s only getting truly dark around 10:30). Right now we get only 5 1/2 hours of darkness, which is such a swing from our winter in Edinburgh where we only had about 5 1/2 hours of daylight. Pretty interesting how moving north impacts your day-to-day living so dramatically. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/fdc7842d-398b-4e9e-919a-bffc6dd82d65/tempImagerqH2Dt.jpg Blog - Fells, Forces, & Pikes - Make it stand out I never realized just how many plants we have named after animals. There are a bunch of these, but they are so whimsical. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1e974914-ff6e-41c5-b225-877a0f36b792/tempImageDtQ5oe.jpg Blog - Fells, Forces, & Pikes - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7135d574-3455-42dc-bc7f-e525169fb596/tempImage2fEOy8.jpg Blog - Fells, Forces, & Pikes - Make it stand out Zebra Grass https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/47693ae3-0bb9-4511-890c-1a1765fd27e5/tempImageacylER.jpg Blog - Fells, Forces, & Pikes - Make it stand out Hare’s Ear https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/dc105898-533b-442a-8076-16fa8ecb9ff1/tempImages4bC26.jpg Blog - Fells, Forces, & Pikes - Make it stand out Dogwood https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a0db9519-0316-485d-88da-954849b8e038/tempImagevF6tLI.jpg Blog - Fells, Forces, & Pikes - Make it stand out Snapdragons https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d84b9e23-8c37-4430-baf0-002db52f6ea0/tempImageGwPkfu.jpg Blog - Fells, Forces, & Pikes - Make it stand out Foxglove https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2bb84b11-555b-4117-9331-32ea1821d717/tempImageEDNpb7.jpg Blog - Fells, Forces, & Pikes - Make it stand out Leopard’s Bane https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f589d7d1-3a83-4e13-accb-5e2663d7a82d/tempImageef2DTR.jpg Blog - Fells, Forces, & Pikes - Make it stand out Mouse Plant https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a69bcdd6-8625-4b24-b1a3-dca5f5caac50/tempImagez8Fvnq.jpg Blog - Fells, Forces, & Pikes - Make it stand out Horseradish, Fleabane, & Catmint https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/bc03b6ba-c482-496d-8ab7-70477af5e15e/tempImageN8L50Y.jpg Blog - Fells, Forces, & Pikes - Make it stand out Cranesbill and Parrot Tulip https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5e05119c-ae9a-42be-bd8b-f0c558a4f2e4/tempImage5mtYmZ.jpg Blog - Fells, Forces, & Pikes - Make it stand out Elephant’s Ears https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c3097be3-7945-4e2e-a477-e516bd55ae97/tempImagezy5GZ2.jpg Blog - Fells, Forces, & Pikes - Make it stand out Crabapple https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a5cb5e75-aafa-4008-8249-5a49bc1783b5/tempImage729GR7.jpg Blog - Fells, Forces, & Pikes - Make it stand out Bear’s Breeches https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e7cda7bf-3af0-4afd-90d0-69dfa97a3a6f/tempImagegDVeQ4.jpg Blog - Fells, Forces, & Pikes - Make it stand out Monkey Plant https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/978e49ca-53c9-4714-98a7-0346420bedaa/tempImageAdrq8H.jpg Blog - Fells, Forces, & Pikes - Make it stand out Cow Parsley https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1331cae4-d3c4-495b-bcca-ef6a4b776170/tempImage8WWn2e.jpg Blog - Fells, Forces, & Pikes - Make it stand out Solomon’s Seal https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4b228865-713b-4d60-b5a4-5f6905a5483d/tempImage86wKZV.jpg Blog - Fells, Forces, & Pikes - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b44a4737-cb9e-4230-85c1-146be03e1c32/tempImage7hXOt7.jpg Blog - Fells, Forces, & Pikes - Make it stand out Dalemains—from which the house was named. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/04cd937b-775c-4da3-b084-9c6e2de39fe9/tempImageBblWel.jpg Blog - Fells, Forces, & Pikes - Make it stand out The most incredible smelling rose ever—not to mention gorgeous! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ce4fb4c4-0028-4e4f-82d2-f25e7c315056/tempImagekgUrBl.jpg Blog - Fells, Forces, & Pikes - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1e15e95e-0e28-4db5-8d8a-1e17a0d3879e/tempImageP4ca2A.jpg Blog - Fells, Forces, & Pikes - Make it stand out Just look at the size of this rose bush! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a50debc9-4953-4c59-8b4b-ae58aa6d2aa2/tempImageKHGkAu.jpg Blog - Fells, Forces, & Pikes - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e7d56531-e16f-43a5-8445-9ef08212e204/tempImageSVOIyx.jpg Blog - Fells, Forces, & Pikes - Make it stand out Smelled like an orange dreamsicle. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/edee053a-c139-45ed-aff8-41be707dbc7a/tempImageIWoczm.jpg Blog - Fells, Forces, & Pikes - Make it stand out It’s raining wisteria. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/34412c4d-253b-486f-a93d-31586482fab0/tempImage8BFDbA.jpg Blog - Fells, Forces, & Pikes - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3688dbe7-4ba7-4b9e-a685-dc73a4f7bdde/tempImageXC56hF.jpg Blog - Fells, Forces, & Pikes - Make it stand out Today the spectacular ruins form a walled garden. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d3d500c5-3bae-4103-9f75-6d65e093422b/tempImageQ5W3jD.jpg Blog - Fells, Forces, & Pikes - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6a6e4ae1-ca8f-4b9e-bcb0-a1a95fab5cd5/tempImagezK72UN.jpg Blog - Fells, Forces, & Pikes - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3f47051c-bcee-4c9d-9009-dc071d75f83e/tempImagebhmXXu.jpg Blog - Fells, Forces, & Pikes - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d830383c-5424-4c7d-96ba-f031201e9d87/tempImage1FA04a.jpg Blog - Fells, Forces, & Pikes - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8ab985b2-95fb-42c8-a265-8e3695012fb8/tempImagehWJw4a.jpg Blog - Fells, Forces, & Pikes - Make it stand out Beyond the ruins, the massive estate is still managed as a destination spot, with sprawling gardens across the property. Dan Pearson, who designed this Rose Garden, took his inspiration from four poems by the great Victorian, William Morris. They were written to accompany a series of paintings on the Sleeping Beauty myth by Morris's great friend and collaborator, Sir Edward Burne-Janes. We were most excited to see the rose-garden-in-four-parts, which we’re sure is mind blowing, but we were there a few weeks too early and nothing had bloomed yet. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0acc735f-2d60-4852-af73-128475279b4e/tempImageTMEMTg.jpg Blog - Fells, Forces, & Pikes - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c666633d-473a-4d5c-8f98-37e596a77fa0/tempImagecFY842.jpg Blog - Fells, Forces, & Pikes - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/87d3b57b-6874-42a4-9100-b4520c36987d/tempImageoP5tOg.jpg Blog - Fells, Forces, & Pikes - Make it stand out The grounds were amazing to be sure, but we enjoyed the garden at Dalemain more. Good thing it was free to enter! https://www.overthehillandacrossthepond.com/blog/hilltop monthly 0.5 2023-11-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/691824e2-f1dc-4d3e-bc94-374ad0cb21e1/tempImageEamfJN.jpg Blog - Hill Top - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/fcd80055-e4cc-4749-9c9a-51f73d2761a1/tempImageRiczEL.jpg Blog - Hill Top - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/401603c4-3659-4272-9ed5-ed8a5d7ce9a0/tempImageDxCq1I.jpg Blog - Hill Top - Make it stand out Hill Top was built as a traditional Cumbrian farmhouse with three downstairs rooms. The main living space and kitchen (called the firehouse) is the room you enter here from the front door. Beatrix renamed this room The Hall. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ec1266f5-ee4b-4130-9dc6-ec84391618d8/tempImageUa5bhW.jpg Blog - Hill Top - Make it stand out Amanda stands in the same doorway as illustrated in The Tale of Samuel Whiskers. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/59fa1d0a-ed96-41d3-ab56-451e868e8f40/tempImageE2U3i2.jpg Blog - Hill Top - Make it stand out Beatrix Potter was a passionate collector of Lake District furniture, and she could not resist a farm sale. When Beatrix bought this dresser, it was infested with rats. Rather than being repulsed, the rats became inspiration to write The Tale of Samuel Whiskers. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ca8a0cfc-2467-4c5a-b6ea-bb7f3fe90f18/tempImageTarGZx.jpg Blog - Hill Top - Make it stand out Above, Amanda stands by the dresser that shows up in this illustration from The Tale of Samuel Whiskers. "Oh! Mother, Mother," said Moppet, "there's been an old woman rat in the kitchen, and she's stolen some of the dough!" https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/575f3452-75a7-41d4-9b17-2e66cb0140d3/tempImagevkzW3w.jpg Blog - Hill Top - Make it stand out Beatrix’s beautiful old grandfather clock. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d32ac4ce-0aa7-4907-bf68-e786b42a77a9/tempImage70o6h5.jpg Blog - Hill Top - Make it stand out This 1667 oak court cupboard came from an old farmhouse and was Beatrix's favorite piece. She once described it as “genuine and untouched—except by rats.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ffbf3a15-9ca4-4fbd-9283-8081b839d4ff/tempImagemqoC1U.jpg Blog - Hill Top - Make it stand out This paperweight rests on top the cupboard; it became the inspiration for The Tale of Mr Jeremy Fisher. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/33b8f218-1fcf-4574-bfba-d34027a26990/tempImage8PbEY2.jpg Blog - Hill Top - Make it stand out The old farmhouse had a single bedroom off the firehouse (main living space/kitchen), which Beatrix remade into a parlour—the mahogany and marble creating a refined entertaining space. “The little parlour is the room that is prettiest.” -Beatrix Potter, 1929 As a teenager Beatrix fancied, “If I ever had a house I would have old furniture…It is not as expensive as modern furniture, and incomparably handsomer and better made.” At the age of forty, she could fulfill those desires at Hill Top. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/05a10eae-c316-4621-b671-ec7eba25f958/tempImageBaBaFz.jpg Blog - Hill Top - Make it stand out The original farmhouse only consisted of the small front portion of the house with two chimneys. The other parts were added later as extensions. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/669a9fea-a1c6-4f68-a074-c70d343c8c38/tempImageEFfegF.jpg Blog - Hill Top - Make it stand out The cottage originally had a narrow spiral staircase that led up to storage lofts and sleeping quarters above. In the 18th century (before Beatrix owned it) an addition was made to the back of the house, which included this staircase. In 1906, Beatrix Potter expanded Hill Top with further extensions at the side and back of the house. The new parts became accommodation for John and Sarah Cannon, Hill Top's tenant farmers. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4eef6605-21eb-41c7-8415-3316226611fd/tempImagehkeCPe.jpg Blog - Hill Top - Make it stand out In 1902, Beatrix borrowed some antique cups from the wife of the cobbler in Near Sawrey (the village where Hill Top is located), to paint for The Tailor of Gloucester. Decades later, in 1936, she purchased them at a sale, to display at Hill Top. The charming earthenware pin dish may have come from her parents' London home, as the Potters collected Breton ceramics. We have an affinity for The Tailor of Gloucester, having visited the shop in Gloucester that inspired some of the drawings for that book (see our post Ghosts of You from April 2). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/721e4fea-1741-457d-86ea-c4dcc57bbcbc/tempImageRov4m3.jpg Blog - Hill Top - Make it stand out Beatrix painted this early 1800s mahogany dressing mirror, a family heirloom, into the background of Tom Kitten's bedroom. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/771c4d43-4805-4040-9084-ba6104ab2990/tempImagenLjqVN.jpg Blog - Hill Top - Make it stand out Beatrix decorated the Oak Room in the 1930s, embroidering the green bed hangings herself. Other personal touches evoked memories for Beatrix—an old family bible and her grandmother's chair. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/06d9e3ba-7f51-4b6c-8a36-163b03797493/tempImageK2Gjwc.jpg Blog - Hill Top - Make it stand out In October 1913, Beatrix married William Heelis (1871-1945). The mantelpiece was later engraved. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6ece77e0-81f4-42dd-9b72-5ccc7fbba812/tempImagenLm5XL.jpg Blog - Hill Top - Make it stand out The mantelpiece is inscribed: WHB 1934, which combines the couple's initials. It is said this was carved by William, to mark their 21st wedding anniversary. (The initials are inscribed on the left and the date on the right.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7371f7d7-d24f-4fc9-a69d-452f71b43db4/tempImageZ0xYue.jpg Blog - Hill Top - Make it stand out At the top of the stairs—a familiar place… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3f49f06a-06bf-4839-895f-4a9b48e1630a/tempImageZlXAwL.jpg Blog - Hill Top - Make it stand out In The Tale of Samuel Whiskers (1908), Tom Kitten is captured by rats who scamper up Hill Top’s staircase. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e85b8c66-55a3-46ac-8c60-3daaebd7188c/tempImage6ORUqD.jpg Blog - Hill Top - Make it stand out Beatrix Potter's garden was a great inspiration to her and it’s now been lovingly restored to how it looked in her time. Amanda is standing on the famous path that inspired the tales of Peter Rabbit. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6900b6db-239f-4bb3-8444-400e1e958da8/tempImageYvvveP.jpg Blog - Hill Top - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/17e2a2bb-70ca-42a2-af35-3cc14baa5595/tempImageEdkJ62.jpg Blog - Hill Top - Make it stand out Strawberry plants just blossoming in the garden. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/691c1035-012f-4ccc-bac5-0f1999e68d64/tempImageqVb04E.jpg Blog - Hill Top - Make it stand out In the orchard https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1c7f3541-1640-4e0b-8aa7-14afd0039f2d/tempImagemSpBHE.jpg Blog - Hill Top - Make it stand out Love the flowers https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0d5db174-347a-483c-8880-476e891241ca/tempImage5rB7FA.jpg Blog - Hill Top - Make it stand out This white gate was once the original entrance to Hill Top. (BTW, the new home she bought is the White House in the distance.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c21fbe2b-d8f0-410b-84d2-0a26095b30f1/tempImagegYLDA7.jpg Blog - Hill Top - Make it stand out The white gate appeared in this illustration from The Tale of Tom Kitten. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b485a38d-764c-4870-903a-a05b52c577bf/tempImageW4jNQz.jpg Blog - Hill Top - Make it stand out When Beatrix married local solicitor William Heels In 1913, she finally settled permanently in the Lakes. They outgrew Hill Top and purchased and moved to nearby Castle Cottage (the White House behind me). Over time, the couple worked together to buy and manage farms across the Lake District. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b96a4316-eec5-43e4-b3e2-2c5a20dfbb98/tempImageIvnUIk.jpg Blog - Hill Top - Make it stand out However, Beatrix kept Hill Top as a place to work, entertain guests, and display her collections. Hill Top remained a working farm during Beatrix’s lifetime, as it is today. Beatrix had this gate installed at the back of Castle Cottage so she could slip across the meadow to Hill Top without having to walk through town. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e5882fa6-f1b4-4b69-a83c-42793bbf511a/tempImagetKviDU.jpg Blog - Hill Top - Make it stand out The driveway to Castle Cottage. The National Trust now owns the cottage and leases it out (it was Beatrix’s wish that the house be lived in)—so you could live here if you want. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d20485fe-39f8-4fc5-b8f1-d19bb6618a81/tempImageez66jX.jpg Blog - Hill Top - Make it stand out Beautiful roses https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b4e41b16-60ec-40b7-918a-d294b6f42e63/tempImageUWvZFX.jpg Blog - Hill Top - Make it stand out Beatrix dedicated the next 30 years to the conservation of the local landscape, buildings, and farming traditions. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a615544e-f0b4-4bbd-ae59-ffc11ada2002/tempImage01urNs.jpg Blog - Hill Top - Make it stand out We’re pretty sure the guy working on the wall while smoking his pipe is the long-term caretaker of Hill top. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/58a17ba0-123d-4fb2-a0db-75139cfe8f13/tempImage4xUXkj.jpg Blog - Hill Top - Make it stand out The mail box in front of Hill Top. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/017f1e0e-5ff6-434c-bdf8-e0a0c800a019/tempImageBgwOB2.jpg Blog - Hill Top - Make it stand out The mailbox appeared in one of her illustrations with Peter Rabbit. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c205e57e-882a-4904-9121-cb19c04b15f2/tempImagei3C3H9.jpg Blog - Hill Top - Make it stand out When Beatrix died, she left Hill Top to the National Trust, along with 15 farms and over 4,000 acres of land. May you have a thousand safe crossings Peter! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e9661e06-4adc-4766-8797-3a8767495543/tempImagebkIwpu.jpg Blog - Hill Top - Make it stand out Hill Top is situated west of Windermere. Fortunately, the County operates a ferry that crosses mid-lake. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ac5cb563-f851-4d6e-adb0-91c7ffa47964/tempImage9FHAJV.jpg Blog - Hill Top - Make it stand out Since the lake is over 10 miles long and the roads are very narrow and winding along the western side, crossing on the ferry saved us gobs of time. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5cc59c00-aed8-4c8d-9c10-66ab6b6e9b62/IMG_8873.PNG Blog - Hill Top - Make it stand out Here we are on Google Maps nearing the landing on the eastern shore. The crossing cost £6 and only took a few minutes, so it was well worth a few minutes waiting for the ferry to arrive, and thus avoiding the massive drive around the lake. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3df906a9-6717-4b32-a284-48102498cfdd/tempImage0BIpQj.jpg Blog - Hill Top - Make it stand out On the eastern shore, a few minutes from the ferry is The World of Beatrice Potter Attraction. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ec5f120b-a148-4b18-9ff5-ca7a64c4ca94/tempImagesCV0Bd.jpg Blog - Hill Top - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/82cc447e-75f6-4bcf-8d9f-d258028c7c0f/tempImageZqsTOJ.jpg Blog - Hill Top - Make it stand out The target audience is probably young children, but they really have done a great job of bringing many of her characters to life. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4afa7d7c-2f0e-4605-9625-ba886454d3af/tempImageHWlxtZ.jpg Blog - Hill Top - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/fdc0ef84-04bc-4442-b29d-62d334d42c36/tempImagejEHzoi.jpg Blog - Hill Top - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6d4a9f8f-89ad-403c-8804-6e3d3b0c44d6/tempImageuQNaXh.jpg Blog - Hill Top - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8d2915e6-2f62-4152-b138-7056b5753398/tempImageOhxSxX.jpg Blog - Hill Top - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ebb8f7af-ead0-45c8-9d6b-7cc7afee5d55/tempImageMxU8co.jpg Blog - Hill Top - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/198f59ed-ebdd-4005-85fa-2c3a42284421/tempImageiuYUhq.jpg Blog - Hill Top - Make it stand out Her characters and their stories are both endearing and enduring. From Alfred Wainwright and his brilliant hiking guides, to the evocative poetry of William Wordsworth’s, to Beatrix Potter and her imaginative characters—The Lake District is pure magical inspiration, and it’s deeply infectious! https://www.overthehillandacrossthepond.com/blog/lake-district monthly 0.5 2023-11-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2fb01f7c-8258-4ef8-9d41-af281d7acaef/tempImage0ft3A6.jpg Blog - Lake District - Make it stand out Looking north over town https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2bb5cc45-a835-42aa-b6c0-97c308ed0602/tempImagearATKe.jpg Blog - Lake District - Make it stand out The view west across a wonderful maze of old rooftop pitches, dormers, and chimney stacks—dominated by St Mary’s Parish Church. The entire valley is surrounded by a sea of green in every shade and texture. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ead9726c-9a12-4acf-9a8c-46fe437a2a85/tempImageTVwZmq.jpg Blog - Lake District - Make it stand out We love the church spire—very Hogwarts! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0ede0878-2369-49d5-86f9-1a0083a2c898/tempImageVA5ibB.jpg Blog - Lake District - Make it stand out The ideal spot for our morning cuppa. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5b39bbc3-87f2-498e-b18b-968d7fb333d2/tempImageRDN0Vb.jpg Blog - Lake District - Make it stand out Our apartments above as seen from the main market street in town. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d98eeedb-1532-4fd5-9d80-570407ef409c/tempImageBeeEFo.jpg Blog - Lake District - Make it stand out The Bridge House is a tiny whimsical 17th-century stone house, built upon a bridge over Stock Ghyll stream. When it was built more than 300 years ago, it was probably intended as a summer house and to store apples for Ambleside Hall. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4409cfeb-0e8b-4621-9d23-8fcab27a9963/tempImagebRkfO8.jpg Blog - Lake District - Make it stand out The house is now owned by the National Trust, which apparently sometimes opens it as a visitor center. It is listed online as closed all throughout our stay. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2f4b5c5e-3e9a-4213-a18b-8ce3a9cba619/tempImageH5mOti.jpg Blog - Lake District - Make it stand out You can see the lack of rain lately in many of our photos. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/648e261b-5508-4160-81d3-e43577314251/View_of_the_cobbler%27s_shop_on_the_bridge%2C_Ambleside_%28undated%29.jpg Blog - Lake District - Make it stand out The building was depicted by the Victorian landscapist Lewis Einhorn Wood (1848-1918) in his late 19th century work The Cobbler's Shop on the Bridge. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/499ee2ca-ab43-4516-bae8-2e8a5fd41195/tempImageZrHVQt.jpg Blog - Lake District - Make it stand out The building is also found on the small poster mounted to the wall right outside our front door. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e96df490-1895-4bd2-b356-c79e2443ab62/tempImagekd7rRb.jpg Blog - Lake District - Make it stand out The Apple Pie Café and Bakery is a local favorite. I grabbed a slice of spiced apple pie and Amanda a double chocolate cookie to take back and enjoy on our balcony with afternoon tea. Yummy! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4297321d-2a65-438d-89fb-99ca6fe568bf/tempImagel0JtFS.jpg Blog - Lake District - Make it stand out On Monday (Jun 5) evening (the sun doesn’t set until after 10 pm), I hiked up a peak overlooking the valley in which Ambleside sits. Under a canopy of trees, the path crosses over this beautiful old stone footbridge. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4de780c2-aa6c-4c55-95c8-8b241f22fd58/tempImageWFmhiX.jpg Blog - Lake District - Make it stand out Alright, now what are we looking at here Karina? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6a56276f-244f-4779-b073-00b3bf345d56/tempImagefeFdLX.jpg Blog - Lake District - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f5fe0aca-da29-427c-8557-b3322201cf78/tempImagetRMtWA.jpg Blog - Lake District - Make it stand out Only in England do you walk up giant stone steps projecting from a stone wall to cross over, followed by a wooden bridge with livestock gate to make it over a brook. Magical. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/be4a6f3e-8d75-42e2-a0c4-f075a35f1814/tempImagexmuH0H.jpg Blog - Lake District - Make it stand out A lonely patch of white flowers. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/baa4adbf-beaa-48bd-a303-47df54107384/tempImageq4AEhQ.jpg Blog - Lake District - Make it stand out Purple foxgloves and ferns near the summit; a stone wall in the middle distance, and endless rolling green hills beyond. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b8afc87d-3bce-4e8a-a25b-2811ec65a2f4/tempImagen3rQzU.jpg Blog - Lake District - Make it stand out WWWW—What Would Wordsworth Write? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b0d97ad2-eb65-43e3-a45a-a234dadae1df/tempImageu94onK.jpg Blog - Lake District - Make it stand out Looking over Ambleside. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/60979914-a1b8-40e4-8f3d-5dd1d13484c6/tempImageXEHox3.jpg Blog - Lake District - Make it stand out Our apartment complex in the center. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b31ff39d-1dc6-4847-ab82-a030dd004923/tempImage9EfNDG.jpg Blog - Lake District - Make it stand out I called Amanda and she zoomed in from the apartment and took this photo of me waving from up on the hill. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5104d14c-3063-4ff4-a17c-25c09e2f3f42/tempImage7XOb3Y.jpg Blog - Lake District - Make it stand out Ambleside and Windermere lake. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6f7dc347-e9c4-401e-b9fe-be8660184c43/tempImagetlILbU.jpg Blog - Lake District - Make it stand out I think we picked a great spot to stay! https://www.overthehillandacrossthepond.com/blog/yorkshire monthly 0.5 2023-11-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b63c54fc-7385-495c-9c8a-3c04c5047996/tempImageCivkci.jpg Blog - Yorkshire in Repose - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/68a7be36-145b-4d25-8bc1-9fcfa3226e13/tempImagenNGIyb.jpg Blog - Yorkshire in Repose - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5b57ea19-e099-4fd3-998c-9a6f7d7fd5ef/tempImageUkCalj.jpg Blog - Yorkshire in Repose - Make it stand out We were right there…A sign said no cost to visit…So we wandered inside… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/43abc6a2-79c1-43de-ab9f-708431b73218/tempImageDzaHIa.jpg Blog - Yorkshire in Repose - Make it stand out Now, don’t worry, there are not a hundred cathedral pictures awaiting as your scroll down the screen. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9b47320b-bf97-4429-95fd-413ce037ccaf/tempImageT5AIz2.jpg Blog - Yorkshire in Repose - Make it stand out Here is a window for the Neumanns, “Entreat me not to leave thee,” with Ruth (left) and Naomi (right). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3d727f25-94b4-427b-b3c1-16b3a65f0bc5/tempImageby4SZF.jpg Blog - Yorkshire in Repose - Make it stand out Ripon Cathedral did hold a really unexpected and very cool surprise—serendipity is the best! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4b5ef5c9-db57-43dc-bcde-6d0b7f8157d5/tempImage8I8Pc8.jpg Blog - Yorkshire in Repose - Make it stand out I am walking under these organ pipes and into the quire, when I see a dad pointing out to his son a number of animals that are carved into the quire stalls. My interest piques; I look to see what they what they see. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4d9820fe-d6c0-4f32-a41e-424ff57debb4/tempImageiByTvs.jpg Blog - Yorkshire in Repose - Make it stand out Sure enough, an elephant with a tower on his back and people hiding inside, and a man curled curiously in his trunk… An ax-weilding centaur… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/68bfadeb-f47f-4fea-b8ad-84b14e24997f/tempImage8I4x1j.jpg Blog - Yorkshire in Repose - Make it stand out A lion thingy… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c129f0ca-a1b0-4ed3-8635-e38a20e78c0d/tempImageQOw6SD.jpg Blog - Yorkshire in Repose - Make it stand out A money with a collar around his neck? Then I see a cathedral volunteer telling a young girl to step up on one of the misericords (folding quire seat) and look at a particular carving in the very back stall. When she’s done, I tell him the big kid wants to see too! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/06e96c8f-9361-4fc2-871c-1a1dc916eb2a/tempImageI8bLfp.jpg Blog - Yorkshire in Repose - Make it stand out There, carved under the misericord, is a hippogriff chasing a rabbit who subsequently escapes down a hole. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/86c0eebd-08dc-407e-8d82-bf9cbdf50926/tempImagetAKOVH.jpg Blog - Yorkshire in Repose - Make it stand out And then there is the curious crypt that runs under the cathedral (very near the rabbit carving). Reputedly based on the tomb of Jesus Christ, this crypt is the oldest surviving structure of any cathedral in England. Built in 672 by St Wilfred, the crypt predates England itself by 255 years. Accessed by steep and narrow steps, a claustrophobic and gloomy passageway winds underneath the medieval cathedral. This cramped tunnel leads to a white painted void, believed by its creators to be a faithful representation of Jesus’s modest tomb. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8f3dd864-5b34-4b14-89bc-cc1c49f852b1/tempImageSeP8bK.jpg Blog - Yorkshire in Repose - Make it stand out With an arched ceiling, a simple altar, and a 14th-century alabaster carving of the resurrection, the otherwise chilly emptiness of this simple whitewashed crypt disguises its rich historical significance. In addition to the crypt, a complex system of gypsum caves lies beneath Ripon, once accessible through subsidence holes. One can easily arrive at the very plausible conclusion that the creative mind of Carroll was inspired by the many figures—particularly the rabbit down the hole, the crypt under the cathedral, and the caves under the city. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/13922066-971d-4cf8-9228-7b9bcc2e7e7b/tempImageg2jtfu.jpg Blog - Yorkshire in Repose - Make it stand out Also, these carvings high in the South Transept are supposedly the Queen of Hearts (top) and the Cheshire Cat (bottom). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/270fb117-f098-4625-be7e-0b0a85081cac/tempImagegmptxM.jpg Blog - Yorkshire in Repose - Make it stand out Another eye-catching wooden carvings is the mysterious hand above the entrance to the quire. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0a181097-6a8b-448d-9173-cd91a88b4f70/tempImagexAfXI7.jpg Blog - Yorkshire in Repose - Make it stand out This mechanical hand, which still works, was installed in 1695 so that the organist could simultaneously conduct the choir while playing the organ. Ingenious! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c612718a-8d41-40b8-9f7c-73439ce82db9/tempImageQGO6g1.jpg Blog - Yorkshire in Repose - Make it stand out Sadly I do not possess the creative genius of Carroll, but I did find the many curious features of the cathedral fascinating and inspirational. I’m glad we decided to go down this rabbit hole! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c725a5cc-b0cf-458f-802d-589b1a2badaf/tempImagePBzEis.jpg Blog - Yorkshire in Repose - Make it stand out Alone in an ocean of moorland, far from the nearest town, and many miles from its next-door neighbor, sits the Tan Hill Inn. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6fb757b2-4b43-4313-90cb-26ce0203e59a/tempImageqVJt2U.jpg Blog - Yorkshire in Repose - Make it stand out You can read all about the Tan Hill Inn in this book if you’re interested. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/728eae61-462a-4396-855a-6df059e158bd/tempImage2XK0lP.jpg Blog - Yorkshire in Repose - Make it stand out Perched alone at an elevation of 1,732 feet above sea level, the Inn is listed as one of a handful of Dark Sky sites in Britain. A million stars, and sometimes the Northern Lights, shine overhead at night. The Inn also claims to be the highest in elevation in Britain. With Britain’s highest peak being just over 4,000 feet, I guess 1,732 is something to brag about. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/15e749ec-cd62-4b63-95d4-ee849d9871ce/ezgif.com-webp-to-jpg.jpg Blog - Yorkshire in Repose - Make it stand out Jab at them all I want, but on a Friday evening in late November 2021, the Tan Hill Inn made international news when high winds and snow from Storm Arwen stranded in the inn 61 people who had come to hear the Oasis cover band Noasis—now nicknamed Snow-asis. The storm also brought down power lines across the road, so snow ploughs were unable to clear the road until early Monday morning. After three days of pub quizzes, board games, and karaoke—everyone was able to finally leave. During the event, Oasis frontman Liam Gallagher tweeted he was jealous as he was "always trying to get a lock in.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4a15001c-4b71-4315-865e-2d893975fb13/260300710_4025985854167646_7340527103362555928_n.jpeg Blog - Yorkshire in Repose - Make it stand out In December 2022, a reunion was held at the Tan Hill Inn. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8f539b1b-6bf3-46d4-9a95-6ab20ebd35c2/tempImageJpgpAI.jpg Blog - Yorkshire in Repose - Make it stand out It’s a quintessentially British pastime to brag about being the “—est” of this or that. Oldest, highest, etc. So, at 1,732 feet, The Tan Hill Inn is the highest pub in England. You may recall us visiting the Warren House Inn in Dartmoor National Park. At an elevation of 1,425 feet, Warrenouse brags about being the highest Inn in Southern England. So as ensure their uniqueness in the world, they also claim the Warren House Inn is “said to be the loneliest” pub in England. So add “loneliest” to the list! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ab32be9d-14f6-4e5e-bd5b-e7cf2d1d54c3/tempImagepi2ERr.jpg Blog - Yorkshire in Repose - Make it stand out The Porch House in Stow-on-the-Wold claims to be the oldest pub in England with parts of the building having been carbon dated as far back as the year 947. Impressive to be sure, but the building appear not to have been used as a pub until the 1700s. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/49c05893-b8be-4855-b0f9-6258dbed77fc/IMG_0936.jpg Blog - Yorkshire in Repose - Make it stand out So confident is Ye Olde Trip to Jerusalem, they have boldly painted their claim to oldest pub in England right in large letters on the building. The inn is built into the same rocks upon which Nottingham Castle stands, and the name indicates it was once perhaps a stop upon the pilgrimage to Jerusalem. Inside, you can sit and drink in caves that have been carved out of the rock, and peer at curiosities including a cursed ship which kills anyone who cleans it, and a chair which is said to increase one’s chances of becoming pregnant. Standard pub ornaments, really. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c4181f5b-0c26-422c-b74f-6c715b5c1f91/tempImageAY47si.jpg Blog - Yorkshire in Repose - Make it stand out In Scotland, the White Hart Inn claims to be Edinburgh's “most ancient tavern.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/06097cb0-0511-40b2-b72d-418700ab3dae/tempImage2JcJkn.jpg Blog - Yorkshire in Repose - Make it stand out The Parrot claims to be not just the oldest pub in Canterbury, but one of the oldest buildings in the city—built on Roman foundations in 1370 just inside the Roman City Wall. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e0374d16-2fa9-49ab-8875-99b3ab703363/tempImageLjyN2c.jpg Blog - Yorkshire in Repose - Make it stand out The Lamb and Flag in the Covent Garden section of London claims to be the “bloodiest” pub for the attack on the poet John Dryden in 1679 in the alleyway beside the pub and for the staging of bare-knuckle prize fights in the early nineteenth century. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/586f525c-e77c-46f2-a9a6-e2d0da91a07f/tempImageSYazMP.jpg Blog - Yorkshire in Repose - Make it stand out The Clachan Inn north of Glasgow was licensed in 1734, which makes it one of the longest running licenses in the UK. The woman who got the pub its license, a Mistress Gow, was said to be the sister of legendary outlaw Rob Roy, and this claim has been widely accepted as making The Clachan Inn the oldest in Scotland. Unless, of course, it’s actually… The Sheep Heid Inn reportedly opened in 1360, which would make this the oldest surviving public house in Scotland. The oldest record of the name “Sheep Heid Inn” comes in 1710, which you’ll note would still be old enough to supersede its competitor. Whatever the case, this one is a firm favorite with royals: Mary Queen of Scots was a known visitor, James I presented the landlord with a snuff box as a token of his appreciation, and Elizabeth II dropped by for a visit in 2016. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1db3e916-c9f0-45ae-8bec-89c1e0fa726e/tempImagevx4B35.jpg Blog - Yorkshire in Repose - Make it stand out At the end of the day, it’s all about having a good story. And who are we kidding, we’re mostly here for the bragging rights ourselves! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ea3a0110-13d5-4c06-9801-b8c7b5a79aaa/tempImagegmFlGF.jpg Blog - Yorkshire in Repose - Make it stand out Oh, and to get a pint of real ale, of course! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/13d97590-fdac-4c7e-a1bd-4a977e5570b5/tempImagenemLwD.jpg Blog - Yorkshire in Repose - Make it stand out It was a very fun diversion and we enjoyed getting to see this famously isolated spot. https://www.overthehillandacrossthepond.com/blog/the-bronts monthly 0.5 2023-11-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2dc23e03-f825-4e17-8dcb-7f782dffba56/tempImageGE0Lgc.jpg Blog - The Brontës - Make it stand out In front of Haworth Parsonage. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9a9acb9e-0870-40ce-ac7c-b9ca8d94cb08/tempImageD9s4s5.jpg Blog - The Brontës - Make it stand out The site of the old gate leading to the church used by the Brontë family, and through which they were each carried to their final resting place in the church. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0f2a290f-5462-4c4f-9edf-6817cfff4aa8/tempImagesze9fm.jpg Blog - The Brontës - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e149a833-f1a0-4211-be95-c2d753e5370a/tempImageqpy16d.jpg Blog - The Brontës - Make it stand out Mr Brontë’s Study—Mr Brontë carried out his parish business and gave his children lessons here. Education had enabled Mr Brontë to advance in the world and he fostered his children's interest in literature, politics, art, and music. He purchased the cabinet piano, which was mainly played by Emily and Anne, and decorated the study walls with engravings of biblical scenes by John Martin. Martin's works were an early inspiration for the young Brontës. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/02564675-fd26-4f30-9058-b04244e092a8/tempImages5mJIK.jpg Blog - The Brontës - Make it stand out Dining Room—Charlotte, Emily, and Anne did much of their writing here. Their world famous novels Jane Eyre (Charlotte), Wuthering Heights (Emily), and Agnes Grey (Anne) were written in this room. At night, the sisters would walk around the table discussing their writing. By the fireplace stands the rocking chair where Anne would sit with her feet on the fender. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/728dd296-2d8a-4108-8f4b-9d166541dcb9/tempImageGuMyrK.jpg Blog - The Brontës - Make it stand out A reproduction of the famous portrait of Charlotte by George Richmond hangs above the fireplace. After Emily and Anne died, Charlotte was left to walk in solitude. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/04fdc59a-082d-4cbe-adf8-027e612949be/tempImageCxnBfY.jpg Blog - The Brontës - Make it stand out It is believed that Emily died on the sofa in this room. A plaster medallion portrait of their only brother, the ill-fated Branwell Brontë, hangs above the sofa. If you watch the movie Emily (2022), you will see that they either filmed some scenes in the museum or very faithfully recreated this room and the one above. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b0528d3f-336a-470c-b375-a4f11f292b7b/tempImageFYxoaE.jpg Blog - The Brontës - Make it stand out Kitchen—The Brontë sisters were expected to take a share of the household tasks, and after Aunt Branwell's death, Emily acted as housekeeper while Charlotte and Anne worked away from home as governesses. Baking bread or ironing allowed Emily the mental freedom to focus on her writing, and she was always happiest at home. In the Brontë’s time there was a back-kitchen where the washing and heavier household work would have been carried out. This was demolished in 1878 to make way for a large kitchen extension which was added to the Parsonage by Mr Brontë's successor, John Wade. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5ab280aa-a23e-42d3-94b0-7498e3da283e/tempImage7Lb01w.jpg Blog - The Brontës - Make it stand out Throughout 2017, artist Clare Twomey invited visitors to the Brontë Parsonage Museum to recreate the long lost manuscript of Emily Bronte's masterpiece, Wuthering Heights. In the making of this handmade book, almost 10,000 visitors were invited to copy it down one line at a time, writing in the house where Emily wrote her famous novel. The completed manuscript is now on display, to celebrate the bicentenary of Emily's birth (July 30, 1818). This re-creation honors Emily's achievement and celebrates her contribution to English literature through the act of writing. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b205736c-8993-495e-91f1-79d987750b1e/tempImageOynU3C.jpg Blog - The Brontës - Make it stand out Each evening at nine o'clock, Mr Brontë would lock the front door and call in at the dining room to warn his daughters not to stay up too late. On his way to bed he would stop to wind this grandfather clock made by Barraciough of Haworth. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/931e7ae2-0dea-499c-8816-22cfe3a724b3/tempImage98JhEs.jpg Blog - The Brontës - Make it stand out Anne, Emily, and Charlotte Brontë, c. 1834 by Branwell Brontë—This is a copy of Branwell's painting of his sisters which is now in the National Portrait Gallery, London. At first Branwell decided to include himself in the portrait but later painted himself out, though his shadowy figure can still be seen between Emily and Charlotte. Arthur Bell Nicholls, Charlotte's husband, took the painting back to Ireland with him, where for many years the canvas lay folded in a cupboard. There are very few contemporary portraits of the Brontës in existence and this is the only known painting of the sisters together. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7c51def9-0093-4a22-b712-0693e14263df/tempImage0vAEyk.jpg Blog - The Brontës - Make it stand out This room was originally used by Mr and Mrs Brontë. After Mrs Brontë's death in 1821, it was taken over by her sister, Elizabeth Branwell, who took charge of the running of the Parsonage and taught her nieces sewing and other household accomplishments. Aunt Branwell died in 1842 and thereafter, the room is likely to have been used by different members of the family. When Charlotte married she and Arthur Bell Nicholls shared the room, and it was here Charlotte died in 1855, with her husband praying at her bedside. Today the room is used to display Charlotte's clothing and personal treasures. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/50c9f946-4989-467c-8027-5fd08b1d9179/tempImageh9bcvW.jpg Blog - The Brontës - Make it stand out Emily Brontë's Artist's Box from 1827—I thought Erica and any other artists out there might appreciate it. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0e18269c-b4db-4d08-a54d-4a75ff98bfc4/tempImageexDe6c.jpg Blog - The Brontës - Make it stand out Emily Brontë's Writing Desk—Each of the sisters had her own portable writing desk. This desk belonged to Emily and is made of rosewood, inlaid with mother-of-pearl. The contents have been preserved as Emily left them and include: sealing wafers, blobs of sealing wax, pen shafts and nibs, and a small envelope containing Clarke's enigmatic puzzle wafers: small gummed labels for sealing envelopes which are printed with acrostics. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ba8f9f2e-8089-4278-acb5-555c3a9a94e3/tempImage01HXk2.jpg Blog - The Brontës - Make it stand out Emily Brontë's Diary Paper, July 30, 1841—This diary paper has particular interest not only because of its rarity but also because it is illustrated. Emily has added two tiny sketches of herself in the Parsonage dining room. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/cdc9a244-bb4a-4f41-9796-2ff821918dcc/tempImagen1Oi04.jpg Blog - The Brontës - Make it stand out The dress worn by Emma Mackey in the 2022 film Emily. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/694a04fe-d214-423d-9807-b159eea68af3/tempImageTpBxoB.jpg Blog - The Brontës - Make it stand out Mr Brontë’s Room—After his wife's death, Mr Brontë moved into this room. None of the original beds have survived. The bed displayed here is a reproduction based on Branwell's drawing of himself being summoned from sleep by Death. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4dd513de-4682-4a5f-af6b-6f4b7eb1461b/IMG_8674+copy.jpg Blog - The Brontës - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/aa5f3ba2-6735-4229-94e0-37438a004f2e/ezgif.com-webp-to-jpg.jpg Blog - The Brontës - Make it stand out Branwell Brontë is known to have frequented the Black Bull often and the story goes that when his family were worried he was too drunk, they sent someone to find him. They'd come in one door of the Black Bull and he'd escape via the kitchen window and hot-foot it across the graveyard and into the parsonage before being caught over-indulging on alcohol. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c7d2a0f6-5757-4649-805c-27c99e67eccb/tempImageKglwDE.jpg Blog - The Brontës - Make it stand out Following research in the Brontë Parsonage Museum collection and using a variety of decorative techniques to reproduce uneven plaster, scuffed floorboards, and chipped paint—Branwell’s Room has been “restored” so as to appear original and authentic, then furnished with antique and replica items relating to his preoccupations and lifestyle at the time. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2df4e059-c87b-4981-94b3-24edc20f13b0/tempImagetJ0fKb.jpg Blog - The Brontës - Make it stand out This cupboard belonged to Thomas Eyre of Hathersage, Derbyshire (the Peak District). It was seen by Charlotte when she visited his house with Ellen Nussey in 1845. When she wrote Jane Eyre a year later, Charlotte may have taken her heroine's name from the Eyres of Hathersage. She graphically describes the cupboard in the scene where Jane tends to the wounds inflicted on Richard Mason by Rochester's mad wife. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e0cf2e99-85b6-4efa-a3fc-35f0e0cdde06/tempImageyUdSXE.jpg Blog - The Brontës - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6c362313-32ff-403b-9a7f-126c2585b104/tempImageXIxYJ6.jpg Blog - The Brontës - Make it stand out Amanda with our copy of Wuthering Heights purchased at the Museum Shop. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e489a9f7-d11d-4aec-90bc-5f5f2fa6825b/tempImage3Ja4jW.jpg Blog - The Brontës - Make it stand out Looking at the Haworth Parsonage from the church graveyard. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/db03f747-20bb-4a00-93ea-410a722a912b/tempImage02kE0f.jpg Blog - The Brontës - Make it stand out St Michael's Church has been rebuilt since the Brontë’s attended church here. However, the graves where Patrick buried his wife and all but one of his children, and where he was finally buried himself, were left undisturbed beneath the foundations of the new church, in the approximate place where their family pew was located in the old church, https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/70931ff1-7cc8-4cc2-a040-edaae8071a19/tempImaged5uNOV.jpg Blog - The Brontës - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3b93eada-ad94-4a64-a8aa-795a7f1288b5/1019px-Anne_Brontes_Grave_in_Scarborough_01.JPG Blog - The Brontës - Make it stand out Anne Bronte died in Scarborough and was buried there by Charolette in St Mary's Church graveyard. Anne loved Scarborough and portrayed it in both her novels Agnes Grey and The Tenant of Wildfell Hall. She wished to open her own school here. We were near Scarborough when we visited Whitby; however, we did not make the trip over to Scarborough—mostly because the Scarborough Fair was not happening. Had it been, we would have seen Anne’s grave and picked up some parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/13ab2b4b-e6a1-4904-854a-75444e407b7b/tempImage2LbBtJ.jpg Blog - The Brontës - Make it stand out The wild and wuthering moorland landscape that was such a great source of inspiration to the sisters. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6be0f407-581a-4127-bb9d-64f4f94de658/tempImageuZfPLL.jpg Blog - The Brontës - Make it stand out Despite the influx of tourists, Haworth looks probably much as it did in the early and mid 1800s when the Brontë family likely walked these very pavers. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/bffe2b2d-bf45-47c2-a2e3-7cdc49e96153/tempImageVR12it.jpg Blog - The Brontës - Make it stand out This building was the Georgian home of the Barraclough family of clock-makers, and Emily Brontë used the name Mosley Barraclough in Wuthering Heights. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/52f00ee9-b96d-4b85-8730-b981039379fe/tempImagewWcrUZ.jpg Blog - The Brontës - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/13bc5a14-de57-4104-89fb-59f4f61135b9/tempImagewDR1zV.jpg Blog - The Brontës - Make it stand out The druggist’s house and shop when the Brontës lived in Haworth. The Pharmacist at the time was Betty Hardacre, and it was she who dispensed laudanum to Bronwell in the years leading up to his death in 1848. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8a9492f5-5700-4d2b-87c2-3a4c68954ace/tempImagesbAumH.jpg Blog - The Brontës - Make it stand out The interior of the shop is now beautifully redone. Both the interior and exterior are easily recognizable in the 2022 film Emily. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8e16c5f1-e1bd-4327-85e2-f49a793b83ed/tempImageIm4Bab.jpg Blog - The Brontës - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f237ac1e-250c-40fa-9ea7-68a4aab25257/tempImageKqeSQS.jpg Blog - The Brontës - Make it stand out These old abbey ruins are all in such beautiful settings! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/edbb4013-b3aa-4f47-8f63-ac56531cc132/tempImageINiqe0.jpg Blog - The Brontës - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/cd8ceb6f-89ee-4206-8bd1-fda0e0bbb0d0/tempImagetdQURV.jpg Blog - The Brontës - Make it stand out We absolutely loved the hardware on this door. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/09b6222a-efbb-4984-8dd1-21fe260df5a7/tempImagePsmaE4.jpg Blog - The Brontës - Make it stand out Standing where the quire screen once stood. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e99c8556-27c8-428b-a01e-d7549e407124/tempImager0pgOb.jpg Blog - The Brontës - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ce435632-fc32-433a-bd72-c14271ab8ef8/tempImageD611vK.jpg Blog - The Brontës - Make it stand out While the Crossing, Quire, and Chancel were destroyed during the Dissolution, the land owners managed to strike a deal where the Nave was saved and still stands today, serving as The Priory Church of St Mary and St Cuthbert. The solid stone wall seen at the far east end of the church blocks off what was once the view into the Crossing, with the Great East Window beyond. The fact that part of the original abbey still stands and remains in use, makes this a very unusual ending for a former abbey. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9398a7e0-a7eb-40d8-a876-2a73fcda5c91/tempImage5OhroI.jpg Blog - The Brontës - Make it stand out This modern vestibule protects the original west entrance to the old Bolton Abbey. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/73f9aaba-2e5e-470b-84df-c96233c6cbb8/tempImage17Amsp.jpg Blog - The Brontës - Make it stand out Meanwhile, back at the car park. We love you England! https://www.overthehillandacrossthepond.com/blog/fountains-abbey monthly 0.5 2023-11-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/50bc2ec0-c458-4c6f-8635-49eafad799c8/tempImage7gpcv7.jpg Blog - Fountains Abbey - Make it stand out Looking from “inside” the city, amazingly, the 15th-century wooden gates still remain! You can just make out the construction of the doors: vertical slats on the front and horizontal slats on the back. Note too the tiny wicket (door) built into the left door. You can just see the spikes from the wooden portcullis poking through the second archway. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/44109d3c-96f1-455a-a93d-942aacfef0d7/tempImagenlxuXm.jpg Blog - Fountains Abbey - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ed803355-6713-4cc7-a1e6-3d8cb7d6c9b0/tempImagetGTr9T.jpg Blog - Fountains Abbey - Make it stand out At the entrance of the barbican looking toward the main entrance. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b91b2eca-f072-4442-a69d-37f658aa4ef4/tempImageByr0DM.jpg Blog - Fountains Abbey - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/fc70255d-dee7-46c3-b236-f03edec80a8f/tempImageLpCtJG.jpg Blog - Fountains Abbey - Make it stand out Amanda on top of the barbican. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0c2087a2-99e8-44aa-b770-83b3d876a322/tempImage8XMqeu.jpg Blog - Fountains Abbey - Make it stand out Inside the coffee house (the first room above the gate), you can see the retracted wooden portcullis lattice is being used as a display case. How’s that for blending the old with the new? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ad06a9ca-8afa-4837-8d9b-b950d668dea5/tempImageg0Af24.jpg Blog - Fountains Abbey - Make it stand out We stopped inside the Vanilla Café and had afternoon tea with raspberry vanilla cake. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/613b4348-7027-46b0-9dc8-1d39d0666e14/tempImageXXCAwm.jpg Blog - Fountains Abbey - Make it stand out Love the cloven hooves. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2d4c69ab-207f-42e0-9327-6f9fd166403a/tempImageUkPYiH.jpg Blog - Fountains Abbey - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ed75fb8a-fd38-468b-8cbc-14d85619ba82/tempImage2JEpBD.jpg Blog - Fountains Abbey - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b3c5c88a-c4ac-4a05-a551-fd951d4c34ce/tempImagel7hpDZ.jpg Blog - Fountains Abbey - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/10975c96-2f40-443f-a572-afd7773f6227/tempImage2DjLiN.jpg Blog - Fountains Abbey - Make it stand out Long ago, grit and sand was deposited in layers, the angles changing depending on the direction the river was flowing. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/749ec697-f29f-47cb-bd26-f0ca881b6a2d/tempImageYAL2Uc.jpg Blog - Fountains Abbey - Make it stand out Love the tree growing out of the rock! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/bc505999-57ef-4f18-9619-4eb0f526f675/tempImageREKrGH.jpg Blog - Fountains Abbey - Make it stand out In time an ice age occurred. The gritstones at Brimham were stronger than other local stone and so resisted glacial movement—leaving the rocks exposed above the glacier and subjected to fierce arctic weather, further eroding the rocks into even more fanciful shapes. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8ee0af05-203c-44a0-81b5-d0c9a2997685/tempImagemEdten.jpg Blog - Fountains Abbey - Make it stand out Today it’s a nature-made playground where families flock and kids scamper through the giant rock playground. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c31184fe-7ee5-4609-8ee7-c01e3065e46e/tempImage1kkpZK.jpg Blog - Fountains Abbey - Make it stand out We think this was the first week of summer vacation because there was a noticeable increase in kids at places we visited midweek. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/620405dd-591d-416a-815c-1eab38958a6e/tempImage33qOiZ.jpg Blog - Fountains Abbey - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/db66e812-2ca0-49a5-b25f-232e4962920e/tempImage9G6P6k.jpg Blog - Fountains Abbey - Make it stand out There were over a dozen named formations, but this was our favorite: Idol. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/530677c2-fa14-42c6-b0d6-04324cd08fff/tempImageJrgzAd.jpg Blog - Fountains Abbey - Make it stand out Imagine you are a wildly rich Englishman who owns tremendous amounts of land and who desires to impress everyone by creating on that land a world class water garden. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ad20c41a-a9e2-4f65-aeda-ddd01ff10afa/tempImageNXF8PW.jpg Blog - Fountains Abbey - Make it stand out You don’t need to be Capability Brown to know that a central aspect of design is the focal point. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f3331d4c-0ee5-4d30-859a-fe4fe6acd4d5/tempImageOZ5L2H.jpg Blog - Fountains Abbey - Make it stand out Imagine now that you are not only vastly wealthy and intending to build a grand garden on your estate, but that on the adjoining estate rests the remains of one of England’s greatest abbeys—and the family who owns the property where the abbey rests is in declining financial standing. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5eeaf8da-4e4c-470c-969a-c9714a8d657b/tempImage3DYev3.jpg Blog - Fountains Abbey - Make it stand out Say it all together now, “Focal Point.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a8590b14-e387-47de-959c-df5f656f041b/tempImageT0caQo.jpg Blog - Fountains Abbey - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4c8c2b2f-92d6-4a70-b463-bcee6c10787f/tempImageSPJYdK.jpg Blog - Fountains Abbey - Make it stand out An upper path known as the High Ride traverses along the hill above, incorporating three observation points that overlook the dale below and its many water features. Above, the Octagon Tower, which is accessed through the Serpentine Tunnel, the entrance to which is seen just below the tower. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3f7bfbfa-eeea-4c94-afd0-ec4ca654c2be/tempImageNRu8gK.jpg Blog - Fountains Abbey - Make it stand out The Temple of Piety https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9cc593c2-5f9b-4765-8de0-ec827b245277/tempImage8HuPYQ.jpg Blog - Fountains Abbey - Make it stand out The two Crescent Ponds rest on either side of the circular Moon Pond in the center. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/062adb47-bf13-4ea6-999f-2a25591182c7/tempImageBNFeGg.jpg Blog - Fountains Abbey - Make it stand out As you climb the hill behind the lake before entering the Serpentine Tunnel to the top, you get yet another view of the landscape below. The Crescent Ponds, Moon Pond, and Drum Fall leading to the long Lower Canal are all visible below. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f58f6d91-4ca7-4950-b89d-855a4c90827a/tempImageBPpUSR.jpg Blog - Fountains Abbey - Make it stand out Entering the Serpentine Tunnel with the Octagon Tower visible above. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0e3eb410-bf4c-4f5b-b453-bc76d978efed/tempImagez1UpTe.jpg Blog - Fountains Abbey - Make it stand out From the High Ride, standing in the second viewpoint, the Temple of Fame overlooks the garden below. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/928599b1-ae85-4d1a-93db-5c38aa7a8060/Studley_Royal_-_The_Surprise_View_Through_The_Door_Of_Anne_Boleyn%27s_Seat_-_geograph.org.uk_-_1005953.jpg Blog - Fountains Abbey - Make it stand out The final stop is named Surprise View, the reason for which should become obvious. Through the door is Anne Boleyn's Seat. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3408a0cc-a559-4e3a-9d70-eb98a316339e/tempImageDXuvAl.jpg Blog - Fountains Abbey - Make it stand out In 1771, Anne Boleyn's Hill was the first named part of the gardens, where an antiquarian headless statue looked out on the valley. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6b093617-eee5-4f40-b504-d3754b4caebb/tempImageUvNlcy.jpg Blog - Fountains Abbey - Make it stand out The canalization of the river near the Abbey was undertaken in 1773, which used the river as a framing device for the view of the abbey from Anne Boleyn's Seat. The River Skell flows past the abbey, around the man-made bend, and into Half-Moon Reservoir, as seen above. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7c9ab33c-f597-480c-afcc-3fc7adc83608/tempImageYxq6U9.jpg Blog - Fountains Abbey - Make it stand out Rustic Bridge https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/10e73b43-a1f4-4947-a58e-01274331db4c/tempImages0n4sg.jpg Blog - Fountains Abbey - Make it stand out And now you can see how the 14th century abbey ruins were flawlessly incorporated into a grand 18th century water garden. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/de6ab9c2-8463-4c3a-a6aa-284c16747f75/tempImageslOTyC.jpg Blog - Fountains Abbey - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e174a8a3-ae39-4c10-a372-3b6150027079/tempImageufMEKM.jpg Blog - Fountains Abbey - Make it stand out In 1986, the site was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. UNESCO has ten criteria for becoming a World Heritage Site. Once criterion is to be considered a feat of “human creative genius.” The globally-influential design of the massive ruins of Fountains Abbey as the centerpiece of the 18th century water gardens at Studley Royal, earned the site its UNESCO status. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/bbf05572-274c-4ba6-91fc-a0814da5c997/tempImageh5HPT9.jpg Blog - Fountains Abbey - Make it stand out The long history of Fountains Abbey began in 1132 when a group of 13 Benedictine monks from St Mary’s Abbey in York came to this wild and wooded valley in search of a simpler and more devout life. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6c62fc8d-2075-4ebd-bf71-f6cf37ed9dc7/tempImageAoPSkG.jpg Blog - Fountains Abbey - Make it stand out The abbey ruins tell the story of 400 years of riches, ruin, and revival—brought to a disastrous close by the dissolution of the monasteries in 1539 under Henry VIII. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c9bf01a5-cabf-40fa-8ff6-1d6791f4224f/tempImagevefjMu.jpg Blog - Fountains Abbey - Make it stand out As we said before with Whitby Abbey and Rievaulx Abbey—there is a certain beauty in the remains of these once great buildings; the glaring imperfections somehow lend them a tranquility. Entropy is what we all face in the end, and this holds a kind of beauty—if we choose to see it. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4f91c0fe-945c-4662-843a-3448054c4def/tempImageMRl83b.jpg Blog - Fountains Abbey - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/282572a4-1ad0-4f69-96cc-a8ee984eb5d9/tempImageKjFBsS.jpg Blog - Fountains Abbey - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7ad0901e-d896-4e83-bd8a-50565d9132e3/tempImageuKhVve.jpg Blog - Fountains Abbey - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6f47484d-e845-4037-9fea-94d5af7b24f2/tempImage1AzGXA.jpg Blog - Fountains Abbey - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.overthehillandacrossthepond.com/blog/over-hill-and-dale monthly 0.5 2024-04-21 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4344b9ec-c1e5-44a7-aa52-6fb0d3c2a440/tempImageWUJH4R.jpg Blog - Over Hill and Dale - Make it stand out St Wilfrid’s Church in Burnsall…not in any way associated with the filming of All Creatures Great and Small. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/df152468-262a-45af-bd35-19a08f0005c2/tempImagehgEba6.jpg Blog - Over Hill and Dale - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a2725d15-f5c4-4cf5-8512-5ac5ea59b08b/tempImageJMZIVW.jpg Blog - Over Hill and Dale - Make it stand out At the top of the grade you reach the broad Malham Moor. It is at this rural intersection that James inadvertently got off the bus, forcing him to walk the remainder of the way to Darrowby. From the Malham Moor intersection we passed Malham Tarn, where the couple stopped briefly, staring across the sparkling waters, before continuing on to their honeymoon. Continuing on, we climbed out of a deep glacial valley and traversed a cliffside, before dropping down dramatically into the quaint village of Arncliffe. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/59d40981-d0e2-42bb-bcad-7dd10a35ee48/tempImagejezFbr.jpg Blog - Over Hill and Dale - Make it stand out The charming Falcon Inn was used as the Drover’s Inn pub in the original BBC TV series version of the show. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/06c93540-618b-4a2d-9897-7a6561553e28/tempImage2JCW8i.jpg Blog - Over Hill and Dale - Make it stand out The pub has a pretty charming and festive interior. At another time, we might have stopped for a pint. Of course, on a nice day such as this, all the patrons were seated outside. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a1e81e71-f913-4700-9f77-c0be6ada4b41/tempImageWs0qMa.jpg Blog - Over Hill and Dale - Make it stand out At this point in the day, we really just needed the Inn for one reason—the loo. This is the sign from inside the women’s toilet. Everything is as you might expect—until you get to the last item not to flush. Is that a thing? Do people do that? Only in Britain! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/08ae6907-cca5-455d-9c1a-f98c940694e9/tempImageQXtkNH.jpg Blog - Over Hill and Dale - Make it stand out The surgery in Grassington did not have the back garden they wanted for filming, so the 2020 show uses a property here in Arncliffe for all the scenes at the back of the house. (We behaved ourselves and didn't go poking around houses to see which was the house.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8191b084-0f49-4144-94f4-4f8c83f15122/Screenshot+2023-05-28+at+9.10.43+AM.png Blog - Over Hill and Dale - Make it stand out Arncliffe also has this beautiful, large green in the center of town. This was used for filming the bus stop scenes. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ba46a406-d9d9-4b07-a6da-f3765f14701a/tempImageh8eQ6Q.jpg Blog - Over Hill and Dale - Make it stand out Finally, we get to the primary reason for visiting Arncliffe, St Oswald’s Church. After our first misadventure at St Wilfrid’s Church in Burnsall, we found the correct church where they filmed the exterior shots for James and Helen’s wedding in Season 3, Episode 1. (Never mind the old stocks still sitting outside the parish church—just focus on the pretty Queen Anne’s Lace.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6b49fb1d-bfe9-4299-ba7b-627137e35bca/tempImageRT8l5P.jpg Blog - Over Hill and Dale - Make it stand out This wonderful wooden gateway made a picturesque backdrop for Helen as her father walked her to the church. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/75e22fb4-2a91-4912-b84b-2dcd32e22293/tempImagePLbJJd.jpg Blog - Over Hill and Dale - Make it stand out Another specific angle seen as Helen and her father approach the church. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d85c250d-e24c-4462-a119-83d77bdc5836/tempImageoUSizg.jpg Blog - Over Hill and Dale - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/90a8ad7f-320c-40f5-b15e-218cd6809127/tempImage58iecv.jpg Blog - Over Hill and Dale - Make it stand out The spot where the newlyweds exit the church, framed by the wedding party on either side. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/054df564-ba2a-49da-8c53-668b7ced113c/tempImage2W67gV.jpg Blog - Over Hill and Dale - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ce17b3da-11e5-469f-9b1c-135a8a7a0009/tempImageqPsdfs.jpg Blog - Over Hill and Dale - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/cccfcb58-a9ee-4fed-922d-6a6e6abf9c05/tempImageG01MGe.jpg Blog - Over Hill and Dale - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c35335fe-af31-44ee-a614-3cebbba37589/tempImageorpAKD.jpg Blog - Over Hill and Dale - Make it stand out The amazing Yew trees framing the walkway where the newlyweds headed to their car. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/049099d7-c2f2-4ff3-9d9e-2505d5ad39db/tempImagekZjsER.jpg Blog - Over Hill and Dale - Make it stand out Lilac https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/fa714606-5d6d-44f2-8847-842d6f2478f3/ezgif.com-webp-to-jpg.jpg Blog - Over Hill and Dale - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/102e029f-8f58-4eab-8d58-45bb331322ec/tempImageqmKkLe.jpg Blog - Over Hill and Dale - Make it stand out Amanda made her own bouquet from the wild flowers in the churchyard. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2dc9d18c-fd88-4e20-84d0-efc0f8185fb7/tempImagehTArjn.jpg Blog - Over Hill and Dale - Make it stand out Amanda’s bouquet on our window ledge in our apartment. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/018a55c5-ec43-46aa-859f-b02957a9a0c6/tempImageCjEVhC.jpg Blog - Over Hill and Dale - Make it stand out Don’t hurt yourself trying to read this, I just loved the shape and the moss. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/665766c0-487b-446e-a473-ca1327bb2d6f/tempImagerOd6my.jpg Blog - Over Hill and Dale - Make it stand out As far as days in the Yorkshire Dales go, Monday was magnificent. Best not waste such moments. We laid out the blanket, set up the camp chair, and read books under the pleasant sun, amongst the gentle reminders that our time here is a mist, destined to vanish. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f52089a9-18bc-40ac-bf2c-f00a9fbb3526/tempImageLqhkKX.jpg Blog - Over Hill and Dale - Make it stand out It is spectacular! The church building is mainly 12th century, built upon the site of an old forest chapel. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/17a3bd28-bf8a-49e8-81a2-b621cf274825/tempImagevyOoVx.jpg Blog - Over Hill and Dale - Make it stand out The masonry work throughout the church is wonderful. From the thick exterior walls, to the quirky asymmetrical archways on either side of the central aisle, to the floors, to the baptismal font—the stonework is the defining feature that gives the space such a special feel. (The church was extended to the north (left in the photo above) in the 16th century, which probably explains the simple rounded archways on the right and the more modern pointed arches to the left.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c03cc361-655d-4b6c-b475-c386cade9d30/tempImage8xjW5z.jpg Blog - Over Hill and Dale - Make it stand out Sunlight enters the church through stained glass windows deeply set into the stone exterior walls and candelabras placed widely throughout the space use real candles. It is easy to imagine the space in the evening with only the glow of candlelight flickering along the stone walls—so “dark academia.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e2f777e3-fa7e-44aa-95b2-05c9fb1b7fe5/tempImagejmZO0E.jpg Blog - Over Hill and Dale - Make it stand out From the ornate ceiling, to the entrance door (above), to the pulpit, to the pews, to the chancel screen—the woodwork is simply beautiful. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/aec695ba-a949-4b7e-89cc-2a2af9ed9bf4/tempImageNLKQbn.jpg Blog - Over Hill and Dale - Make it stand out The extraordinary Rood Loft seen above Amanda https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/56e487d5-349d-4489-ad77-14ae44f7d0d8/d2551af289c57b5eeb8d34a308a8d6f2.jpeg Blog - Over Hill and Dale - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6e2a7485-4613-411d-874b-c58f92528b43/tempImageq99Kfi.jpg Blog - Over Hill and Dale - Make it stand out They of course decorated the church beautifully for the wedding of James Herriot and Helen Alderson, but even unadorned this church is filled with character. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5a09a5b4-812b-4da5-aecf-bc6eb80ff7e3/tempImageERsbSs.jpg Blog - Over Hill and Dale - Make it stand out Where Siegfried and Mrs Hall sat during the ceremony. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/18089ee7-f854-4315-b8e8-029cc55b8d28/tempImageEaEJqZ.jpg Blog - Over Hill and Dale - Make it stand out This is the farm used as the Alderson farm on All Creatures Great and Small. It is located in Yockenthwaite, a hamlet in the Langstrothdale Valley. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/383654db-95ec-43e2-90bb-0bb9f4916827/Farm.jpg Blog - Over Hill and Dale - Make it stand out Helen lives on the farm with her father Richard and younger sister Jenny. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7f1b0655-7cf2-4b67-8eed-7b13eb78f58c/tempImagedDLGWw.jpg Blog - Over Hill and Dale - Make it stand out The old stone bridge over the River Wharfe leading to the farm. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ff8204ad-44ab-4d59-939c-02a42396d400/acgas-bts-the-wedding-1920x1080-1.jpg Blog - Over Hill and Dale - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c662b4bc-faee-4b95-9255-7f643adc756b/tempImageDezqx7.jpg Blog - Over Hill and Dale - Make it stand out Such a beautiful valley. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9d9e8601-3dea-4c47-b92b-b62ade9f4d4f/Screenshot+2023-05-31+at+7.56.39+PM.png Blog - Over Hill and Dale - Make it stand out From their website, “Unfortunately due to the current economic situation and the steep rise in energy costs, The Green Dragon Inn is closed until further notice.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6f918f4d-992d-4c18-8b48-830b99bf9a92/tempImageDhwjir.jpg Blog - Over Hill and Dale - Make it stand out Undeterred, we decided to go anyway and just peek into the windows like a couple of creepers. As we neared the Inn we were shocked to see people sitting at tables in front of the building…and the front door was open! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e9cd5731-8535-489f-8e69-7e77fbaf903f/tempImagewt1OB6.jpg Blog - Over Hill and Dale - Make it stand out In the Uk, the last Monday in May was once Whit Monday or Pentecost Monday and later became “Spring Bank Holiday.” This is the same weekend as our Memorial Day. The pub owners had decided to launch a soft re-opening in conjunction with the Spring Bank Holiday, with cash only and “wet sales only” (meaning beer only, no food). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/de2e077d-8ff8-4eec-bd9f-8035ca219137/tempImageiyEvGo.jpg Blog - Over Hill and Dale - Make it stand out We both had to pause and take stock of our very good fortune in visiting when we did. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c2b5eb20-344b-440d-9ab2-0fc7975c5b8b/tempImagegVPK2D.jpg Blog - Over Hill and Dale - Make it stand out The pub is ancient, dating from 13th century, with flagged floors, open fires, beamed ceilings, and stone walls. In every way possible, it lived up to our expectations! Above is the very bar when Mr Farnon ordered pints in Episode 1! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d5fadec1-bb36-41e5-96e0-f6131fd26dee/tempImageNC65ez.jpg Blog - Over Hill and Dale - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3d05bdf0-a1be-4451-aa86-523b9de1d1b2/tempImage6YfGPm.jpg Blog - Over Hill and Dale - Make it stand out A pub of this caliber is a rare find; you really are stepping back in time. We did our best to soak in the atmosphere. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/699065ba-caa9-402e-8d4f-0f55c64330c8/tempImage3ab1Y4.jpg Blog - Over Hill and Dale - Make it stand out ♥️♥️♥️ Here is a compilation video of our tour: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jYXmYQQ72sQ https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0cadc054-d9e4-4a46-8036-9b7a37bed5d6/tempImageJOzuaB.jpg Blog - Over Hill and Dale - Make it stand out The view on the road heading up toward Buttertubs Pass. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/589e67eb-c404-476a-b609-9b2ae74f5ae6/tempImagePur1sk.jpg Blog - Over Hill and Dale - Make it stand out Gorgeous! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5c8e6c4f-7d47-4344-ab32-b35719a44e6e/tempImage4kMBgg.jpg Blog - Over Hill and Dale - Make it stand out Just over the summit at Buttertub Pass looking down into the Swaledale valley. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/eba30d1e-7cc0-4928-9099-b1aa132f63d0/tempImageONQ5sC.jpg Blog - Over Hill and Dale - Make it stand out A grade sign you won’t see in the US. Yikes! The day was a huge success, one of our favorites so far. https://www.overthehillandacrossthepond.com/blog/malham monthly 0.5 2023-11-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e22233bd-ac69-4af3-ab48-74b01413c3b4/tempImageeNI3hn.jpg Blog - Malham - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/53f2b743-bcd6-4ee0-aa3a-be8fb0ff119e/tempImagebHPImZ.jpg Blog - Malham - Make it stand out With a small central market square surrounded by period stone buildings and original cobbled streets, Grassington provides a perfectly charmingly setting. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/edb81317-9105-43ff-b8d2-eb3b5c39e639/tempImageeqmIrE.jpg Blog - Malham - Make it stand out The square with its old, green well hand pump. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2eb5e07d-8780-4f26-a309-b631b1d13b5b/tempImagefloOei.jpg Blog - Malham - Make it stand out As James walks into Darrowby for the first time, we see this building—done up as C.A. Handly Booksellers—as the backdrop. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/37750b5d-4751-498d-92ad-244810aff13c/ezgif.com-webp-to-jpg-6.jpg Blog - Malham - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a512f4ee-895d-4c12-9c33-e35c00fc6843/tempImagemMdEzf.jpg Blog - Malham - Make it stand out This building on the corner of the square, acts as the exterior of Skeldale House (Siegfried’s surgery). On the show, a portico extended from the doorway and they added a second set of doors. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/cb0b3740-6dd0-45f3-a717-87a7defeea93/Skeldale+House+1.jpg Blog - Malham - Make it stand out The surgery in the background with the grocery store on the left. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b8af2f95-f730-41cd-ac96-8071be97b162/tempImagej6gDNg.jpg Blog - Malham - Make it stand out The surgery’s front door. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5628515c-ac42-4314-b691-7f20fac08790/Skeldale+House+2.jpg Blog - Malham - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6e12175c-afa7-4cc1-bb5a-2399c22f2f6a/tempImagejalyym.jpg Blog - Malham - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/751c4b1a-a941-4cdb-8c38-4ceec00e3ca8/Skeldale+House+3.jpg Blog - Malham - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5cbad081-fac0-4220-a96d-a833c7d02c04/Skeldale+House+4.jpg Blog - Malham - Make it stand out Callum Woodhouse is brilliant as Tristan Farnon and, of course, we loved him as Leslie Durrell in The Durrells in Corfu. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4c944996-9dcc-4e52-a5d7-66ffed61bd46/tempImageFURjrl.jpg Blog - Malham - Make it stand out This door is unmarked in the show (below), but it’s actually a café that connects with the bookstore next door (the grocery store in the show). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/85aec3e6-e6a7-4c45-98c9-cf041a599488/tempImageabljjr.jpg Blog - Malham - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5bd56c19-a23a-4a1b-b170-004cb40e7079/tempImage2EgQyr.jpg Blog - Malham - Make it stand out It’s a little hard to tell with the awning, but this bookstore plays the part of G.F. Endleby grocery store in the show. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9624eb93-50f6-4a63-920c-d0befd1b9f37/Grocery.jpg Blog - Malham - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0f50c93a-9a68-4f04-9367-abbe7285a453/tempImageMWFen0.jpg Blog - Malham - Make it stand out The Drover’s Arms is a real pub and they retain the same name in the show. The more modern features of the exterior are played down. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/36138eda-d1ab-4c07-9dc6-0eecd0313129/Drovers.jpg Blog - Malham - Make it stand out The interior of the Drovee’s Arms in Grassington is too modern for the show, so the interior shots were filmed in another location. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3880105b-60ed-4f60-bec7-80fad7f3065a/ezgif.com-webp-to-jpg.jpg Blog - Malham - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c29ce646-c003-4359-b0cd-de16d5b3fd81/Green+Dragon.jpg Blog - Malham - Make it stand out The interior of the Drover’s Arms was filmed at the Green Dragon Inn in the tiny hamlet of Hardraw. Sadly, when we looked up the Inn online, the website said they had fallen on hard financial times and were temporarily closed. Here is an interior shot of the Green Dragon pub—what a building! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e24adf42-8d37-4080-9180-d42dc1981398/tempImagemZ1rzu.jpg Blog - Malham - Make it stand out This chocolate shop was the Harrowby Ironmongers. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d7b559ee-fe52-432f-802d-ee047787a025/ezgif.com-webp-to-jpg-2.jpg Blog - Malham - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/09ed6a8e-89af-46b7-9bb5-82a718bef015/ezgif.com-webp-to-jpg-3.jpg Blog - Malham - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f0e47bea-bd45-4f0f-b817-c90f1277decd/tempImageOfvp4G.jpg Blog - Malham - Make it stand out The post office was converted into a sundries shop. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0d573237-1b7f-4da5-ba9e-cd03586fc2c0/Screenshot+2023-05-28+at+9.15.30+AM.png Blog - Malham - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8bab6a4c-0101-4833-a5ea-7435e012d80b/tempImageAg7C3Y.jpg Blog - Malham - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0a8a468e-a26d-4eee-bd6c-c788234895a0/tempImageVbzv8D.jpg Blog - Malham - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/02094860-9faa-4c0d-9bc0-b2f3abb96857/tempImageniSfcW.jpg Blog - Malham - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/19ca1f02-7ec8-410c-8552-dd0620dabca2/tempImage6GE8Th.jpg Blog - Malham - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c80d5454-df61-44e9-8fef-8956e029d9c0/tempImageODgHET.jpg Blog - Malham - Make it stand out Not really All Creatures Great and Small related, but still funny. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b4130e6f-b986-49da-a58c-df11b7daef80/tempImage781deP.jpg Blog - Malham - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e5e0d15c-e69f-419a-ba74-e12d8360e33b/tempImagedTrQir.jpg Blog - Malham - Make it stand out Our favorite https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5a961740-1749-4ef3-8b03-41a165f80dcf/tempImageNGOYuz.jpg Blog - Malham - Make it stand out Everywhere you look, the Dales serve up postcard views. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/77c5a003-df63-4e25-a64f-3bd5e4e457cb/tempImagelEiqWA.jpg Blog - Malham - Make it stand out Despite the lack of recent rains and the resulting low river volumes, the vista still retains its beauty. Being from California we take for granted that water will still flow from melting snow for months after winter ends. In the UK, without consistent rain, rivers quickly start running dry. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/aacfffa4-340f-4fba-8131-c7b935be21fe/tempImagerVYRxG.jpg Blog - Malham - Make it stand out I love the simplicity of the old-school hand-turned wheel, which moves gears to raise and lower a wooden spillway gate. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ebaca805-187a-4ade-9331-3b50cc65520d/tempImagen0jML3.jpg Blog - Malham - Make it stand out The Linton Falls Weir was built to create a hydroelectric generating power station. The station was first opened in 1909, but had closed by 1948. Basically, when the sun comes out in England, so too the people. Everyone was making their way down to the river to picnic, swim, paddle board, and soak in the sun. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3cc2c9bf-d85b-42f4-94cd-62a2c145dd36/tempImagePLMt6d.jpg Blog - Malham - Make it stand out Malham fingerpost in the West Riding (WR) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6598e264-0f5c-48ce-8eca-66f9c45f24e9/tempImageFf9deg.jpg Blog - Malham - Make it stand out About 15,000 years ago, Yorkshire was covered with ice sheets and glaciers. The ice swept down from the north scouring and modifying the landscape. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d0be2667-e26d-409e-b54d-2048014359aa/tempImagewHMDjZ.jpg Blog - Malham - Make it stand out Malham Cove is a huge curving amphitheater shaped cliff formation of limestone rock. The vertical face of the cliff is about 260 feet high. Once upon a time, a huge waterfall poured over the top as a massive glacier melted on the high land above it. Since then, freezing water and rain have continued the process of creating the sheer limestone cliff face we see today. In December 2015, heavy rains from Storm Desmond caused Malham Cove to briefly come back to life for the first time in hundreds of years. When it flows, Malham Cove is England’s highest unbroken waterfall. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d63cf48e-3f81-41fa-a362-e1f1a30512b4/tempImage5Ze4JH.jpg Blog - Malham - Make it stand out A moderately difficult set of steps leads up the left side of the Cove to the plateau above. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/79f2e578-ee09-40dc-9c14-135c59ae57df/tempImage58uyuV.jpg Blog - Malham - Make it stand out The top of Malham Cove is capped by a large area of “limestone pavement.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e618da51-33f5-448b-a62d-9268d9822a96/tempImageYMXVra.jpg Blog - Malham - Make it stand out Back when the glacial ice had scoured away all the soil, the underlying limestone was directly exposed to the elements. Soils do not form easily on soluble limestone and, due to the chemical properties of limestone (calcium carbonate), rainwater readily dissolves the rock. Here is our video tour to see what it looks like: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Od5n5NyuODg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9bb84861-ff99-44b4-9bd6-8a41cb72a920/tempImageaq8TFe.jpg Blog - Malham - Make it stand out Karst is a topography formed from the dissolution of soluble carbonate rocks such as limestone, dolomite, and gypsum. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/147c11d4-83f1-4143-8e6f-2e4f89650c07/tempImageSiUkuu.jpg Blog - Malham - Make it stand out Fractures opened up by the dissolving rock produce a distinctive “limestone pavement” consisting of ubiquitous gyres (fissures) and clints (blocks). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f61818ad-627e-4417-bd92-4e5a4b6d4431/tempImageE7qaud.jpg Blog - Malham - Make it stand out In the film Harry Potter and The Deathly Hallows Part 1, Harry & Hermione set up camp in a tent on the “limestone pavement” at the top of Malham Cove. You can watch the clip filmed at Malham Cove here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FD4lCzFMiV8 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1f3b7bed-9500-4af3-9c9c-0d97a742fa02/tempImage5OkFKl.jpg Blog - Malham - Make it stand out The dry stack stone walls dissect the countryside, a crucial component of the quintessentially English landscape. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/db460802-0dfe-438a-8ed4-b16b95c1ae9b/tempImagedyKdW9.jpg Blog - Malham - Make it stand out Puffy clouds in baby-blue skies, rolling green hills littered with meandering stone walls, an old stone barn, a public footpath shared with free-range livestock—must be in England! https://www.overthehillandacrossthepond.com/blog/the-dales monthly 0.5 2023-11-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ff7a1676-5490-45e3-9027-cdf860a1f9b1/tempImage7ULWft.jpg Blog - The Dales - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9b938646-b0c6-4c74-bb3e-47300751dafb/tempImagehRkbro.jpg Blog - The Dales - Make it stand out The tall building on the left is the surgery at 23 Kirkgate, known in his books as Skeldale House, Darrowby. (In England they call it a surgery rather than a vet’s office.) The church in the background is where James and Joan were married in 1941. (Remember that these are all the actual locations and not from any of the TV shows.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/10259f7c-2e96-409c-a91f-76740b77d92e/tempImageG8radx.jpg Blog - The Dales - Make it stand out Advertising oneself is against the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons Code of Practice, so James Alfred “Alf” Wight wrote under the pen name James Herriot. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/773515c0-1725-46d3-be25-4d1cbe382bc8/tempImagesbrbIZ.jpg Blog - The Dales - Make it stand out The practice owner was Donald Sinclair—changed to Siegfried in the books. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2368cc71-45f3-41c9-a083-7f3d7c6ffb3b/tempImageM08xZM.jpg Blog - The Dales - Make it stand out Alf was a football (soccer) enthusiast, and he both admired and related to the professional footballer Jim Herriot, the Birmingham City's goalkeeper and a fellow Scotsman who travelled south to work with his hands (Alf was from Glasgow). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0d7f25c4-4c3d-47ca-a836-9f6879f3d4a7/tempImagekrw3is.jpg Blog - The Dales - Make it stand out The (unlocked) white box to the left of the front door is where medicines were frequently left for “after office hours” collection by farmers. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/47820ece-3adf-467d-8ddb-c91752910f09/tempImage5s4jP6.jpg Blog - The Dales - Make it stand out Entrance https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c47f3145-6181-4116-b245-3e9ab9f9b817/tempImage9ndvos.jpg Blog - The Dales - Make it stand out The Dining Room had a dual role when the Wight family lived here. It was used as a dining room on special occasions only. During the week it was used as an office, a secretary sitting at the desk to the left of the window, typing and preparing accounts. It would also serve as a waiting room for clients coming to see the vets or to settle their accounts and for veterinary representatives. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/30521acd-84fa-45dd-a2eb-f8af26dd9873/tempImagetUuEgJ.jpg Blog - The Dales - Make it stand out Comfortably furnished, the Sitting Room was a place to relax surrounded by books and music. Here Alf would listen to the radiogram, Bing Crosby's Careless Hands being a particular favorite. Mrs Wight would sit and mend. The children, Jim and Rosie, would play with homemade toys or the family would play cards, draughts, or games such as Ludo or Monopoly. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/de9aeee5-bfab-4037-89ee-e20d84939268/tempImage5mN18Z.jpg Blog - The Dales - Make it stand out “Thirsk 2297.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3a4f3c37-7da9-48bc-ac38-a9137b59bfaf/tempImageRlOAry.jpg Blog - The Dales - Make it stand out From the Dispensary, the vets would make up and dispense the drugs used to treat animals. As mentioned, medicines would frequently be left in the white box at the front door for “after office hours” collection by farmers. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/668592b5-4473-42ae-8998-58c779544f5f/tempImagefKCtNg.jpg Blog - The Dales - Make it stand out Prior to the early 1950's, there was little or no small animal (cats and dogs) practice; the main work of the vets being carried out on large animals on farms. With the start of small animal treatment, examinations and operations would be carried out in this Consulting Room. The room was also used for the storage of veterinary equipment. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a08dd7ef-d05f-4d22-a9da-4420995d21b2/tempImageh3OmFA.jpg Blog - The Dales - Make it stand out The Breakfast Room was a warm, cosy room with a coal fire burning in cold weather—no central heating in those days! It was very much a day-to-day family room where meals were taken. It was not unusual for Alf to perform operations on small animals on the dining table. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/722b47bb-acb0-4144-834d-8da828797aae/tempImagetTk5qI.jpg Blog - The Dales - Make it stand out The Kitchen was the hub of the Wight family life at Kirkgate. The room where everything happened from meals to homework—all centered round the large kitchen table. Next door is the Scullery, where there was the only sink on the ground floor of the house. All the washing-up and some food preparation was done here, as was the washing, drying, and ironing of clothes. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/dba2ef24-5ad4-4929-b167-2db2a32bc5c9/tempImageJnZayX.jpg Blog - The Dales - Make it stand out Some of you who lived in the 50’s might recognize certain items. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ebb42693-a83b-44c2-842f-74c20aae3a9e/tempImageCe1jue.jpg Blog - The Dales - Make it stand out Think laundry is a chore now? Imagine having to light and keep a fire under the basin to warm the water. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/de85eff6-fa92-4fc7-a452-68d89cddf5c9/tempImageJOo5Yi.jpg Blog - The Dales - Make it stand out Good ol’ Reader’s Digest. $100 says someone reading this still has this December 1988 edition sitting in a stack somewhere in their home. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b304d1c1-7449-4004-b62f-c2ba1052a33d/tempImageHQ5wWJ.jpg Blog - The Dales - Make it stand out The famous Austin Seven—an economy car produced from 1923 until 1939 in the UK by Austin. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e98a36d0-0d5b-4987-b615-ed415be462bd/tempImageRgGAR9.jpg Blog - The Dales - Make it stand out Nicknamed the "Baby Austin," it was one of the most popular cars produced for the British market at that time; it also sold well abroad. Its effect on the British market was similar to that of the Ford Model T in the US. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f5b4456f-4789-47ec-a7d0-5346f3f4a093/tempImagezHMGF8.jpg Blog - The Dales - Make it stand out This display in the museum reads, “To this day many American visitors arrive in Thirsk to seek out Skeldale House and to explore the beautiful countryside in which James Herriot worked.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/873b2760-b448-4a9c-a251-00261b47056b/tempImageFtUwq7.jpg Blog - The Dales - Make it stand out A statue of Alf stands in the home’s back garden. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d0db3132-bfd7-4d67-bf1d-35c259b793c6/tempImage4z9jf1.jpg Blog - The Dales - Make it stand out “I’ll tell you what, you can get a good look at a T-bone by sticking your head up a bull’s ass, but I’d rather take the butcher’s word for it.” -Big Tom Callahan, Callahan Auto Parts https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f1762047-3b19-40b4-b8ec-d0595e4cfe96/tempImagesEREb0.jpg Blog - The Dales - Make it stand out Wedding At 8 o’clock, on a bitterly cold morning on November 5, 1941, James Alfred Wight (James Harriot) and Joan Catherine Anderson Danbury (Helen) were married here at St Mary Magdalene Church in Thirsk. Donald Sinclair (Siegfried) was the best man. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/fe1572d4-3d5b-4519-90ac-cc3c606ba34e/tempImageEkeios.jpg Blog - The Dales - Make it stand out Beautify wood ceiling. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7c383098-cac7-4934-bce7-499ddc06d761/tempImageIQgkC6.jpg Blog - The Dales - Make it stand out Where the “real” Helen and James said, “I do.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/027cfcad-02b3-4aff-956c-09998d440ed3/tempImagemGo8lz.jpg Blog - The Dales - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a13a6ff5-1b37-4df7-bf16-02b0e7bc8ef7/tempImageWohvyk.jpg Blog - The Dales - Make it stand out Check out this amazing original Medieval door, with a wicket. A wicket gate, or simply a wicket, is a pedestrian door or gate, particularly one built into a larger door or into a wall or fence. This door has hung here for over 500 years. In typical Medieval, defensive design, the oak planks were attached vertically at the front and another layer of planks were attached horizontally at the back of the door. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/eac82330-4e75-4061-a156-13ff918ef61a/tempImageDcpL14.jpg Blog - The Dales - Make it stand out Looking from the church back toward the surgery. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/459ecff8-a441-43db-b95d-73c82b9184eb/tempImage2phJ9u.jpg Blog - The Dales - Make it stand out Thirsk Market Place, 2023 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/46c1a6e3-d7d6-49d6-bbcf-3863d2f3da2d/tempImagenkkiQI.jpg Blog - The Dales - Make it stand out Thirsk Market Place, 1940—This is the scene that Alf Wight first took in as he hopped down from the bus that brought him to Thirsk (Darrowby in the books & TV series). Ahead lay his first meeting with Donald Sinclair, the beginnings of the James Herriot stories were about to unfold. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9707e264-178b-4505-9a27-69993b97cbc4/tempImage5Eo1sc.jpg Blog - The Dales - Make it stand out Alf’s favorite place for a pint was the Golden Fleece. We stopped in and toasted Alf Wight/James Herriot. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/66385f91-b702-4b4f-bd48-ce15f0b306fb/tempImageGcX1hj.jpg Blog - The Dales - Make it stand out The area was created by the River Rye, which snakes through and sustains this lush valley (dale) within North York Moors National Park. Love the sign post! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/742c53c3-0ad5-488e-a78d-6ba0f43af61a/tempImageHLckqw.jpg Blog - The Dales - Make it stand out We approached the Abbey by crossing the Rye Dale over this old single-lane stone bridge. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/60536dc5-d46c-49c2-9566-2b791dacaa00/tempImageMUGITj.jpg Blog - The Dales - Make it stand out A moment further down the tiny country lane, and Rievaulx Abbey almost materializes out of the greenery. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a39fbd2e-b08e-4962-9034-b8fc9b97d43b/tempImageI43s16.jpg Blog - The Dales - Make it stand out It would be difficult to express in words the beauty of this site. The Cistercians who built the abbey wanted to return to the basic principles of monasticism—following a daily routine of church services, reading, and manual work—and you simply could not ask for a more perfect setting in furtherance of those goals. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/32b403ee-2839-4857-9939-19ec7db78926/tempImage4Z1Xel.jpg Blog - The Dales - Make it stand out It’s a deeply romantic setting, so much so you can almost hear Gregorian chanting still echoing through the valley. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7afc798f-18ac-4d52-aa10-44042d4c0b4c/tempImagerNJZtF.jpg Blog - The Dales - Make it stand out Abbot William and 12 monks, of the reforming and austere Cistercian Order founded Rievaulx Abbey in 1132. Rievaulx prospered and there were soon other Cistercian settlements in northern England and Scotland. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1070b39c-5e33-4e9e-99e9-ba064f91fb7c/tempImage76MHN9.jpg Blog - The Dales - Make it stand out By the 1160s the abbey was home to 640 men who dedicated their lives to the service of God. The community comprised choir monks, who spent a large part of their day in church, and a new type of monk called lay brothers, who worked the land. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0eaa25bd-bd9f-4975-a8b7-7f1d935de340/tempImageg1ZnzE.jpg Blog - The Dales - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2492ecbe-5d65-49f8-be3a-27297499a217/tempImageFYPFjf.jpg Blog - The Dales - Make it stand out From the western door looking east through the Nave. The Crossing is largely intact, with the Chancel and High Alter in the distance. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c988b1cb-1809-42a5-8ad2-ea24c0298e2c/tempImagepI5CaL.jpg Blog - The Dales - Make it stand out Standing on the old Cloister walk. The garth (square garden) is now grass. The Crossing is the large section behind me, the roofless Nave is to the left, and the Chancel is to the right. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/fe28a206-6034-4073-b7fa-078075e96b22/tempImageY13NU4.jpg Blog - The Dales - Make it stand out The remains of the Chapter house. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8a81c45d-2d67-4db8-96c9-dae6c051212e/tempImage7m4Rud.jpg Blog - The Dales - Make it stand out The Refractory, where the monks gathered to eat. (Imagine a wooden floor at the top of the darker section of stones. Below that was a cellar.) The monks ate in silence while listening to a reading delivered from a pulpit set in the large recess in the wall to the right. The community sat around the edges of the room at tables supported by stone legs set into the floor.. The monks' diet was largely vegetarian. The main hot food was a thick soup, made from beans and vegetables. Bread and ale were also staples. Fish, eggs and cheese were allowed on special occasions. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b0a826f1-5f74-49cd-a38b-fb32e6bad4ed/tempImageG4fukf.jpg Blog - The Dales - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/89f2abb8-8808-4171-a759-18192d1dbcdf/tempImageLrlrrJ.jpg Blog - The Dales - Make it stand out The beauty of the Yorkshire Dales approaches the mythical, and Rievaulx Abbey may easily be one of the most romantic settings we’re ever likely to encounter. https://www.overthehillandacrossthepond.com/blog/be monthly 0.5 2023-11-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/eaafd9cb-0480-4b71-9f2f-a6d7085f54d0/tempImage2BH8Bu.jpg Blog - Beyond York - Make it stand out Today visitors enter this impressive hallway. While beautiful, the entrance designed to impress comes later in the tour. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/91e882b6-38e9-463d-b5d8-255934060f25/tempImageXjpBNw.jpg Blog - Beyond York - Make it stand out If you remember Georgiana from the movie The Duchess, this is the bedroom of her first biological daughter “Little G.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/70fe677c-0210-4bf2-b1d7-a0bc6abb188a/tempImaget7XNDs.jpg Blog - Beyond York - Make it stand out Georgiana’s first successful pregnancy resulted in the birth of Lady Georgiana Dorothy Cavendish in in July 1783. "Little G” would eventually marry George Howard and move into Castle Howard. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e6408bdf-7c53-479c-8814-45055bcae3da/tempImagegtnP1u.jpg Blog - Beyond York - Make it stand out Ever wonder why in England the toilet is called a Water Closet (or WC)? The answer is against the back wall. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f96feb1b-3650-4ebb-ab07-ed66bb2aa2dc/tempImagezNrV80.jpg Blog - Beyond York - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/32b61545-22bf-4654-bfb8-76922b367922/tempImagewWEv33.jpg Blog - Beyond York - Make it stand out Back in the day, the very rich would go on a “Grand Tour” of Europe and bring back many treasures from their travels. The Antique Passage is a corridor lined with classical antique statuary, primarily Roman, accumulated by the many Earls of Carlisle. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e4aaf075-b115-4ebd-8999-2247c83aa489/tempImageRWHAo8.jpg Blog - Beyond York - Make it stand out The magnificent Great Hall, designed to impress all who entered the home. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/748d7cad-f70c-449e-bdeb-be8d95e8517f/tempImageqj9xJE.jpg Blog - Beyond York - Make it stand out The chimney was cleverly routed up the column to the right to allow for the opening above the chimney. Vulcan, the god of fire, rests over the fireplace. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3713b437-d945-4d37-a763-8319dd1ea974/tempImageajaUrP.jpg Blog - Beyond York - Make it stand out The Great Hall and its dome. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f70cc157-2b18-4844-b08d-506b6f0f10f5/tempImage06pcc2.jpg Blog - Beyond York - Make it stand out Looking down on the Great Hall from halfway up the stairs. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9c4b2557-a2b0-42c4-aa7a-14ed7e59f1d1/tempImageYpVwlc.jpg Blog - Beyond York - Make it stand out The ceiling and dome from the second floor. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7db65fcb-311a-498c-bbee-aa2a5352569b/tempImage9PSm8P.jpg Blog - Beyond York - Make it stand out Looking out at the Atlas Fountain. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f8e69e1f-2f57-4185-9163-5316a543a55d/tempImage2SYAyM.jpg Blog - Beyond York - Make it stand out Brideshead Revisited was a 1981 British television series starring Jeremy Irons (in the center photo above) and Anthony Andrews. The 2008 movie by the same name, starring Matthew Goode, Emma Thompson, and Michael Gambon, was likewise filmed at Castle Howard. Castle Howard also appeared as Clyvedon House in Bridgerton. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/42526309-d4ee-43e3-9731-71484c51851d/tempImage1VkxfU.jpg Blog - Beyond York - Make it stand out The Turquoise Drawing Room https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/64243d46-e535-42aa-99b5-c732e0326f45/tempImageLYMAPa.jpg Blog - Beyond York - Make it stand out In the Long Gallery, they had a pianist playing while we toured—nice touch. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f04c0568-1302-42ad-b467-a10714504264/tempImagenIsdSw.jpg Blog - Beyond York - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ca431192-b235-4f7b-9f58-97730759fc08/tempImageQonf1W.jpg Blog - Beyond York - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e5ff47fc-3b92-40c0-bd0a-48dce080b0c2/tempImagebg2HeN.jpg Blog - Beyond York - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/fc5fccd5-5286-43a3-9b78-83433df32d71/tempImagePHJ9cs.jpg Blog - Beyond York - Make it stand out The Atlas Fountain https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2032f06a-a99a-4d90-adb7-c835f3d43ed0/tempImageFuFBms.jpg Blog - Beyond York - Make it stand out Amanda sometimes accuses me of trying to be Atlas—always attempting to carry the weight of the world on my shoulders. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/517eb468-2621-4d00-88ab-78d3be268747/tempImageTYTzYE.jpg Blog - Beyond York - Make it stand out The Baroque façade. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7cc347e5-efbd-4efe-9160-2e838c3d577e/tempImage6bslSF.jpg Blog - Beyond York - Make it stand out At the back of the house. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d238cc1e-6e2e-42cd-97b4-66cebb57f4cf/IMG_8118.JPG Blog - Beyond York - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9ca12516-bcf0-4025-9b22-2b8a9bbbb590/tempImagep5oWWZ.jpg Blog - Beyond York - Make it stand out The train station used to film these scenes was Goathland in the North York Moors National Park. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5c009fd3-020b-4b0e-bace-7479ea28e921/tempImageYnQIEx.jpg Blog - Beyond York - Make it stand out The train station oozes with charm all on its own, but the Harry Potter connection makes it extra special. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5f55e79e-cc82-4f5d-9a96-2c5033e9cbf8/tempImageBU9RwF.jpg Blog - Beyond York - Make it stand out The pedestrian overcrossing is so unique. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/90ec4869-7c01-4b99-910c-093761f069e4/tempImagesFOxvP.jpg Blog - Beyond York - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/765b5373-917b-4c6d-80bf-5beb04098463/tempImagej59hzL.jpg Blog - Beyond York - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/73dd3ba2-80f6-468d-8f9f-7a95adf76bb4/tempImageQZY8gw.jpg Blog - Beyond York - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b4b38209-e488-4c19-98c9-e217d7685875/tempImagevHnbFV.jpg Blog - Beyond York - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8bdb8fdf-ff03-4ceb-8204-012d91fccb32/tempImaget6QF9B.jpg Blog - Beyond York - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a6ffd632-6a8e-49d9-afce-efb3e3bcf7cc/tempImageZlVum9.jpg Blog - Beyond York - Make it stand out We were so excited to make it to this very special Harry Potter filming location. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d9704ebe-1c5c-47fe-acd6-833a41353272/tempImagewG6Km1.jpg Blog - Beyond York - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a1a58596-283a-441a-8297-137b4f861d72/tempImagedRfggd.jpg Blog - Beyond York - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8464274c-611a-4eef-88fe-87e4a0299014/tempImagemR6WZu.jpg Blog - Beyond York - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c9483865-4fa8-46cf-ac92-1173b41edf93/tempImageqxyBy1.jpg Blog - Beyond York - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8d1433a3-5519-49be-8b55-c6043a8df776/tempImage2CImP2.jpg Blog - Beyond York - Make it stand out Falling Foss (a foss is a waterfall). Such a tranquil spot! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ef767939-e28a-41da-bf80-efb9c418b9db/tempImagexx7adS.jpg Blog - Beyond York - Make it stand out Touring the country has brought sharp focus on the combined damages inflicted by King Henry VIII’s rein (1539 Dissolution), the Elizabethan Royal Injunctions (1559), and the English Civil War (1642-1651). These destructive periods left in their wakes an incalculable loss of historical Catholic treasures. It’s difficult to reconcile that such massive loss came from internal tensions rather than external enemies, giving “you are your own worst enemy” new meaning. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/370d301b-a811-4f59-9641-af819344d94f/tempImagein1KDW.jpg Blog - Beyond York - Make it stand out Despite the staggering losses, the remnants of their bloodlust are deeply romantic abbey ruins like this. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7e404d53-d78d-4455-add3-82679fa4c2e4/tempImageuyzbZw.jpg Blog - Beyond York - Make it stand out Mysteriously, what you appreciate most is what is no longer present. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b18d7bba-6166-4b2c-808c-620df126a093/tempImageEvRvVk.jpg Blog - Beyond York - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d8891046-9d9d-428c-9d95-612babbaa83f/tempImageFty4Wy.jpg Blog - Beyond York - Make it stand out Somehow the ephemeral nature of even grand cathedrals speaks to the beauty present in imperfection and impermanence. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b2be1d15-639d-46db-b7e9-5b23982f0fc8/tempImageiy9Bpp.jpg Blog - Beyond York - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/84b576b1-4f3f-4ebc-bbfb-79708e24244d/tempImageSuUHL9.jpg Blog - Beyond York - Make it stand out Whitby Abbey in its heyday. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ef91588c-5382-4da0-b6fd-85c7f28abccf/tempImageAJIFd2.jpg Blog - Beyond York - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/679a3f2a-c373-42f6-a99c-4a1b78a7ad72/tempImagexk41JX.jpg Blog - Beyond York - Make it stand out Notice the old passageway. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/28dcc486-0345-44e5-a430-d20a215c32d3/tempImagekjbYSO.jpg Blog - Beyond York - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/33ab4792-bda5-4cf2-ac24-4b8c911f5c3e/tempImagern1hkt.jpg Blog - Beyond York - Make it stand out A first edition of Dracula, signed by the author Bram Stoker in 1901. It was first published with its distinctive yellow cloth cover by Archibald Constable and Company in 1897, and cost six shillings. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3185c83f-54f0-4bc1-9342-5c23d003af55/tempImageiohjL5.jpg Blog - Beyond York - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/451a417d-b07b-46bd-9977-920692d82417/tempImagex20lBe.jpg Blog - Beyond York - Make it stand out Such a beautifully romantic place to wind up the day. https://www.overthehillandacrossthepond.com/blog/york monthly 0.5 2023-11-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9fe1ef1c-0b13-41f5-a790-2636d43bd26f/tempImageOB7Sc2.jpg Blog - Old York - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e14e765f-9993-44ed-ac1c-f2841f94fd52/tempImageq0J6zv.jpg Blog - Old York - Make it stand out The explanation most cited is that the builders used green timbers, which warped over time. Of course medieval builders used green timber all the time, but the timbers on St Mary’s spire are covered in 32 tons of lead tiles, which created an extraordinary strain that twisted the underlying timbers. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/933fe5f1-d173-4ee2-aab4-57a409fbc8fc/tempImageE5wCJ5.jpg Blog - Old York - Make it stand out Oddly, the builders did not install cross-bracing inside the spire. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2c873d3e-6f42-441c-af6b-74f6ff2304d1/tempImagekZ2UXU.jpg Blog - Old York - Make it stand out The omission of cross-bracing is believed to be the result of the spire being built during the period when the Black Death devastated England, between 1348-1350. The spire may have been started by experienced workmen, who then died in the Plague, so the work had to be finished by inexperienced men, who simply didn't know enough to put in cross-braces. We filmed the tolling of the Chesterfield Bells here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hUSpQiKB9dI https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/eabb9f58-ed44-4e36-93d0-24bcb82b9f17/tempImageqr5PVM.jpg Blog - Old York - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7b4ce6eb-9e23-41e2-b65d-fe8e2bf7c0ae/a124abd028d80a1076a1d9d00e1e2b8a.jpeg Blog - Old York - Make it stand out For Harry Potter fans, Hardwick Hall was the home of Malfoy Manor. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/82b948a5-a204-4d1a-bff4-4ee70fb5538f/tempImagenzrf4N.jpg Blog - Old York - Make it stand out Perhaps someone who understands film making better can explain why directors film an actual property when they are going to have to make so many alterations in post-production. Why not simply create the whole building by computer? Does a real building provide an element of realism? Is it less work to modify some aspects rather than create the whole thing from scratch? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5af0cc92-45e1-4406-b26b-89d6a8bf56a3/Malfoy-Manor-the-malfoy-family-35343645-640-422.jpg Blog - Old York - Make it stand out In any event, no Harry Potter actors ever set foot in Harwick Hall, but film crews did capture the front elevation for use as Malfoy Manor. You can see they added the gables perhaps to give it a more “wizardly” look, but also to cover the ginormous “ESs” around the top of the actual building. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2c97a267-395d-473c-a85a-ac030547d8da/tempImage4CeDpq.jpg Blog - Old York - Make it stand out Bess of Hardwick worked hard and was eventually granted a title. She was so proud of that title that she had it emblazoned all around the top of Hardwick Hall—Elizabeth, Countess of Shrewsbury. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f3596f7d-bc4f-4398-993b-2401723ee6a5/tempImage4trjCe.jpg Blog - Old York - Make it stand out The director also filmed the Great Hall inside Hardwick and used it to create the Malfoy Manor base of operations for Lord Voldemort and the Death Eaters—to the immense discomfort of Lucius, Narcissa, and Draco Malfoy. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/95013d3d-fba2-4b3a-86aa-f51f6dc1e419/Interior.jpg Blog - Old York - Make it stand out The meeting with a special guest Charity Burbage. Nagini - Dinner! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/927a08bb-0400-4abb-99b2-3f3e42e7171e/tempImage1wqmbG.jpg Blog - Old York - Make it stand out Most of the noble and ancient families of Britain stored and preserved family records, as well as old manuscript treasures accumulated during the centuries, in muniment rooms such as this. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/91cd0a03-af42-4df2-b0e6-04da2566184b/tempImagey51eCr.jpg Blog - Old York - Make it stand out The public entrance to the home was via a grand stone stairwell lined with massive handmade tapestries. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/97028609-7265-4bf3-a04a-46d969f355ed/tempImageMbCrjv.jpg Blog - Old York - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f6dccfb1-e95a-4132-a203-ff71462676fe/tempImageeP93Bu.jpg Blog - Old York - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/174add9a-c0e2-44d1-b72c-cc5a5160209e/tempImagerwMnJb.jpg Blog - Old York - Make it stand out When Hardwick Hall was built in the 16th century, glass was expensive and large windows a symbol of wealth and status. The rhyme “Hardwick Hall, more glass than wall,” referred to the progressively larger windows as you moved up higher in the house. By the time you made it to the High Great Chamber, the windows were an impressive four panels high. The walls includes not only painting and tapestries, but detailed full relief carvings. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f5008077-8301-43cc-9b61-084551f5bf99/tempImage4yLv0G.jpg Blog - Old York - Make it stand out Bess saw herself as near royalty. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5ce70e71-cd10-4b2d-a9a6-bca3f352f026/tempImageNQg49H.jpg Blog - Old York - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0ea23c4f-ae20-459a-bc40-79250864ea9b/tempImage6UUyg4.jpg Blog - Old York - Make it stand out The servant’s passageway seen between the High Great Chamber (left) and the Long Gallery (right). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/16f44a10-fa07-4ae2-9104-178c088e2eff/tempImageqpWdSP.jpg Blog - Old York - Make it stand out The massive public meeting space in the Long Gallery. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/33e99a05-dbec-47d4-a60f-8c82891c5055/tempImageQF1vEX.jpg Blog - Old York - Make it stand out On the left is Mary, Queen of Scots, and on the right is Bess of Hardwick’s grand-daughter Arbella Stuart. The portraits were there to remind visitors that through the marriage of Bess’s daughter Elizabeth Cavendish to Charles Stuart, their child Arbella had a claim to the thrones of Scotland and England. Bess very much desired Arbella to become Queen, but Arbella's royal claim was never to be realized. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8d6ceb02-5574-40d1-8fec-37a833e55e51/tempImageE6wNyE.jpg Blog - Old York - Make it stand out This image shows how the tapestries would have looked in the 1500s. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/605f5ea7-88c0-4b84-bddd-17927d0f745a/tempImageufyUDD.jpg Blog - Old York - Make it stand out What a comfy room for reading. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c9ccb0c6-c572-4caf-ab90-ded9c2882990/tempImageXvJ1Ms.jpg Blog - Old York - Make it stand out So long Hardwick Hall… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/957961cf-e785-4e4e-a776-c8008227785e/tempImagenlDI9b.jpg Blog - Old York - Make it stand out The tour was great, and now we're off to York! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/313856bb-4706-4bed-ab49-bab0972baa8e/tempImageZty5km.jpg Blog - Old York - Make it stand out I’m not sure we’ve ever said we’re going to go “into the city” for dinner before and meant it quite so literally. Amanda is standing in front of Monk Bar (above on Sunday, May 21), the most elaborate of the city gates. It consists of a four-story gatehouse which dates from the early 14th century. The gatehouse was designed to stand as a self-contained fortress, with each floor capable of being defended individually. Absolutely amazing! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8c7f59f7-d6bf-4c92-8162-c1ca72a63e4d/tempImageIzTkYl.jpg Blog - Old York - Make it stand out It is undoubtedly the inspiration behind Diagon Alley. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0a806d59-0e0e-478a-b5d1-9390843c1e2b/tempImagelqFzmN.jpg Blog - Old York - Make it stand out It’s difficult to belief the narrow way, with its higgledy-piggledy assortment of angled timbered buildings, is not part of a movie set, but rather the genuine condition of an ancient passage. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/54c70048-3155-4fc7-90cb-11f74ddd7904/tempImagesPwypy.jpg Blog - Old York - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d839f585-540b-4c87-a5ca-6670899abdb6/tempImagePn2O3t.jpg Blog - Old York - Make it stand out Of course a street like this is practically compelled to open a Harry Potter store…or three. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b211ca60-2b9c-4fa4-8e4d-74503c466506/tempImageEQ1DNF.jpg Blog - Old York - Make it stand out Here is our video walkthrough of the Shambles, complete with Harry Potter theme music: https://youtu.be/_qGa6jd2o2g https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/65eacc25-9ec3-45ce-b327-af3f56621abb/tempImagebTnxuq.jpg Blog - Old York - Make it stand out The Great West Door. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/020637d4-4442-446e-9fbb-f6b254950a77/tempImagelTQgNu.jpg Blog - Old York - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/05123cf6-b9e3-48fc-bcfc-0ce0863a32d8/tempImage0pw9GC.jpg Blog - Old York - Make it stand out The Nave https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8b6ec00f-0366-4148-b81d-166fedd85ac7/tempImageaurxaN.jpg Blog - Old York - Make it stand out Looking past the King’s quire screen and organ (left) into the South Transept and up into the Crossing. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5efd9ba8-2f77-4392-abb1-312a3cbd2aaf/tempImageAfM8Kl.jpg Blog - Old York - Make it stand out The Crossing with the organ pipes at the top https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c0bebd0e-5a6b-4268-a367-7a26c71af16b/tempImageXEdtF7.jpg Blog - Old York - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2df96929-9717-4ccb-982a-51ded67171bc/tempImageYT0L08.jpg Blog - Old York - Make it stand out The North Transept. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/87cf85d9-9825-4786-aaaa-e98f2be8287f/tempImageQABAJL.jpg Blog - Old York - Make it stand out The Chapter House https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3669a2b1-8298-4258-99ae-b315465632c2/tempImage6SQ8HV.jpg Blog - Old York - Make it stand out The organ pipes above the King’s Screen, with the Crossing above (I love how etherial the air looks up inside the tower). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a67de592-dd1e-4cc6-825e-236b11e1b007/tempImagecXl4Sq.jpg Blog - Old York - Make it stand out The Great East Window "Apocalypse" tells the story of the beginning and end of all things. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/fed74363-5c0f-4873-90d0-32821a5f7f3d/GEW-ZONES-scan2.jpg Blog - Old York - Make it stand out Despite my earlier misgivings, cathedrals are endlessly fascinating because they brim with stories. A single window contains more than 100 stories. The shape and orientation of everything has meaning and purpose, so unlike the way we build today (even churches are just tilt-up concrete slabs). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/690dae98-5d86-42b3-afb8-5f45eccd116d/tempImageBWRT14.jpg Blog - Old York - Make it stand out The York Gospels was probably made by Anglo-Saxon monks at Canterbury around 1020 and brought to York by Archbishop Wulfstan. It is the only book from before the Norman Conquest to survive at the Minster. For centuries new canons have sworn their oath of allegiance on this book. They still do so today. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6e6dd8b1-323d-4036-8b7f-67c969ab6a4a/tempImaged55QM0.jpg Blog - Old York - Make it stand out One of the wood carvers who built the cathedral liked to hide wooden mice in his work. This was the only one I could find, but apparently there are many more hidden around the cathedral. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7481ac0b-3294-4ae3-9c7a-340ecdc9fe20/tempImagegPGnic.jpg Blog - Old York - Make it stand out Outside, on one of the many plinths left vacant by the murderous reigns of Henry VIII and Oliver Cromwell, now stands a memorial carving to the late Queen Elizabeth II. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5526ad31-868c-43df-b2f9-03dcdab66aa4/tempImageocYS9X.jpg Blog - Old York - Make it stand out Near this place, Constantine The Great was proclaimed Roman Emperor in 306 AD. His recognition of the civil liberties of his Christian subjects, and his own conversion to the Faith, established the religious foundations of Western Christendom. That does give you a sense of how ancient is York. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d09c37c7-0e7f-4fbc-b30d-3f66e81c2dde/tempImageUD3RTy.jpg Blog - Old York - Make it stand out This Roman column once stood within the Great Hall of the headquarters building of the Fortress of the Sixth Legion (whose emblem was a bull) in the 4th century AD. It was found in 1969 during the excavation of the South Transept of York Minister, lying where it had collapsed. In 1971 it was erected here to mark the 1,900th anniversary of the foundation of the city by the Romans in 71 AD. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1a334543-7af0-4d6c-beb0-6c5fc25eafe1/tempImageu7VAEq.jpg Blog - Old York - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a06f7a6a-3037-4512-9cc1-85be374aee00/tempImage5wtwQ3.jpg Blog - Old York - Make it stand out Minerva marks where Petergate once stood. The gate was named after St Peter, to whom York Minister is dedicated. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/975323a3-d799-4ae0-ae74-61ad3996b8d6/tempImagePePhBL.jpg Blog - Old York - Make it stand out Petergate was once on the Roman’s Via Principalis, their main east-west route through their fortress during the 1st century. The history oozes from everywhere! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/658f9fed-317a-48e1-800b-56c57637bf58/tempImageAKBeWz.jpg Blog - Old York - Make it stand out Here is the front door to Gatehouse Coffee, accessed from the City Wall walkway, one level above the street below. Coolest coffee house entrance ever! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/740e0328-2a11-4fd3-b77f-e88e769f2d0e/tempImageqcn8Bj.jpg Blog - Old York - Make it stand out Order your coffee downstairs and then walk up to this room, complete with original arrow-slit windows, or take the old stone steps up to the roof… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2b8d170e-e63d-4351-a873-0a312d3eac84/tempImageze073P.jpg Blog - Old York - Make it stand out Sit on the rooftop, or… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b4273d2a-63b5-4139-a75d-46c6371a1a59/tempImageE1wrGz.jpg Blog - Old York - Make it stand out Or sit around the barbican. The choice is yours! The coffee shop is in the lower center room, indoor seating is in the upper center, and the rooftop seating is at the top center, which is accessed through the original spiral staircase up the left tower. Seating around the barbican is accessed through the absolutely tiny door on the right. Coolest place to drink coffee ever! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8c6e2fca-3ca1-439e-88bb-646ad834db9f/tempImageJO2TD2.jpg Blog - Old York - Make it stand out After coffee, I walked along the inside of the City Wall to meet up with Amanda again. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/014993df-d37b-4a94-a5f3-cb24a84fd0ac/tempImageFeMY82.jpg Blog - Old York - Make it stand out Micklegate Bar is the most important of York's gateways and has acted as the focus for various important events, such as greeting a monarch on a royal visit and to display the severed heads of traitors. In a ceremony that dates back to Richard II in 1389, monarchs touch the state sword when entering Micklegate Bar. The name derives from the Viking "mykill gata" or "great street.” The earliest surviving piece of the present gateway was built in the early 12th century, but there has been a gateway hereabouts since the Roman period. Roman stonework and even Roman coffins were reused by the medieval builders in its construction. In 1350 the gatehouse was heightened to include a portcullis (still there!) and a barbican (now gone). There were people living over the bar as early as 1196 and the last resident left in 1918. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/48d9e6c6-127c-4049-80b7-861d758efeb9/tempImagelIHZOh.jpg Blog - Old York - Make it stand out Today the Jorvik Viking Center sits on top of the former excavation site. They have done an exceptional job of recreating the site as it might have looked in Viking times, faithfully reproducing buildings as they looked back then. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/74e9fb34-244b-438d-9dd0-c39229c1933c/tempImageqVBOOx.jpg Blog - Old York - Make it stand out House foundations, fences, pig pens—everything is as close to what was found as possible. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/de7d9413-1983-45d9-ae98-b59942a46638/tempImageZLj8Qm.jpg Blog - Old York - Make it stand out Right on down to the outhouses with moss for toilet paper! Best if we give this guy some privacy. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f3d85845-dc3a-4a8f-b255-d6136cba2480/tempImage68sDE8.jpg Blog - Old York - Make it stand out We finished the day with a quick stop at Clifford’s Tower. Built on top of a man-made earth mound, the stone tower that stands today was built in the mid 13th century. It has an elaborate four-lobed plan, modeled on a tower at Étampes in France, which is unique in England. The castle's courtyard was located at the base of the mound, protected by a stone wall with towers. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0e9d96da-1422-467a-b3e0-2472cfae8d1e/tempImagenBbCRa.jpg Blog - Old York - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f6df6f9f-fbf0-4d46-a4d1-69e52fcbea4e/tempImagewmHs4Z.jpg Blog - Old York - Make it stand out The rooftop offers a nice view of the city. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/82d6d6f6-104f-4c54-ad42-c650f98829c0/tempImagebAuFoc.jpg Blog - Old York - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9eef5acc-449b-49cc-868a-c04733ee88a8/tempImageEeGTdU.jpg Blog - Old York - Make it stand out Vanilla, the most luxurious spice. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a4fd2cb1-caa1-4f31-951a-8da6031bf9ed/tempImagez1WBuG.jpg Blog - Old York - Make it stand out Bootham Bar (above)—Wednesday (May 24) was our final day in York and we enjoyed an evening stroll along the city wall between Monk Bar and Bootham Bar. Here is a short video to see what it’s like following the old city wall: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PCkSZfgOptM https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/62875c94-59f7-419f-a890-a791aa29e48c/tempImagezBEUye.jpg Blog - Old York - Make it stand out The spires to the Minster rise behind Bootham Bar. In the foreground is part of a wall (separate from the city wall) that once stood around the old abbey. The wall was broken through and the gateway you see added in July 1503 for the visit of Princess Margaret, daughter of Henry VII, during her journey north as the new bride of James IV of Scotland. She was the honored guest of the Lord Abbot of St Mary’s in York for two days, and the gateway added in her honor. https://www.overthehillandacrossthepond.com/blog/at-our-peak monthly 0.5 2023-11-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/73cf6965-4d8f-4747-a1d6-e3db0fc04750/IMG_0584.jpg Blog - At Our Peak - Make it stand out Amanda makes her way across the River Dove in 2009. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2b5be8e7-bcb7-44fe-9553-abe845e6901f/tempImage5NU8Sy.jpg Blog - At Our Peak - Make it stand out 2023 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/80e69ae6-6194-480e-adb9-38c0a3bd943b/tempImageixLiGQ.jpg Blog - At Our Peak - Make it stand out 2023 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d6f4e5e2-480f-4ded-a331-d0d0c68fe2d6/tempImageC0sWnp.jpg Blog - At Our Peak - Make it stand out The River Dove https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/74474816-f1bc-4f51-bb5d-245084a1c750/tempImagepVQ7gn.jpg Blog - At Our Peak - Make it stand out Walking the public footpath from the Dovedale car park to the Manifold Tea Room in the nearby village of Ilam (Eye-Lam). Without realizing it, we took this photo in nearly the same place as a photo from 2009. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8664e7f2-079b-4b81-a799-bb0c35d72bcc/IMG_0638.jpg Blog - At Our Peak - Make it stand out During our 2009 trip, we rented bicycles from the Ashbourne Bike Hire, and road along the Tissington Trail (an old railroad line converted to a foot and bicycle path), before taking roads over to the Dovedale valley. If I recall, it was a bit of a longer haul than we anticipated. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/023eb847-2de5-4316-b091-bbd14ff990ab/tempImageeNCW8N.jpg Blog - At Our Peak - Make it stand out The unusual looking peak is Thorpe Cloud. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/77777871-57e9-4195-a279-b5b4b1b79aa7/tempImageHl1m6N.jpg Blog - At Our Peak - Make it stand out We were met by some curious locals. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/977f8c6b-c452-449a-865c-d186898754f3/tempImage5mjA1B.jpg Blog - At Our Peak - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6e25e809-e5dc-46f5-a344-f3e8cb7c1c56/tempImageqcnUi8.jpg Blog - At Our Peak - Make it stand out On our way back…total apathy! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4870c7a1-d233-4f34-be72-c49714808d16/tempImageMDJget.jpg Blog - At Our Peak - Make it stand out Our purpose in walking to Ilam was to fix our greatest faux pas while in England. (It wasn’t on the scale of ordering a Black and Tan in Ireland (twice!), but embarrassing nonetheless.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9e3f950d-3600-45d4-995b-9182315a1051/IMG_0651.jpg Blog - At Our Peak - Make it stand out You see, this is Manifold Tea Room (named after River Manifold just below the house) in 2009—the first tea room we ever visited in the Land of Tea. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b07cc8cb-367b-4483-9f62-10f60b8528b1/IMG_0652.jpg Blog - At Our Peak - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/cd5ac1dd-5c4e-473a-8e09-3cd75939c131/IMG_0661.jpg Blog - At Our Peak - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ecf15b2d-a146-46dd-a412-c27dd3a25b41/tempImagefmgSWI.jpg Blog - At Our Peak - Make it stand out On Thursday (May 18) we decided to go for a long walk. The trail began at the Grindleford Train Station, entering the ancient woodland through the lovely Padley Gorge. Here we are on a footbridge crossing Burbage Brook. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/cd4fde63-f1f5-4918-b657-30ba3b682d7f/tempImageoIxNub.jpg Blog - At Our Peak - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6bd0f5d2-96fb-4177-a51e-c458ae4a3ad0/tempImagebkabvH.jpg Blog - At Our Peak - Make it stand out A really cool stone wall stile, with the Toad’s Mouth rock behind. From here, the route headed out over Hathersage. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/14a0a26f-4fef-464b-9258-8901110a3c9e/tempImage0XfoTL.jpg Blog - At Our Peak - Make it stand out We passed Over Owler Tor (not seen behind me) and onward to Millstone Edge. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c22381a0-79df-4668-9574-4c4384d3659c/tempImagea4pGPQ.jpg Blog - At Our Peak - Make it stand out Looking over Millstone Edge. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/56b30c98-3f11-4105-ae5e-0652177b51e9/tempImageLhOpW2.jpg Blog - At Our Peak - Make it stand out Quite possibly the best views in the whole of the Hope Valley are from Millstone Edge. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/31e684a4-856d-4a41-b22c-e50b6969a319/tempImage00V91G.jpg Blog - At Our Peak - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/290a06ae-0174-43c0-aa4d-c402c825c2ac/tempImagezdNpom.jpg Blog - At Our Peak - Make it stand out Old carved millstones dot the hillsides. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/043a0552-fd0b-4e64-a086-5171065abfed/tempImagebRRPAo.jpg Blog - At Our Peak - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/07cdca4a-9528-4d04-bdd2-3c5f82ad3d24/tempImagelsfloN.jpg Blog - At Our Peak - Make it stand out Nearing the end of our 4.5 mile loop. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2be2d91c-cc86-4faf-b778-501b3408f5bc/tempImageljEPSG.jpg Blog - At Our Peak - Make it stand out While Amanda checked out the many charity shops, I walked down to the locally famous Scrivener’s Books and Bookbinding. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5e7125b9-6765-4101-b0e7-70e04cda067e/tempImageVAWFvA.jpg Blog - At Our Peak - Make it stand out If you’re wondering about the five floors, there is an attic you can make out in the picture above this one, and a cellar. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8c1d4880-eacd-4459-91c8-39e781d5da55/tempImageI0E41T.jpg Blog - At Our Peak - Make it stand out Cool tree carving in the middle of the massive Buxton Park. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f618804b-f347-4f38-b2a7-1cbe0bbda667/tempImagernxvY3.jpg Blog - At Our Peak - Make it stand out While under the custodianship of George Talbot, Earl of Shrewsbury, Mary Queen of Scots stayed here to take the waters on numerous occasions between 1573 and 1584. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/266508c0-c2fe-4656-931f-986b8840c482/tempImagewvFHWM.jpg Blog - At Our Peak - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ca73d929-b0a1-4de5-8860-5249953e9c00/tempImageIPh52J.jpg Blog - At Our Peak - Make it stand out The center of Buxton is dominated by the large hill-park known as The Slopes. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2f676774-f0e2-467f-a13d-bfb61db81973/tempImage9wT4Pj.jpg Blog - At Our Peak - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e3874033-847b-4c9b-8147-fce26cdd3af7/tempImageJwyajJ.jpg Blog - At Our Peak - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/369fc256-d144-41c4-82d1-91afd5a6a704/tempImageN6ck3C.jpg Blog - At Our Peak - Make it stand out Buxton's renowned thermal mineral water fell as rain over 5,000 years ago. As the water passes through the Derbyshire limestone, it is purified slowly, mineralized consistently, and heated naturally. Residents and visitors have been drinking, bathing in, and collecting this precious water for centuries. The water from this well is the same bottled under the Buxton brand and emerges from the ground at a constant 81.5° F. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/340ec444-e191-4a52-8b74-5abf98ea25ea/tempImageWAg98W.jpg Blog - At Our Peak - Make it stand out When the Romans arrived in around 70 AD, the springs were already a sacred site. Like the Celtic Britons, the Romans believed the warm waters had special powers and built a settlement and baths around them. In medieval times, the use of water for healing was associated with St Ann. The well became a shrine to her and sick pilgrims flocked to Buxton hoping for a miraculous cure. Mary, Queen of Scots, visited several times between 1573 and 1584 in search of a cure for her rheumatism. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b4fc530e-37d2-4a74-b648-031aeddbefd1/tempImagenDsI0j.jpg Blog - At Our Peak - Make it stand out In the 1770s, William Cavendish (5th Duke of Devonshire and owner of the Chatsworth estate) moved the location of the well and began building nearby. His aim was to create a fashionable spa town to rival Bath. Its centrepiece was the Crescent, completed in 1789. Buxton's reputation as a spa resort grew and the arrival of the railway in 1863 opened it up to a wide range of visitors, who stayed in its new boarding houses and hydro hotels. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b9a5d3f1-d46f-4d82-9bae-bf3767f1d443/tempImageNR84AJ.jpg Blog - At Our Peak - Make it stand out The 8th Duke of Devonshire built The Pump Room (above) to provide a fashionable and elegant place to enjoy Buxton's famous water in comfort. Once a water source was discovered that did not require a pump, the Pump Room was obsolete and renamed St Ann's Well. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/aad77e6d-405e-459b-b0ed-098dd0fe3068/tempImageQMIjH0.jpg Blog - At Our Peak - Make it stand out Such a beautiful day, it’s hard to believe that in about 15 minutes after taking this picture, the sky opened and flooded the streets with rain. ☔️ https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/56cbc22a-7cf5-48ca-8bf7-0272ef0b668e/tempImage0Za5al.jpg Blog - At Our Peak - Make it stand out No worries…we had just sat down inside the Café at Green Pavilion ready to enjoy hot beverages! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8246f010-2e02-451c-8bf4-fecd99b7bebc/tempImage0GWDpA.jpg Blog - At Our Peak - Make it stand out On the gondola to the peak. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0d9ed5a2-05c2-4878-9fe7-81714ad2b688/tempImagexhndg2.jpg Blog - At Our Peak - Make it stand out The town of Matlock Bath and the River Derwent below. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2c356bdb-95c7-487a-8b53-950617da1ab1/tempImagee0GJV9.jpg Blog - At Our Peak - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2f2bdc64-5e90-4198-af2e-dce57befebd9/tempImagekZxyzz.jpg Blog - At Our Peak - Make it stand out Ever since Roman times, the land on Masson Hill has been used by miners hoping to earn a living by extracting lead from the hillside. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2740f761-f1c5-4b02-8ae1-67504e4ef816/tempImage5TzioU.jpg Blog - At Our Peak - Make it stand out The Great Rutland and Great Masson Caverns were transformed from working lead mines to tourist attractions in the early part of the 19th century. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/fd9f665c-813e-4b63-af09-a0b4b9670c62/tempImagegURSfm.jpg Blog - At Our Peak - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d816619f-6b0a-4bc0-96b6-00c29747fff8/tempImageGvD4dY.jpg Blog - At Our Peak - Make it stand out Notations made by miners in 1705. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6131ef85-2308-4ff0-8feb-5bed9cd55594/tempImagefBivXr.jpg Blog - At Our Peak - Make it stand out Back on the surface at Tinker's Mine Shaft viewpoint. When we emerged from the cavern, Amanda heard a mother rebuking her children in the way only an Englishwoman can, “You were both so lovely in there, and now that we are outside, you’ve gone absolutely feral”! Hilarious! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/274744f2-ba02-431b-b16a-8b355c96971c/tempImagesyOaqK.jpg Blog - At Our Peak - Make it stand out Queen (then Princess) Victoria travelled by donkey to the top of the Heights in the early 1830s. A few years later, recently redundant lead miners were retained through the winter to build the Prospect Tower in her honor. This is the view from the top of the tower. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8ba2d8e0-aa6f-4c74-899d-9030033a637e/tempImage4wpNE6.jpg Blog - At Our Peak - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b57f92ec-9183-43a3-a126-e208360a0777/tempImage3FNo7S.jpg Blog - At Our Peak - Make it stand out Heading back down. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d5f6ec2b-3bbc-477d-8478-30f681904642/tempImage9Temmf.jpg Blog - At Our Peak - Make it stand out From the bottom we spotted these parachutists. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a0b91aee-1853-4371-8287-22c8dc502a58/tempImagemnphj6.jpg Blog - At Our Peak - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/60d0c57e-dbdc-4c8c-b9e8-a80af363addf/tempImage3lxTXD.jpg Blog - At Our Peak - Make it stand out An old Morris in the car park. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/cbb0aae3-a998-48d7-8dee-4ad08c1e9871/tempImage66Ne1x.jpg Blog - At Our Peak - Make it stand out During our week-long stay in the Peak District back in 2009, we stayed at Pendleton Cottage, which is the building behind us. The solar panels are new, as is the two-tone building to the right. Back then the driveway was gravel. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e52a57c7-5e46-4c64-b82c-2fb3e62090a7/tempImageMl6nrz.jpg Blog - At Our Peak - Make it stand out 2023 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ae5544c1-5f3a-4552-8395-0d9944ec078d/IMG_1048.jpg Blog - At Our Peak - Make it stand out 2009 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e72be565-9234-4338-9b66-d8e6e7452ece/tempImageMBYCBj.jpg Blog - At Our Peak - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/59600a9b-45cd-416e-afda-a6d1473e96d1/tempImagezda0nC.jpg Blog - At Our Peak - Make it stand out Two proper cuppas! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/eb97d081-b135-4042-81a6-9dc2686b33ef/tempImageu8bCFq.jpg Blog - At Our Peak - Make it stand out Strong black tea steeped in a tea pot with steaming-hot water, Demerara sugar, and a wee bit of oat milk. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/090fcbad-0fbd-42b4-918b-949b22005dc7/tempImagernKpOd.jpg Blog - At Our Peak - Make it stand out Add in two vegan chocolate chip cookies and a fruit scone, and we’re all set! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/661eb60c-a683-4f85-8076-9c3124dba475/tempImagez8XVGk.jpg Blog - At Our Peak - Make it stand out Foot bridge over River Manifold. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d073aac4-3f48-4481-b637-52e1f1589de7/tempImageE0KqQh.jpg Blog - At Our Peak - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.overthehillandacrossthepond.com/blog/the-lost-king monthly 0.5 2023-11-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/83b6e6f0-f6df-4fac-9076-d1291c2f30cb/tempImage7UxjcX.jpg Blog - A King and A Prince - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6c33d752-8c98-4b49-82ef-d8abfd3d2f86/tempImageXvwyVb.jpg Blog - A King and A Prince - Make it stand out The image above show current buildings and parking lots (car parks) in beige. The outline of the old friary and its cloister are the dashed lines. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0ff3a04b-4711-4c5a-9805-74e6466fc4bf/IMG_7695+copy.jpg Blog - A King and A Prince - Make it stand out This close-up shows the friary with its Nave to the left and the Presbytery to the right (east). The first part of the Presbytery is the Choir, and there would have been a screen or physical barrier between the Nave and the Choir. By placing Richard in the Choir, the friars limited who would have access to the burial site. Richard’s body was found at spot A. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1c0f193b-011b-4c7b-9921-1038279f8274/tempImagel5ghmL.jpg Blog - A King and A Prince - Make it stand out This drawing has been damaged but it shows the friary (left) and cloisters (right) as they looked back in 1485 when Richard was buried inside the friary. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7ac655ee-68f5-4409-b201-aa0f2dc9a597/tempImageElFjqq.jpg Blog - A King and A Prince - Make it stand out Behind us is the famous parking lot. Amanda is pointing to the roof over where Richard’s body was discovered. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/12734da8-4744-4778-8a51-6ef7722e4625/tempImage96uCxm.jpg Blog - A King and A Prince - Make it stand out It wasn’t terribly surprising to find bones in the Choir. They first uncovered the legs. It was when they made it to the torso that things got truly exciting. Richard was rumored to have some sort of hunchback or other spinal deformity. This is a model of the spine they uncovered—pretty definitive! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/98917958-dfdb-4bca-a066-1ab8211b4265/2-kingrichardi.jpg Blog - A King and A Prince - Make it stand out The deformed spine is clear. He was buried without a casket or shroud and, based on the position of the head, the hole was clearly dug too small. Examination showed that the man had probably been killed either by a blow from a large bladed weapon, probably a halberd, which cut off the back of his skull and exposed the brain, or by a sword thrust that penetrated all the way through the brain. The age of the bones at death matched that of Richard when he was killed. DNA analysis showed that mitochondrial DNA extracted from the bones matched that of two matrilineal descendants, one 17th-generation and the other 19th-generation, of Richard's sister Anne of York. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ee8c7ba7-3ce5-45f3-bee6-654a3133a70a/_79448766_79439571.jpg Blog - A King and A Prince - Make it stand out Michael Ibsen and Wendy Duldig in 2014, the two known direct female-line descents of King Richard III, whose DNA helped identify his remains. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b85f895f-1600-44b5-a2d9-f3f73057cbe6/mask.jpg Blog - A King and A Prince - Make it stand out Michael next to the facial reconstruction of Richard III. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/14b71454-8a41-4198-a66e-bfc29f5119d0/richardiii_grave1.jpg Blog - A King and A Prince - Make it stand out Both feet were missing. The archeologists determined they were most likely inadvertently dug away when a Victorian-era wall was installed directly over Richard’s feet. Thankfully they didn't install the wall any further west or far more of the body could have been destroyed. So many little things had to fall into place over such a long period of time to have arrived at this incredible outcome! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d6f0b996-3bb8-490b-9187-8cc0fc714806/tempImage6E40jA.jpg Blog - A King and A Prince - Make it stand out Matthew 24:27 talks about the second coming of Christ, teaching that he will come from the east. As such, Christian graves often face the person to the east and churches are often built with the alter at the eastern part of the church. At least the friars managed to face Richard’s body to the east. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/05c6fca0-5c64-49c1-acd7-775008305bde/tempImageKRohdj.jpg Blog - A King and A Prince - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7c2f7b92-b81e-401b-b208-5c626f65f282/Grave.jpg Blog - A King and A Prince - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/78e54fbf-bb2a-4a4b-97de-5cce4103a2ef/tempImagelrRsD2.jpg Blog - A King and A Prince - Make it stand out Looking at the parking lot from where Philippa Langley entered. The burial spot is under the square brown roof to the left of the black door in the wall. The south wall of the old friary more or less followed the short wood fence/red brick wall/wood fence on the left. So the yellow wall facing us is where the choir screen was and the east end of the friary was near the far buildings. The open parking lot is where the cloisters were. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/58a39c82-654c-43d9-aff7-3184c5163d68/tempImagegm9pGh.jpg Blog - A King and A Prince - Make it stand out Leicester Cathedral was undergoing major renovations and was closed to the public. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3ba93d94-6332-4cb2-8897-996bb03c587c/tempImagegTDLp8.jpg Blog - A King and A Prince - Make it stand out As a condition of being allowed to disinter the skeleton, the archaeologists agreed that, if Richard were found, his remains would be reburied in Leicester Cathedral. A controversy arose as to whether an alternative reburial site, York Minster or Westminster Abbey, would be more suitable. A legal challenge confirmed there were no public law grounds for the courts to be involved in that decision. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/71a81f70-b930-4852-b144-6026d48de1f0/tempImageQuEvwQ.jpg Blog - A King and A Prince - Make it stand out Reinterment took place in Leicester on March 26, 2015, during a televised memorial service held in the presence of the Archbishop of Canterbury and senior members of other Christian denominations. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d6200fa1-21cd-4ca4-9cc6-6bb192144a21/tempImageYyFIJ0.jpg Blog - A King and A Prince - Make it stand out Nothing specific, just another amazing building! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3abae963-f0ed-4bd6-a453-b1c6f43479da/IMG_7753.jpg Blog - A King and A Prince - Make it stand out I arrived first and noticed a small police presence and a lot of official looking people standing around. I spoke with someone from the museum and he indicated that if we stayed around for a little bit we “might see someone we would definitely recognize.” He later revealed it was a member of the Royal Family, so someone in the photo above. Amanda forewarned me if it was William and/or Kate, she would lose her mind! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e227d087-acf0-45a7-bad8-46941aef6ec3/tempImageiqNyvR.jpg Blog - A King and A Prince - Make it stand out About 45 minutes later, a small police motorcade approached. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/313ea382-f56e-41c1-95b7-88c73299d650/tempImageShU7k8.jpg Blog - A King and A Prince - Make it stand out The vehicles drove right up to where we were standing. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/65dde2f6-b6b7-4033-82f3-187514b79fe9/tempImageTLmC5d.jpg Blog - A King and A Prince - Make it stand out Out stepped His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh. The Duke of Edinburgh is His Majesty the King’s brother and the youngest child of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8aad95e8-0b1c-406a-be14-170b77a1963a/tempImageA7y6RR.jpg Blog - A King and A Prince - Make it stand out We were a very small group of only about six people standing there, so he was very kind and engaged in some informal conversation. We told him we were from California and were touring the country. He apologized for the weather (what else would an Englishman talk about?!). It was a short conversation, but one we shall not soon forget! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/16200a53-e2b7-4dd8-9e19-b45cea606569/tempImagenoF3Xm.jpg Blog - A King and A Prince - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/df9578da-70dd-41c3-98a2-f197e6ab90a7/DSC_6705.jpg Blog - A King and A Prince - Make it stand out According his webpage, “At the King Richard III Visitor Centre, His Royal Highness was able to view the exhibition and learn more about the archaeological dig to find King Richard III’s remains and subsequent DNA testing.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/11cacf12-20fc-4efd-bf11-328cbb1d5ce5/GettyImages-502217582-799ca8b.jpg Blog - A King and A Prince - Make it stand out “The Duke then visited Leicester Cathedral to view the final resting place of King Richard III.” I guess it’s good to be the King(‘s brother)! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/03c4c290-b2b9-409f-9771-d582c041e134/tempImageLGrZRt.jpg Blog - A King and A Prince - Make it stand out The escort detail holding traffic, with Leicester Cathedral spire in the background. You don’t see these guys riding ridiculous Harley Davidson police motorcycles do you California?! The museum experience was amazing and meeting His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh was an absolute stroke of great luck—the cherry on top of a great day! https://www.overthehillandacrossthepond.com/blog/haddon-hall monthly 0.5 2023-11-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/aeccc46e-d67b-4536-9f93-bbd7745f1a0f/tempImageX6JqfT.jpg Blog - Haddon Hall - Make it stand out Monsal Head We made a brief stop to see this well-known, beautiful valley. Monsal Viaduct—once a railway bridge, now a public foot and bicycle path. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/142f4136-290f-4dca-86c7-f6a3c9607f17/tempImageRzDfmJ.jpg Blog - Haddon Hall - Make it stand out The lush Monsal Dale (valley) with the River Wye winding through. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/315b632a-abde-4253-9c55-aeeb6c2fbffc/tempImageG2b62C.jpg Blog - Haddon Hall - Make it stand out Plague Cottage https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/967ee622-b4a2-4cd2-9d20-f211568c9dcb/tempImagek3TFQR.jpg Blog - Haddon Hall - Make it stand out To the left of Plague Cottage is Rose Cottage—Nine members of the Thorpe family lived here. They all died. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7f7cb796-a77f-45fb-92c0-ec0dc2c6c26d/tempImage27NdUi.jpg Blog - Haddon Hall - Make it stand out The Hawksworth family—Peter, Jane, and their 15-month-old son Humphrey lived here, to the right of Plague Cottage. Peter was the town’s third victim on September 23, 1665, followed by Humphrey. Jane was the sole survivor in the household. Including her in-laws, she lost 25 relatives. Despite the apparent success of women in this few cases; overall, young women faired worst of all throughout Eyam. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4e556d69-caf6-457b-8e9c-e95a2c7241e3/tempImage6t4TIG.jpg Blog - Haddon Hall - Make it stand out The Plague Window (1985) in Eyam’s St Lawrence's Church, tells the story of the plague and depicts sites and people connected with the story. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/754a5fc5-9bb2-4aef-bd45-5a90f8b24e27/tempImageUgdSi5.jpg Blog - Haddon Hall - Make it stand out This very fine Anglo-Saxon (Mercian) cross stands 8 foot tall and dates from the 8th-9th centuries. It was apparently set up by missionaries from the north at Cross Low on the moors to the west of Eyam. Originally it was a wayside preaching cross that was 10 feet high and certainly must have looked very spectacular, but now it is only 8 feet high due to it being knocked about a bit in more recent times and losing one of its base sections. In the 18th century, the cross was discovered beside a trackway on the moors, from where it was brought to the churchyard of St Lawrence’s Church. For a long time it stood abandoned and uncared for in the corner of the churchyard. Eventually it was restored and placed in the churchyard where it now stands proudly. The cross is said to be the only one of its type in the Midlands that retains its cross-head. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/199386cf-d5a6-4317-bc81-cb76d4a98611/tempImageShFQSO.jpg Blog - Haddon Hall - Make it stand out As part of three-part plan developed by rector William Mompesson and the ejected Puritan minister Thomas Stanley, plague victims were buried as quickly as possible and as near to the place they died, rather than in the village cemetery—no more public funerals. When someone died, the family simply dragged them into a field and buried them. While Mompesson and Stanleythe developed their plan for controlling the plague within Eyam, William Mompesson’s wife Catherine tended the sick—support that ultimately cost her her life on August 25, 1666. She was the only plague victim buried in the churchyard. Her husband was eventually buried near her in 1709. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b5a32f16-c1ca-4744-b6a6-351965d28930/tempImageVz99tb.jpg Blog - Haddon Hall - Make it stand out Many who lived here in Merrill Cottage died. However, Andrew Merrill survived by going to the edge of Eyam Moor and building a crude hut in which he lived with his pet cockerel until the plague was over. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5831edd2-268d-4d15-8c58-ebae20587a65/tempImageMbGk1Q.jpg Blog - Haddon Hall - Make it stand out Nine members of the Wilson family died here at West End Cottage. The story of Eyam is one of tragedy and heroism in equal measure. Given the extreme suffering inflicted on Eyam, imagine the result if Mompesson and Stanley had not shown such insightful leadership. Of course, this tale hit home especially hard with the COVID-19 pandemic. There were many similarities that we related to much more in 2023 than if we had visited back in 2009. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1b106713-4b9a-43ed-9800-f43213acddc1/IMG_0785.jpg Blog - Haddon Hall - Make it stand out Entry to the property is through an old stone gatehouse (Amanda in 2009), after which you round a small bend and arrive at an ancient bridge over the River Wye (different than the one in Wales). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5a60d93d-9f4e-4919-be41-8dccfa5b5e6d/tempImage1YIS7L.jpg Blog - Haddon Hall - Make it stand out Beyond the bridge rises Haddon Hall, like a perfectly-constructed CG castle—only its real! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a4104a0e-93af-44fe-be0f-9fa7edc137c3/IMG_0750.jpg Blog - Haddon Hall - Make it stand out April 2009 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0ada84bf-acbe-4678-a7e4-7cbaf14fd2ee/IMG_0782.jpg Blog - Haddon Hall - Make it stand out April 2009 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4b22bc01-44cb-4d7a-8d29-348780e2da0f/tempImage6tpM2U.jpg Blog - Haddon Hall - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b500e524-926f-4edf-a864-7501d5de4f69/mv5bzgi0ndnlymutmjvkmc00ytdlltkwy2mtzgvjyte3odniyzlkxkeyxkfqcgdeqxvyotc5mdi5nje-v1-sx1777-cr0-0-1777-962-al_orig.jpeg Blog - Haddon Hall - Make it stand out The production added an extra tower to give a more imposing appearance. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2f877697-0957-409b-bd02-7812ea3f7f1c/tempImageRzXzEC.jpg Blog - Haddon Hall - Make it stand out The Queen of Putrescence It was here that Princess Buttercup dreamt she was accosted by the old woman. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/732ac600-719f-4c8a-a411-a350c76e8207/20111126-165100.jpg Blog - Haddon Hall - Make it stand out Old Woman: Boo. Boo. Boo. Princess Buttercup: Why do you do this? Old Woman: Because you had love in your hands, and you gave it up. Princess Buttercup: But they would have killed Westley if I hadn't done it. Old Woman: Your true love lives. And you marry another. True Love saved her in the Fire Swamp, and she treated it like garbage. And that's what she is, the Queen of Refuse. So bow down to her if you want, bow to her. Bow to the Queen of Slime, the Queen of Filth, the Queen of Putrescence. Boo. Boo. Rubbish. Filth. Slime. Muck. Boo. Boo. Boo. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/fbc3e38a-a502-406b-9718-8145a1984345/1ymq.6471wa.940.jpg Blog - Haddon Hall - Make it stand out Haddon Hall as seen in The Princess Bride. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0c2020f7-472f-4951-87af-a5e887e52b2b/tempImageQwnnu7.jpg Blog - Haddon Hall - Make it stand out The Banqueting Hall with minstrels' gallery (right), kitchens, and parlour date from 1370—amazing. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/08a74690-29f9-4865-9c4c-061b117f151d/tempImageAdvr2Q.jpg Blog - Haddon Hall - Make it stand out The character of this room is so unique that it is highly sought after as a filming location. Beside The Princess Bride and Pride and Prejudice, it was also used for Jane Eyre, Mary Queen of Scots, Elizabeth, Lady Jane, and The Other Boleyn Girl (among others). Haddon Hall was used recently to film Firebrand by Brazilian director Karim Aïnouz, which just debuted this week at Cannes. It is the story of Henry VIII’s sixth and last wife Catherine Parr, based on Elizabeth Fremantle’s novel Queen’s Gambit—with Jude Law as Henry VIII and Alicia Vikander as Parr. Can’t wait to see it! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b758f9ba-f9b5-4bb1-b60e-33a17db8bc96/tempImageTfp1nR.jpg Blog - Haddon Hall - Make it stand out This is the passageway between the kitchen and the Banqueting Hall. These stones have been in place for over 650 years! Amanda is standing at the door used as the entrance to the “inn at Lampton” in the 2005 Pride and Prejudice. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1d4f4fef-3503-4668-b6cc-b6edf4a0ff10/2392_pride+and+prejudice_haddon+hall+-+the+dining+room_4-2.png Blog - Haddon Hall - Make it stand out The “Lampton” in the 2005 Pride and Prejudice, in front of the Banqueting Hall’s grand fireplace. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e18efe96-b1f7-469a-b765-bc7210ced2af/tempImageR4NMez.jpg Blog - Haddon Hall - Make it stand out On the steps below you can see a set of Elizabethan dog gates. There are two such gates at Haddon—the others are at the entrance to the chapel. These gates give a rather sweet insight to the past as they imply dogs were a big part of Haddon's life and that they were largely free to roam. However apparently this did not extend to the chapel and Dorothy Vernon obviously did not want them in her glamorous new first floor apartments. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a67acff5-cd31-4366-8cd7-cf94cefdeb5a/kk_eb_inn_lambton_pandp2005.jpg Blog - Haddon Hall - Make it stand out Keira Knightly passes the dog gate in Pride and Prejudice. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ed836723-f6b7-42e9-99f2-4d0b8a840500/DnE0b5fWwAAbmrW.jpeg Blog - Haddon Hall - Make it stand out “Every ship but your four fastest, you mean.” Haddon’s Banqueting Hall was also used as Prince Humperdinck’s chamber. (I have no idea what is the significance of the pink arrow; I stole the image from the internet.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/bd59e3fc-141d-438d-9ef3-34938dd64580/tempImageY67h0k.jpg Blog - Haddon Hall - Make it stand out The tapestry given by Henry VIII https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f9308bde-9244-4cf1-ab96-1877c01803f2/tempImageevWNSi.jpg Blog - Haddon Hall - Make it stand out Built in the 14th century; this is one of the finest surviving examples of a Tudor kitchen, and it provides a tantalizing insight into the culinary techniques and catering facilities of the medieval age. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/44923bf8-b9a8-4141-b8a9-514ea2c11489/tempImageklFJ4e.jpg Blog - Haddon Hall - Make it stand out What is now a Dining Room with its oriel window (not shown), was originally the Parlour where quests were greeted to the home. (After all, the French verb parler means “to speak” and “to talk.”) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f403f442-f79c-45e5-b54c-0f5fdf02a3ed/tempImagek4mTOt.jpg Blog - Haddon Hall - Make it stand out The Great Chamber, above the Dining Room/Parlour. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5bd9be65-ae0d-4544-9416-e9b931408746/tempImageTbiQzw.jpg Blog - Haddon Hall - Make it stand out The Long Gallery. The scene where Lizzie reads Jane's letter inside the inn at Lambton was filmed in the Long Gallery. Sometimes called the Ballroom, it was somewhere the nobility could go when the weather was inclement and where their guests could be entertained. It was on the upper floor, with cellars beneath. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1e6b1278-8686-43b9-8362-28911af2ca6c/tempImagembrLQ4.jpg Blog - Haddon Hall - Make it stand out The paneled walls are covered with the arms of the Vernon and Manner’s families, and the Tudor Rose. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c2fdeb11-7ef0-4a04-8ca2-ab40b48a56c6/tempImageRGFDQq.jpg Blog - Haddon Hall - Make it stand out The boar’s head represents the Vernon family. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6ee465fe-0d9c-47a1-9da7-01e6a482cd3c/tempImageXcwIbw.jpg Blog - Haddon Hall - Make it stand out The peacock represents the Manners family. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/81dedd18-36b3-4455-88d0-aca5af4c5c64/tempImageQBokWT.jpg Blog - Haddon Hall - Make it stand out Vernon boar topiary. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/996d93be-f781-4c21-93ce-9d9196311eeb/tempImagejXAlV4.jpg Blog - Haddon Hall - Make it stand out Manners peacock topiary. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8a42227e-8ca6-4271-a313-e61e80dfea7d/tempImageZ3yPlL.jpg Blog - Haddon Hall - Make it stand out The Chapel is dedicated to St Nicholas (from which we get Santa Clause) and is one of the oldest parts of Haddon Hall. This ancient place of worship, dates back in places to the 12th century! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0f047f54-0fb3-4248-87a8-3e1878d5bb8c/tempImageHkGRP2.jpg Blog - Haddon Hall - Make it stand out Exquisite and very rare fresco seccos adorn the walls of the Medieval Chapel. They probably date from about 1425. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/274f2095-1432-4e50-9f97-f2dc92351695/tempImageeCzDWN.jpg Blog - Haddon Hall - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f59db315-a0b6-4cd7-8868-7ba26dd0478d/tempImageMb9083.jpg Blog - Haddon Hall - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/19be7693-c997-46e4-b8c1-11766b8fb64d/tempImage6cR7AW.jpg Blog - Haddon Hall - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5521c80c-0fb2-4e98-8238-72fcbe8500da/tempImage0LrEjJ.jpg Blog - Haddon Hall - Make it stand out Thank you once again Haddon Hall for an absolutely amazing visit! https://www.overthehillandacrossthepond.com/blog/chatsworth monthly 0.5 2023-11-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/13dc5cec-93c5-4076-a87b-b0859a4f63d4/tempImageS2CPMP.jpg Blog - Chatsworth - Make it stand out There has been a house on this site since the 1550s. The first house was built for Bess of Hardwick (1527-1608) and Sir William Cavendish (1505-1557). They established the Cavendish family line from which the earls and dukes of Devonshire are descended. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/62b305bb-0a86-4b34-9927-7bbc0d90ccd7/tempImageZeCwpA.jpg Blog - Chatsworth - Make it stand out Although the house itself has been rebuilt since Bess’s time, her vision and passion for building can still be seen in the Hunting Tower (c 1580) on the hill in Stand Wood. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/32901263-2f4f-4070-a7ef-c97ea91c6136/tempImagescyTzu.jpg Blog - Chatsworth - Make it stand out Used to welcome and impress guests, the Painted Hall was built between 1689 and 1694 and was the largest and grandest room built in the 1st Duke’s lifetime. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5c5536fa-a952-4f5d-9783-95e02dcc4900/tempImagezhstOK.jpg Blog - Chatsworth - Make it stand out Fed up with Catholic rule, the 1st Duke was part of a group of nobles who invited the Protestant William of Orange to invade England in 1688. After the revolution’s success, the earl engaged the Palace of Versailles painter Louis Laguerre to flatter the new monarchs with a set of murals depicting scenes from the life of Julius Caesar and ancient Rome. These paintings and the magnificent ceiling connected the monarchy of the time to Caesar. They were made with the hope that King William and Queen Mary would visit Chatsworth and be flattered by this tribute to them. In the end, the royal couple never visited Chatsworth, but the trick worked, and in 1694 William III and his wife Mary granted the earl the title 1st Duke of Devonshire. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/dbb80099-14a4-4a62-ba84-ff45c5a20a49/tempImageKS5u14.jpg Blog - Chatsworth - Make it stand out Sadly, during our visit Chatsworth House was playing host to the Mirror Mirror modern art exhibition. Throughout the house, entire rooms were rearranged, and in some cases completely overshadowed, by the “pieces.” The Library is a masterpiece of a room. In this case the “art” was incongruous, but at least it somewhat supported the look of the room. (It gets worse as we move throughout the house.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c8b3a0f2-df5f-4aa3-a6c2-ec8a34728f64/Chatsworth_House_library.JPG Blog - Chatsworth - Make it stand out The Library normally. A thousand times better, right? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/96d4e44d-a087-4d0c-9151-ab73fd3a375f/tempImagenwr5dz.jpg Blog - Chatsworth - Make it stand out Just in case you think I’m being pedantic about the modern art, here is just one example to make my point. I don’t know what the “artist” called this piece and what it’s deep philosophical significance is, but we simply called the piece “Used Condoms on Violet.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e5486d0f-3667-4a55-9daf-9521b7729e92/tempImage9RAoQx.jpg Blog - Chatsworth - Make it stand out The “art” chairs certainly detracted from the ambiance; however, the Great Dining Room did its level best to fight against the hideous intrusion and remained resplendent in red and gold and warm light. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9bfd9be6-0e2e-46b8-96b4-d6444a37366f/The_Great_Dining_Room.jpg Blog - Chatsworth - Make it stand out How the room is meant to look. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/681a8b1f-43bb-4ef5-8e9f-6c0ee96d9e9c/tempImageqzKTXC.jpg Blog - Chatsworth - Make it stand out The biblical story of Doubting Thomas is shown in Verrio’s oil painting above the alter and again in the ceiling painting above the gallery. Thomas had to touch Christ to believe he had risen from the dead. It might have been considered a good subject to match with the family motto, Cavendo Tutus, meaning safety through caution. Saint Thomas is also the patron saint of architects and the 1st Duke saw himself as the architect of Chatsworth. (Please excuse the abominations in the middle of the room. Focus instead on the true art: the brilliant wall and ceiling paintings, the skilled wood carvings, and the expertly carved altarpiece of local alabaster and black marble and other stonework.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/461c5fdb-b84a-4c01-8ff3-68a3b71380bb/tempImage0LR2m0.jpg Blog - Chatsworth - Make it stand out The Chapel Gallery is a near perfect example of Baroque room decoration—identified through detailed decoration, deep color, and grandeur designed to evoke an emotional response. A Doubting Thomas painting is repeated above the arch. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6da9eeb6-77f1-40c5-a3e6-6a99f15d542d/the-duchess10.jpg Blog - Chatsworth - Make it stand out In the film The Duchess, the young Georgiana is contracted in marriage to the 5th Duke of Devonshire. The estate of the Dukes of Devonshire was, and still is, Chatsworth House. Given that this was the true home of “The” Duchess, it is fitting that the candle-lit wedding between the Duke and the soon-to-be Duchess, was filmed in the Chatsworth House Chapel. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ec80bd5a-9ac7-442d-bac3-b0a1c971833f/tempImageIOwIo0.jpg Blog - Chatsworth - Make it stand out Ceiling painting of the resurrection of Christ by the French artist Louis Laguerre (1663-1721). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/97e33b13-ff3c-478d-b251-4867ccb88c81/tempImageVQzaEe.jpg Blog - Chatsworth - Make it stand out This room was known as the Second Withdrawing Room, but the 6th Duke’s musically themed additions, meant that the new name was adopted—State Music Room. Through the open doorway at the back of the room, you see a violin and bow suspended on a blue ribbon on the back of another door. Or do you? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3aaf2ad3-9dfb-4d48-9852-7159af0f0ef3/tempImagetXOECO.jpg Blog - Chatsworth - Make it stand out The violin is an example of trompe l’oeil (a trick of the eye)—used by artists to create optical illusions. Successfully tricking the eye requires high levels of technical skill that was certainly achieved in spades here. In fact, the raised door panels themselves are a painted effect. Now that, is truly art! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/816d40e4-8cc3-4bba-a52b-0f0fe5368202/tempImageYr59Vn.jpg Blog - Chatsworth - Make it stand out My wife and her love of shiny objects. Behind her is a portrait of “The Duchess.” In 1781 Italian-English artist Maria Cosway was commissioned by Georgiana Cavendish, Duchess of Devonshire, to produce a portrait of the Duchess but depicted as Cynthia from the epic English poem “The Faerie Queen” written by Edmund Spenser. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/37535866-23f9-4a6a-ae3b-63140e178ba3/Cynthia.jpg Blog - Chatsworth - Make it stand out The poem was dedicated to Queen Elizabeth I and follows the knights and ladies of the Queen’s court in a mythical fairy land to explore the meaning of virtue. Cynthia was the goddess of the moon and one of the heroes in the story. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e9b1c4ad-3700-44c6-8a5a-3e912a37d534/tempImage70H5ZB.jpg Blog - Chatsworth - Make it stand out You may recall from my post about Lauriston Castle outside Edinburgh, way back from December 4, 2022, that Blue John is a semi-precious mineral, a rare form of fluorite with bands of a purple-blue or yellowish color. It is only found in Blue John and Treak Cliff Caverns in Castleton, which is very near Chatsworth House. While the world’s largest collection of Blue John pieces are found inside Lauriston Castle, the largest piece is at Chatsworth. The softness of the mineral means it looks amazing when illuminated internally. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5217c258-754b-48ab-abdc-4c05071c997d/tempImagedeN7NA.jpg Blog - Chatsworth - Make it stand out The 6th Duke of Devonshire visited the studio of Raffaelle Monti in Milan, Italy, in October 1846. He ordered the marble A Veiled Vestal Virgin sculpture, which it was ready to be dispatched to England in April 1847. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/56a92e40-1e2d-4b10-a83e-891b1531264e/tempImage97kh4a.jpg Blog - Chatsworth - Make it stand out In Ancient Rome, the Vestals were virgin priestesses whose lives were dedicated to the goddess Vesta. They were tasked to look after the sacred fire burning on her altar in the temple of Vesta, and were regarded as fundamental to the safety of Rome. The discovery of a "House of the Vestals" in Pompeii in the 18th century made Vestals a popular subject matter in art over the following 50 years. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a6665cae-b507-4a6b-a04e-40f74aa8bf63/tempImagepdPfOs.jpg Blog - Chatsworth - Make it stand out The statue first came to Chatsworth in 1999 and was shown in the Sculpture Gallery where it appeared in the 2005 film Pride and Prejudice, starring Keira Knightley and Matthew Macfadyen. Although carved in stone, the veil appears soft and sheer with astonishing effect. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6b04faf4-55cb-434e-a2cb-479378406da1/Veil.jpg Blog - Chatsworth - Make it stand out 2005 Pride and Prejudice https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5eb1c5a7-9124-453a-b503-f61b7fc8b765/tempImageLh7hXb.jpg Blog - Chatsworth - Make it stand out Achilles with an arrow to the heel (2023). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/397551e7-e963-40f5-b1cc-b46808a431a6/IMG_0732.jpg Blog - Chatsworth - Make it stand out 2009 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3b9e13ce-76da-4609-8a03-55b60aa0e968/Achilles.jpg Blog - Chatsworth - Make it stand out 2005 Pride and Prejudice https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a9b4b929-7fac-4c53-80a7-574e1ec742cf/tempImagevBM4nE.jpg Blog - Chatsworth - Make it stand out Marble sculpture of Bacchante with a tambourine and snake. Bacchantes were priestesses who were asked to raise Bacchus—son of Zeus and, later, the god of wine, festivity, madness. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7a889cd3-c249-4cbc-b8e0-786c6e9e8e86/tempImageRcjDMh.jpg Blog - Chatsworth - Make it stand out The amazing detail on the snake. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/bcf49e25-d3d2-4b5a-9294-ffd7598b5be2/prideandprejudice_53.jpg Blog - Chatsworth - Make it stand out 2005 Pride and Prejudice https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ed80cf56-8742-4221-aae4-f3a9f95261ff/tempImagepkHXSH.jpg Blog - Chatsworth - Make it stand out Marble statue of Paolina Maria Borghese, better known as Pauline Bonaparte. Her elder brother, Napoleon, was the first emperor of the French. His favorite sister, the exquisitely beautiful and loyal Paolina, is shown looking at a portrait of her brother. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c02e453a-2c41-4ddf-bb39-88b26c9c63a1/tempImageBrvAXZ.jpg Blog - Chatsworth - Make it stand out They do say Napoleon had a swelled head. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/af3d78ea-a2ca-4498-9feb-8e550fb923e4/tempImageARHTvA.jpg Blog - Chatsworth - Make it stand out Crouching Lion, after Canova, by Rinaldo Rinaldi, 1823. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/26aaebe4-c43e-44c5-8780-e705a25d67fb/tempImageDZpOr3.jpg Blog - Chatsworth - Make it stand out Sleeping Lion, after Canova, by Rinaldo Rinaldi, 1825. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e0e01602-a499-41b9-a734-5e32f3c1c55a/tempImageD9BWe2.jpg Blog - Chatsworth - Make it stand out Such detail https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/96c58c55-896f-4a87-badd-ee6f6eef2221/tempImageD9esHf.jpg Blog - Chatsworth - Make it stand out "Does the young lady know Mr Darcy?" Elizabeth coloured, and said: "A little." "And do not you think him a very handsome gentleman, ma'am?" "Yes, very handsome." The statue of Matthew Mcfadyen (Mr Darcy) used in the Pride and Prejudice film. The plaque included the instruction, “Please do not kiss!” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/294d5362-43c7-42a5-8ac3-c7d2d475c322/tempImageAQ1ZVI.jpg Blog - Chatsworth - Make it stand out “Elizabeth was delighted. She had never seen a place for which nature had done more, or where natural beauty had been so little counteracted by an awkward taste.” -Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f27c2c41-64db-4cf2-a7e7-1ff67a884180/tempImage7ZRVA7.jpg Blog - Chatsworth - Make it stand out From inside the house, the Emperor Fountain and Canal Pond in the distance. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/fdc653fb-80ba-4040-9b25-023ba560ce02/IMG_0737.jpg Blog - Chatsworth - Make it stand out April 2009 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d6898b7f-ee93-495b-80f3-af1a2953ea04/tempImagebAHlOm.jpg Blog - Chatsworth - Make it stand out May 2023 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ee40d46f-c5a7-40e8-b2d0-06465e411b80/IMG_0738.jpg Blog - Chatsworth - Make it stand out April 2009 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1d4d63a1-b47f-4e7c-a3fd-99932853521e/tempImageOKfxvS.jpg Blog - Chatsworth - Make it stand out May 2023 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/fa9b9465-26c1-44cb-9fc0-ba37ffef2041/tempImageJgz8CA.jpg Blog - Chatsworth - Make it stand out “Elizabeth, as they drove along, watched for the first appearance of Pemberley Woods with some perturbation; and when at length they turned in at the lodge, her spirits were in a high flutter. “The park was very large, and contained great variety of ground. They entered it in one of its lowest points, and drove for some time through a beautiful wood stretching over a wide extent.” -Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b84efcb2-51d1-417e-87ba-38b5aea99b9c/tempImage7DDnMY.jpg Blog - Chatsworth - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/35995c6e-ae7c-4218-8b26-0b5376fcdca4/tempImageJ2URnq.jpg Blog - Chatsworth - Make it stand out In the garden’s Pinetum (apparently that’s a word). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e027e1b7-36e1-4d56-8923-eefe8edc878b/tempImagenMxJFF.jpg Blog - Chatsworth - Make it stand out Now this is art I can support. These are sections of tree, charred and arranged within the Pinetum. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ec604e7e-4e2c-4783-94f5-6fd5e45b377f/tempImageCbtzPD.jpg Blog - Chatsworth - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/cee715b9-7d6c-4eeb-8fe5-22baddf587a0/tempImageSwRalM.jpg Blog - Chatsworth - Make it stand out Looking down Hundred Steps to the Maze. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/264fcc3f-90cf-4331-884a-9a0d78cad19e/IMG_0742.jpg Blog - Chatsworth - Make it stand out Amanda at the tree in the maze’s center in 2009. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/cf0af822-6012-45cb-ba41-5f4c8c68c6d2/tempImagehScFet.jpg Blog - Chatsworth - Make it stand out The Cascade was the highlight of the 1st Duke’s garden—taking 17 years and two attempts before it was finished. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ec7f067e-27dd-4340-b438-d9642dae2b01/tempImageHdUNgN.jpg Blog - Chatsworth - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6c89264c-b3ef-4bad-b4ed-16e3ec70f677/tempImageQzeKAX.jpg Blog - Chatsworth - Make it stand out The Duke may have been inspired by water features he saw in France. He employed a French engineer, Grillet, to design the Cascade. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/550f0317-6c10-4e70-b9aa-3265cb85fcd0/Screenshot+2023-05-15+at+9.37.09+AM.png Blog - Chatsworth - Make it stand out The water for the Cascade is not recirculated and pumped to the top. Rather, it comes from the open moorland behind the top of the hill to the east, carried along a series of man-made streams and an aqueduct, before flowing out onto the Cascade. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7fde4000-5c1e-4753-969c-e321b6c7f16f/tempImageMwsEzX.jpg Blog - Chatsworth - Make it stand out The temple was designed by Thomas Archer. Water can be made to flow over the roof and out of 13 spouts, including the mouths of the stone dolphins (they look more like sturgeons), and there are even hidden jets in the temple’s floor. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4a5e523a-6c8b-4285-a381-679a51481c47/tempImageOV8zb8.jpg Blog - Chatsworth - Make it stand out The temple and the Cascade were restored between 1994-96. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/06261452-d9df-40a1-b858-dcf038478fb9/tempImagedHS1Fk.jpg Blog - Chatsworth - Make it stand out Each step is different so the sound of the water changes as it falls. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/cb133424-19c2-4b82-aca2-6688de742c78/tempImageV75pFj.jpg Blog - Chatsworth - Make it stand out After the Cascade, the water flows underground, then makes appearances through two additional water features before returning to a natural stream. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/10c05a58-8594-4ecd-acc6-8dd49bca92e5/IMG_0748.jpg Blog - Chatsworth - Make it stand out April 2009 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d9f85d1e-db8e-45cc-8c94-19d5394a98a8/tempImagebO4Ln5.jpg Blog - Chatsworth - Make it stand out May 2023—We spent the next half hour lying on the grass, enjoying the warmth of a perfect sunny Sunday Derbyshire afternoon. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c553773d-5e1e-42ec-97b1-44e92c4025c0/Farm+Shop.jpg Blog - Chatsworth - Make it stand out Afterward, we stopped off at the Chatsworth Estate Farm Shop to buy groceries. Pam, you’ll be happy to know we bought fresh broccoli. Then our triumphant return to Sainsbury’s groceries in Bakewell. Oh how we have missed our Sainsbury’s for the past month! On so many levels it was absolutely wonderful to be back in the Peak District. It was our instinct to base our very first visit to England largely in this area fourteen years ago. That turned out to be exceptionally good intuition, as it retains its standing as a favorite place. Feels like home…well, almost! https://www.overthehillandacrossthepond.com/blog/peak-district monthly 0.5 2023-11-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d7cb7813-ab3b-4dec-ba40-ab6db0574a66/tempImageuEu6DK.jpg Blog - Peak District - Make it stand out Amanda counted and there are actually six gates, not five. So, here we go one final time—waving goodbye to Cae Canol Farmhouse as we pass through the first gate on our way down the hill. Then it’s north to Manchester and the Peak District in the Midlands of England. Can’t wait! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a1026cd0-d6e2-43fb-bf02-de4bd91b60c7/tempImagePaNgMX.jpg Blog - Peak District - Make it stand out The six gates behind us for good, we stopped in a lay-by (turnout) on B4391 when we caught one final glimpse of our farmhouse at the base of the mountain. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/14600b8c-bc03-4637-a11f-66bbce4bc050/tempImageLEykrA.jpg Blog - Peak District - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/32f915d7-6b12-4c02-988b-089b4fd2f41e/tempImageH3i1JX.jpg Blog - Peak District - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8ab293cd-f038-4c40-9f48-7a0daa935be1/tempImageidKW6I.jpg Blog - Peak District - Make it stand out The main staircase leads up to the beautiful historic Reading Room and provides stunning views of the Gothic architecture of the Entrance Hall below and the Lantern Gallery above. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/95bc64d5-3b87-4a8e-9ca6-238f03b492f8/tempImagedR2PvS.jpg Blog - Peak District - Make it stand out Lantern Gallery https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7f663a0c-536f-4051-ae4e-2bb8cadcb489/tempImageCdwKRK.jpg Blog - Peak District - Make it stand out The John Rylands Library is one of the finest examples of neo-Gothic architecture in Europe and is indisputably one of the great libraries of the world. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ebae9b15-74c7-4b79-8c10-ec25b8219880/tempImageEnMBM3.jpg Blog - Peak District - Make it stand out Enriqueta Rylands https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/458f027f-de55-4b16-85fe-b5dcf603ff11/tempImageso0Oar.jpg Blog - Peak District - Make it stand out ‌The historic Reading Room resembles the layout of a church. The glass in the high windows was chosen to let light in, but obscure the view to the outside. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/110f09be-2bdf-4a50-a358-3aec2d9087eb/tempImagezoVHq0.jpg Blog - Peak District - Make it stand out The library houses one of the world’s finest collections of rare books, manuscripts, and archives. The library became part of the University of Manchester in 1972. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5f8f41e5-a730-4731-91f0-11256bc522ed/tempImageYd5Ibc.jpg Blog - Peak District - Make it stand out The library even contain books that might interest us specifically. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/15c7a03a-0901-48f2-a36e-d026fd0c88f2/tempImagezqbPyT.jpg Blog - Peak District - Make it stand out Alcoves down both sides of the library were designed for private study. Today, anyone can study in these inspirational spaces or wander the room to marvel at the beautiful and peaceful nature of the space. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/20d7cf38-7da7-4b77-93ed-58741471efea/tempImageDu3Qdt.jpg Blog - Peak District - Make it stand out The St John Fragment https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/16c2f24c-898f-4b12-a2e5-a94a8fa438c7/tempImageJI8UGh.jpg Blog - Peak District - Make it stand out This small scrap of papyrus only measures 3.5 in x 2.4 in. The first side of the fragment contains the beginning of seven lines from John 18:31-33. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/af04f33d-1948-4c9c-bced-d81ae72e6593/tempImageyvGwSA.jpg Blog - Peak District - Make it stand out The reverse of the fragment contains the end of seven lines from John 18:37-38. It’s hard to believe you can glean much from such meager scraps, but the experts insist they are invaluable. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/444f6209-80f1-42d6-8686-42b0bd247f83/tempImage57IEvz.jpg Blog - Peak District - Make it stand out The Whole Booke of Psalmes, London, 1630 It’s hard to tell from the photo, but this book is absolutely tiny. Embroidered bindings were very popular in the 16th and 17th centuries, especially on small prayerbooks like this one. These bindings for books were done by professional embroiderers, following stock patterns, rather than being crafted at home by the owner. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a38e78db-ddd0-416b-a724-f8ffbd92a165/tempImageu75dgh.jpg Blog - Peak District - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/59d217ec-164c-47b7-a226-65bc12f3b16e/tempImageructMB.jpg Blog - Peak District - Make it stand out Keith Says “Hi” After lunch, we walked back to our car and Amanda immediately spotted this dime sitting on the ground right next to her car door. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f155df3d-9247-456b-a7d9-4e35a02672f6/tempImagemPbM9k.jpg Blog - Peak District - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a6fdcc88-4d1b-4217-8466-c8fb0b00e33c/tempImageP14cws.jpg Blog - Peak District - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.overthehillandacrossthepond.com/blog/hwyl-fawr monthly 0.5 2023-11-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6743adf5-10b1-493b-8936-4904648af641/tempImageIf0e5e.jpg Blog - Hwyl Fawr Cymru! - Make it stand out Harlech Castle was built by Edward I during his invasion of Wales between 1282 and 1289. Over 700 years later, twin Welsh Red Dragons are proudly unfurled over the once English stronghold. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4a2cf252-26f7-4ca6-b0d3-831d5c92e27b/tempImageq7kAYw.jpg Blog - Hwyl Fawr Cymru! - Make it stand out Amanda on the bridge before the gatehouse with smaller corbelled towers in front. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2ddf41b2-2b55-489c-a6d9-193a07d568fa/tempImageWdQ5C9.jpg Blog - Hwyl Fawr Cymru! - Make it stand out As this diarama depicts, Harlech Castle crowns an impressive rocky crag. While the ocean once lapped at its base, a great expanse of dunes now stands between the castle and the Irish Sea. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/dae4ca39-e1a1-4039-b4ca-98b60c01b475/tempImage1AM1mV.jpg Blog - Hwyl Fawr Cymru! - Make it stand out A glorious day looking north from the Southeast Tower. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c876af63-422a-42cb-8998-1f59041e0ec0/tempImageAtiKAf.jpg Blog - Hwyl Fawr Cymru! - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ecb63bbb-cd3e-488d-8ac7-e54d61f37af6/tempImagehOM3a4.jpg Blog - Hwyl Fawr Cymru! - Make it stand out Imagine if these stairs could tell of the footfall they have experienced over the past 740 years! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f62f71fd-9238-4d9c-9632-544a1b783227/tempImagesLtQMk.jpg Blog - Hwyl Fawr Cymru! - Make it stand out Hold your kid’s hands up here—the walls are only 3-feet tall! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/cc6e542d-26b8-4e76-9a24-cfb042b0641f/tempImagejQ0RwQ.jpg Blog - Hwyl Fawr Cymru! - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9bd95181-56bf-4adc-828b-971130617e77/tempImagewcXgH3.jpg Blog - Hwyl Fawr Cymru! - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/28e524a6-9623-4d89-b6f3-f668a0a21fbe/tempImageIwep5D.jpg Blog - Hwyl Fawr Cymru! - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/04e85cef-9ef1-4fc5-9a50-128d8020e887/tempImage3FMMWU.jpg Blog - Hwyl Fawr Cymru! - Make it stand out Construction on Caernarfon Castle (ker·naar·ven) started in 1283 when King Edward I of England began to replace the previous castle with the current structure. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/83235df1-7e33-42a3-916f-7b75b2a0487d/tempImageDnScs1.jpg Blog - Hwyl Fawr Cymru! - Make it stand out Because the Edwardian town and castle acted as the administrative center of North Wales, its defenses were built on a grand scale. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3fd32cf5-f9f2-4929-9314-799206c4406a/Screenshot+2023-05-13+at+8.18.56+AM.png Blog - Hwyl Fawr Cymru! - Make it stand out A drawing of the castle and the walled city in its heyday. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d54fffda-fde4-46cf-924e-17d487d366cb/tempImagere4PYm.jpg Blog - Hwyl Fawr Cymru! - Make it stand out The town walls built around Caernarfon remain a prominent feature of the cityscape. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d21d3d40-fee2-4b47-9c84-73bc27e7c2a1/tempImageiewSiW.jpg Blog - Hwyl Fawr Cymru! - Make it stand out This is the first castle we’ve visited that has an elaborate series of interior corridors with defensive positions capable of defending not only the castle’s exterior, but also the inner courtyard as well. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/37031eee-1b8f-4aae-bec9-4cd64ee661e5/tempImageGsgp6k.jpg Blog - Hwyl Fawr Cymru! - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3a1ff8da-e4ac-491e-89b4-213ad8b2648e/tempImage1rMdZp.jpg Blog - Hwyl Fawr Cymru! - Make it stand out It’s a true pleasure to see castle rooms such as these with floors restored. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3fe87dd1-75d0-4b87-9000-b262e517f8a8/tempImageJ0pJZD.jpg Blog - Hwyl Fawr Cymru! - Make it stand out While the stone withstands the ravages of time, wooden floors rot away and disappear. In most castles, doorways, windows, and fireplaces float like ghosts upon the walls—your mind left to recreate the rooms as they once were. Caernarfon provides a rare glimpse of multi-level living inside a medieval (1066-1485) fortified castles. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6a723610-420c-439c-8bc9-c1d4290d9253/tempImage5NhkXP.jpg Blog - Hwyl Fawr Cymru! - Make it stand out On July 26, 1958, Charles III was made the Prince of Wales by his mother Queen Elizabeth II when he was just nine. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b6bc92a3-a37c-4076-b211-fa5900a1e2f7/ezgif.com-gif-maker.jpg Blog - Hwyl Fawr Cymru! - Make it stand out In 1969, Charles was formally invested with the title by his mother amid great pomp and ceremony at Caernarfon Castle at the age of 20. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c53fbf42-4374-4595-b3ef-cf6761d33a72/tempImageIxRPkO.jpg Blog - Hwyl Fawr Cymru! - Make it stand out Little did Charles know that when he stood on this platform, he would have to wait 54 years—until May 2023—before he would be crowned King. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6aa4ee3a-3210-4249-b194-7fd4a47888cc/tempImageJqKuvQ.jpg Blog - Hwyl Fawr Cymru! - Make it stand out The Investiture platform behind Amanda. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f127bc4f-41aa-4b7f-9f91-598c88951c1b/tempImageBibo2e.jpg Blog - Hwyl Fawr Cymru! - Make it stand out This is the interior of the Queen’s Gate. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0fe8adaa-0f35-4b3c-8b4f-9fe68f00c975/maxresdefault.jpg Blog - Hwyl Fawr Cymru! - Make it stand out It was from this balcony in 1969 at the Queen’s Gate that Queen Elizabeth formally presented Charles III as the Prince of Wales to the crowds amassed below. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f11713f0-e311-44c1-9090-7aaa7e222891/tempImaget8Lsiy.jpg Blog - Hwyl Fawr Cymru! - Make it stand out The same balcony today. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ca4f07b5-f6dc-413f-98b8-ecc2bd50a349/tempImagedaJofm.jpg Blog - Hwyl Fawr Cymru! - Make it stand out The view east from the triple turreted Eagle tower, heavy rains falling over Snowdonia National Park. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ceca0355-6489-421a-90c0-c5f049f686ce/tempImagevnmUJG.jpg Blog - Hwyl Fawr Cymru! - Make it stand out View over the Queen’s Tower of the approaching storm and the Afon Seiont (River Seiont). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/cbca4571-5cd0-4d95-9dbe-19e247b6a9e5/tempImageBKE5Y2.jpg Blog - Hwyl Fawr Cymru! - Make it stand out From the turret on Eagle Tower, looking down over the Menai Strait and, more importantly—like a barnacle attached to the outside of the old town wall—the former 18th-century customs house and now Anglesey Arms pub. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/02530cc9-35ba-44e6-8677-9929258d39b9/tempImage7x4tqb.jpg Blog - Hwyl Fawr Cymru! - Make it stand out We may not have watched Welcome to Wrexham before or even during our trip but at least we had a Wrexham lager! It was excellent! Once the rain passed, it was time for one more stop before returning home. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e489d686-437e-408c-8523-92fa77f085f7/tempImagepHOOgD.jpg Blog - Hwyl Fawr Cymru! - Make it stand out Nestled in a valley at the confluence of the Rivers Glaslyn and Colwyn sits the picturesque village of Beddgelert. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/26ea20af-7271-4a9e-af6a-39f0cb1dd1f5/tempImagep8vSGF.jpg Blog - Hwyl Fawr Cymru! - Make it stand out Just above the confluence, in the center of the village, is an old stone bridge with two arches. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d91f1021-cb9d-4681-8410-63169aa3decb/tempImageyCdWGV.jpg Blog - Hwyl Fawr Cymru! - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/588beeb3-b278-4a5a-b70c-de19068cfdc3/tempImageu27FVz.jpg Blog - Hwyl Fawr Cymru! - Make it stand out Yr Wyddfa (Snowdon Peak) towers beyond Beddgelert. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f1cd15a8-c70a-40e0-b3fe-a11c7d6bb1a1/tempImage4jY7Vw.jpg Blog - Hwyl Fawr Cymru! - Make it stand out The town name Beddgelert means "Gelert's Grave." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b5e9cac8-89b6-4a15-a27b-57b9f160a54e/tempImagehrivK0.jpg Blog - Hwyl Fawr Cymru! - Make it stand out In the middle of this field lies a stone allegedly marking the grave of a legendary hound named Gelert. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1d632eea-1c97-4a4e-993d-024db53bca6d/tempImage9C5jwD.jpg Blog - Hwyl Fawr Cymru! - Make it stand out The stone and plaques (one in Welsh and one in English). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e9b202ed-2854-4dae-906b-cd6ec34d5d85/tempImageBKuGnB.jpg Blog - Hwyl Fawr Cymru! - Make it stand out Does it matter that the story is a variation on the Faithful Hound folktale motif that lives on as an urban legend? (And am I the only one who didn’t know that sheep climb around just like goats?) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7508fabf-08bc-4cee-97ba-9dd212b56e82/tempImageWmB5Fe.jpg Blog - Hwyl Fawr Cymru! - Make it stand out Does it matter that the "grave" mound is ascribed to David Prichard, landlord of the Goat Hotel in Beddgelert in the late eighteenth century, who connected the legend to the village to encourage tourism? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3669e6fb-11b6-40e9-b690-d8e9f2b23d61/tempImageyiFSpJ.jpg Blog - Hwyl Fawr Cymru! - Make it stand out No. Not one bit. We love this little scamp and feel sorry for his cruel and untimely death. We rather hope Lyywelyn the Great rots in hell for what he did (or never did) to his poor, faithful hound. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f8653cc6-e158-496b-86e9-c51fb162b94c/tempImagedEs8yn.jpg Blog - Hwyl Fawr Cymru! - Make it stand out It is now accepted that the village of Beddgelert took its name from an early saint named Kilart or Celery, rather than from the dog. (Poppycock! A lot of codswallop I say!) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a6ae04ab-9c73-4859-a73d-bbab14a5c515/tempImage1l95bj.jpg Blog - Hwyl Fawr Cymru! - Make it stand out Outside a shop not at all devoted to the mass of tourists who flood to Beddgelert looking to visit “Gelert’s grave,” stands this amazing carved Welsh dragon. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9f8ea946-5ca0-477f-be47-2675126835e4/tempImageneIQYb.jpg Blog - Hwyl Fawr Cymru! - Make it stand out Dad, this amazing carved eagle is for you! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/afc4ce9a-c264-4083-9f14-58451ad8559e/tempImageAhEJlq.jpg Blog - Hwyl Fawr Cymru! - Make it stand out A tourist eating sorbet beneath Snowdon. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/790d6566-6528-453e-97bf-3c035b009bd7/tempImagekiyxjz.jpg Blog - Hwyl Fawr Cymru! - Make it stand out Evening settles in over Cae Canol Farmhouse on our final night in Wales. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ef3ee23e-d848-4ca5-b06a-6f5d8465fca0/tempImage0PGI3c.jpg Blog - Hwyl Fawr Cymru! - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f4c72efd-8a22-4f7a-a430-17234aafec31/tempImageoYfi8B.jpg Blog - Hwyl Fawr Cymru! - Make it stand out Goodnight Wales! https://www.overthehillandacrossthepond.com/blog/yr-wyddfa monthly 0.5 2023-11-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/41cab497-d80b-4ffa-b590-07ccdfbbee0c/tempImagepvYLR8.jpg Blog - Yr Wyddfa - Make it stand out See Ken. Ken drove through five gates, took our old tire away (back through five gates), drove to two places on a bank holiday to get it fixed, and then drove through five gates again to put the new tire back on our car. Ken is rad! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e41aab11-2f8a-47c8-a57e-ee7b44af9efe/tempImageHB6nj2.jpg Blog - Yr Wyddfa - Make it stand out After three days “stuck” in one of God’s most beautiful places on Earth, we were finally free to move about the country again. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/89b19ec3-90e1-47fb-999e-20a685d5e8e9/tempImagerzltgN.jpg Blog - Yr Wyddfa - Make it stand out My mind set on summiting Snowden Peak, Amanda did the only sensible thing and decided to stay home and enjoy watching her favorite TV shows—with the unsolicited snarky commentary turned off! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/57c3dd2d-e917-4f6f-a552-3c705e94ab4a/tempImageZpkIu0.jpg Blog - Yr Wyddfa - Make it stand out Late last year, the Snowdonia National Park Authority voted to use the Welsh name for both the mountain and the region, which means Snowdon Peak is now called Yr Wyddfa (Uhr With Va), and the Snowdonia region is now referred to as Eryri (Er-ruh-re). (Despite its unusual letter pairings, the Welsh language is very melodic when spoken.) Over 600,000 people climb the iconic peak each year, and it is unique in that there are six official routes to the summit: Llanberis Path, Miners Track, Pyg Track, Watkin Path, Snowdon Ranger, and Rhyd Ddu Path. I’m standing at the Rhyd Ddu trailhead above. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5ba59443-0db6-4fef-b8a0-e18916ec2cb3/tempImageFcia2R.jpg Blog - Yr Wyddfa - Make it stand out I chose to ascent the western slopes via the Rhyd Ddu path because Ken recommended it. And remember—Ken is rad! My trail is the red & white line starting at the red circle. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/28fb6829-dea0-429c-b4d0-2a56031c2068/tempImageeP3Djz.jpg Blog - Yr Wyddfa - Make it stand out The first mile of the path climbed gradually along an old track that served the Bwich Cwm Llan slate quarry. Yr Wyddfa is shrouded in clouds behind me. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/352613b9-5bd4-4b68-8a4d-16325fbc0970/tempImageS3IEdB.jpg Blog - Yr Wyddfa - Make it stand out This sign marked the end of the broad path. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7a647075-142d-433e-aa2c-01c6e7a212c5/tempImageclbUtd.jpg Blog - Yr Wyddfa - Make it stand out From there, the path continued as thousands of stone pavers snaking up a moderate incline until reaching a stream cascading down a hillside https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d34bec2c-396a-42a8-aa6e-e89b97d706e5/tempImageNfO2eV.jpg Blog - Yr Wyddfa - Make it stand out After scrambling up the waterfall, the path climbed quite steeply over scree along Llechog Ridge. A rock cairn marks the vague path. The image above was a gorgeous view of three lakes below, until the clouds suddenly began pushing down into the valley and obscuring the view. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c7daacca-e798-449f-a434-9c1ade4e92ea/tempImageBmwMN0.jpg Blog - Yr Wyddfa - Make it stand out Within a minute, I was completely in the clouds. Thankfully, the talus provides ample material to make cairns, which continually marked the path upward. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/df0e2c17-ca35-430c-9d0b-857425008438/tempImageaaDxju.jpg Blog - Yr Wyddfa - Make it stand out Llechog Ridge lead to several long talus-covered switchbacks. The final section traversed the ridge along an exposed narrow and rocky path with steep slopes down both sides, and then along Bwlch Main before the final climb to the summit. Naturally, even here, there was the ubiquitous sheep. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2a1e3716-51df-4571-8d4e-98180a49ce12/tempImageeIxs13.jpg Blog - Yr Wyddfa - Make it stand out Four miles, 2 hours and 52 minutes, and 2,946 feet of elevation gain later—I reached the summit of the highest mountain in Wales and the highest point in the British Isles outside the Scottish Highlands. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a082c9c1-6987-4b58-9b39-2cd24fbf769f/tempImageNfTyQF.jpg Blog - Yr Wyddfa - Make it stand out The summit and its monument. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c95fab0b-055a-479e-a329-1dfac349f0e9/tempImage0d0pTx.jpg Blog - Yr Wyddfa - Make it stand out A panoramic shot from the summit as the clouds parted shortly. The building is the Snowden Mountain Railway station—the cheater’s way to reach the summit. While the railway was running the day of my hike, it would only take you to a station 3/4 of the way up. Beginning on June 24 train service will run all the way to the summit. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8e21479a-1617-4121-8b55-64dc2c868ce7/tempImageP1PeK0.jpg Blog - Yr Wyddfa - Make it stand out The clouds parted just long enough to view the valley floor 3,000 feet below—a momentarily glorious view! On a really clear day, apparently you can see Ireland, but not today. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f8909c2e-d24a-4cff-8e0e-fd74ba5674b3/tempImageEcR66Q.jpg Blog - Yr Wyddfa - Make it stand out About halfway down, the clouds slowly dispersing. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ce958a01-4428-4cb9-9e1d-2b1f46e5e979/tempImageG02Ige.jpg Blog - Yr Wyddfa - Make it stand out Yep, that’s the peak free of clouds! Should have started the hike later in the day I guess. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/53c2ccbe-3d1f-4459-92b6-e1ad0a29904a/tempImagebv3Onn.jpg Blog - Yr Wyddfa - Make it stand out Oh well, the last mile was under beautifully sunny skies. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b76919ac-de5c-42e9-a392-e4f862720632/tempImageanbr7r.jpg Blog - Yr Wyddfa - Make it stand out Here a sheep, there a sheep, everywhere a sheep sheep. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/699e9cbd-2e15-4c4f-b457-ff4e02c290bc/tempImagehElf8A.jpg Blog - Yr Wyddfa - Make it stand out Cloud-covered summits aside, Wales is an astonishingly beautiful place! https://www.overthehillandacrossthepond.com/blog/the-return monthly 0.5 2023-11-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7e8c855d-15d9-409f-8f11-c0f5df857948/tempImagemYfQdm.jpg Blog - Welcome Back - Make it stand out Wexi is pretty fierce…she apparently scared all the sheep and rabbits into hiding! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/98e14b61-accd-45cf-94d3-996bdde4811e/tempImageIsvHyg.jpg Blog - Welcome Back - Make it stand out The car is packed and we’re ready to depart, but first one last picture of the view we just couldn't get enough of! Thank you Wicklow Mountains for the exceptional scenery. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a570d703-10e3-4bba-a446-ce932909d696/tempImageoRu0m5.jpg Blog - Welcome Back - Make it stand out Hardy Dubliners come here year-round to swim in the Irish Sea. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/af8366ce-0952-4aa7-9030-1973763cb43b/tempImageIBex2I.jpg Blog - Welcome Back - Make it stand out Here’s our quick video of people jumping into the sea: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NMPG1AuT9l8 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b76899df-9baa-4216-b501-13348b62493a/tempImage27jkM7.jpg Blog - Welcome Back - Make it stand out It used to be a male only swimming spot (probably a lot of male nudity back then ), but today both men and women enjoy a swim here. Irish authors James Joyce and Samuel Beckett both swam at the Forty Foot and subsequently wrote about it. You can read more about the site and its name here. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f23d0d6d-e359-4e6b-8828-48134d4ba8c8/tempImagecCfP4Q.jpg Blog - Welcome Back - Make it stand out The kiddie pool https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9f1d158d-97ea-4084-90ea-5fdbf5f8b03a/Bad+Sisters.jpg Blog - Welcome Back - Make it stand out The 2022 Apple TV Irish black comedy series Bad Sisters was set in Dublin and filmed on location in Ireland. The sisters frequented the Forty Foot throughout the series. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8fdb3f9d-099c-4446-b7da-83c0776188bb/tempImageHgjZn4.jpg Blog - Welcome Back - Make it stand out The concrete wind shelters of the Forty Foot are perched on an impressive rock outcrop that stretches out into the bay. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b7db53be-d96f-4e2a-bc5f-9c6919684c87/tempImageYxF6La.jpg Blog - Welcome Back - Make it stand out Concrete steps lead you right into the crashing waves of the Irish Sea. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a1bc5a6b-cba0-4915-853f-40b2965121c9/tempImagexmfojg.jpg Blog - Welcome Back - Make it stand out The Dublin Swift was considerably smaller than the one from our first crossing. On the last ferry, we drove up several levels while inside the boat, like being inside a multi-level parking structure. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f4304c33-b69b-44ae-abfd-432a34952012/tempImagebsi4ZP.jpg Blog - Welcome Back - Make it stand out This is the full extent of the car hold in this boat. The center was for taller vehicles and then the cars were double-stacked on the wings. On the wings they filled the lower levels first. The upper levels were split into three sections: front, center, and rear. The center section was a fixed height, while the far ends the front and rear sections could be lowered to act as ramps. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2c7eae43-8608-4b31-be84-6e77b48df58a/tempImage3qixdA.jpg Blog - Welcome Back - Make it stand out We were on the rear third of the port wing, so we parked on an inclined ramp. They had us remain in our cars and then raised the rear ramp so it was level with the center section. When we arrived, they emptied out all the cars below us and then lower the front ramp, allowing us to drive down and off the boat. Pretty ingenious use of the space. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ee100653-15db-477b-a9f1-af6c73a9c2be/tempImage4DSv79.jpg Blog - Welcome Back - Make it stand out We departed right on time at 1:50 pm, and passed the same sights from three weeks earlier. Farewell Dublin! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/48e1844c-a739-47c1-90fa-49dc09379204/tempImagei3BXXl.jpg Blog - Welcome Back - Make it stand out The iconic red Poolbeg Lighthouse is reachable at the end of a lengthy seawall. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3320c888-b2f0-4706-9361-c724d2f18c88/tempImage8xw3zX.jpg Blog - Welcome Back - Make it stand out Slightly less accessible, the green North Bull Island Lighthouse. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/015f7301-0ca4-4982-ad7d-188bdc207248/tempImagePPi5pJ.jpg Blog - Welcome Back - Make it stand out Ireland, we couldn't have asked for a more beautiful country or a more gracious and welcoming people! Thank you! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/18d995fd-48fc-4499-9775-d39e587cb082/IMG_4205.PNG Blog - Welcome Back - Make it stand out The Irish Ferries Dublin Swift was smaller and indeed quite swift—our return crossing was an entire hour shorter then our initial voyage. Google Maps showing us over halfway to Holyhead, on time for a 4:05 pm arrival. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/925108a3-b27c-4a7d-8be5-d2656716e31f/tempImageCZIxov.jpg Blog - Welcome Back - Make it stand out We turned off A407 onto this farm road. Our farmhouse is at the base of the hill in the background. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/45d8bbdf-03e7-4fbd-80c9-d5da026451b9/tempImageLAs2AR.jpg Blog - Welcome Back - Make it stand out Gate 1 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3cbb86a8-eed6-48a4-84a7-e4845ac478ca/tempImage13kLy3.jpg Blog - Welcome Back - Make it stand out After Gate 1, you drive over this old stone bridge across the Afon Teigl river. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d01e827f-9655-4abf-8f36-6328129af208/tempImage3luSiV.jpg Blog - Welcome Back - Make it stand out Then it’s on to Gate 2. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/fd8b64d2-2fb3-40f9-a585-81fb77a507ed/tempImageFmZOFI.jpg Blog - Welcome Back - Make it stand out Being careful for the chickens! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e008724c-0f26-4d9c-a135-fe6739de4b43/tempImageSe6DCM.jpg Blog - Welcome Back - Make it stand out Oh, this new section of road looks a little better. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/12005ec3-9ad5-4ab9-8684-2abf0cdd07df/tempImageogcsf0.jpg Blog - Welcome Back - Make it stand out Hmmm (No, not the poorly worded sentence, but the ominous warning. ⚠️) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c79db302-c0b1-439c-8fed-b8ca5d58ac29/tempImagec9LkE7.jpg Blog - Welcome Back - Make it stand out Gate 3, and getting narrower and rockier. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4cf7a9e2-e391-4b6e-ab21-ca5977eabebf/tempImagezYK5Wi.jpg Blog - Welcome Back - Make it stand out Gate 4. Amanda, you may need to spot me going through this one. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/88dff887-3442-483b-a838-3ec031ada4c1/tempImagefsK2oB.jpg Blog - Welcome Back - Make it stand out Almost there, and then I misjudged this rock. The rock has obviously been chiseled away to make more room for the wheel track, but the result is a very jagged and sharp surface. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a19d5142-9860-4e7d-905b-876c4b26a962/tempImageu4sMYb.jpg Blog - Welcome Back - Make it stand out OMG! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4435fb12-776a-45de-bfba-2f18cf802937/tempImagebQQZ1k.jpg Blog - Welcome Back - Make it stand out Enterprise Rentals (intentionally I’m sure) does not provide a spare tire, a jack, or a lug wrench. I wonder what's the liability of leaving your renter stranded in Timbuktu? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a854374f-df2e-494e-bc50-ee64a4b15a7d/tempImagec94Nm3.jpg Blog - Welcome Back - Make it stand out I had no choice but to limp the car through Gate 5 and up to our farmhouse. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/85e43b8e-0328-42fb-8460-e7beda8f35c5/tempImageXcPSxZ.jpg Blog - Welcome Back - Make it stand out Fortunately, the wheel is alright; she may be broken, but at least she has a nice view. Enjoy the tour of the 500-year-old farmhouse that was built when Henry VIII was King of England! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V2D3IK8SLxc https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8fac5148-8abe-4582-b484-5c3e2892bf43/tempImagetluuCb.jpg Blog - Welcome Back - Make it stand out The Ionic Ken took the wheel away for replacement. https://www.overthehillandacrossthepond.com/blog/wicklow-mountains monthly 0.5 2023-11-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/20b16bc9-95b5-4f9a-ad7a-697081b1432a/tempImagexSIBrf.jpg Blog - Wicklow Mountains - Make it stand out Waterford Famed glass manufacturer Waterford Crystal began here in 1783. We stopped in their store and perused the goods, but expensive glass items and long travels are incompatible. We considered taking the tour, but skipped it in the interests of time. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4616856e-9688-4013-a937-2b8f9feb9df0/tempImageCPF4mJ.jpg Blog - Wicklow Mountains - Make it stand out The remains of two cities walls, one Medieval and the other Viking. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/51d23ece-830a-4725-bf90-b59083e03860/tempImagez7g2ni.jpg Blog - Wicklow Mountains - Make it stand out Random bits of wall pop up as you walk around. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c7b201d2-70e8-4117-9c35-8e271a5a28fb/tempImageHopNtL.jpg Blog - Wicklow Mountains - Make it stand out Some have nearly been swallowed by modernity. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/11c29c49-cd67-4ac0-817d-a1cbd47690ff/tempImageA2GOoN.jpg Blog - Wicklow Mountains - Make it stand out Largely because it was a seaport, Waterford is the country’s oldest city, founded by Vikings in 914 AD. Waterford’s “Viking Triangle” is a compact part of the original settlement, dedicated to remembering the city’s Viking heritage. Originally the site of a wooden Viking fort, the Reginald’s Tower (above) we see today actually owes its existence to the Anglo-Normans who made it the strongest point of the medieval defensive walls. Later it was utilized as a mint under King John, before serving various functions under many English monarchs. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5b539861-5d08-4afd-854e-d8ae427ba587/tempImageL44s2z.jpg Blog - Wicklow Mountains - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/25cba009-1c69-4ba0-bebb-6068a474b1f4/tempImageJgmq9M.jpg Blog - Wicklow Mountains - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8c89339f-9a29-429b-b693-6316dbd857f9/tempImageitPH3y.jpg Blog - Wicklow Mountains - Make it stand out A full-size replica Viking longship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/69f550e0-fd58-4e01-ac29-6c7d31e37c9b/tempImageAjr6Cw.jpg Blog - Wicklow Mountains - Make it stand out The William Vincent Wallace Millennium Plaza commemorates one of the greatest nineteenth century composers of English opera. The plaza has a nautical theme that echoes the masts and sailing ships which once frequented this port, and was built as the city’s millennium project in 2000. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/18684c98-7ac3-4a09-a219-95169830d95b/tempImageiTFka8.jpg Blog - Wicklow Mountains - Make it stand out The Irish Museum of Time features the oldest Irish-made grandfather clocks, table clocks, and watches in the world and celebrates the incredible skills of the virtuoso craftsmen who, since the seventeenth century, created timepieces of remarkable beauty and technological genius. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c812f795-6024-42e0-b7c8-21a7718d8dda/tempImagekpCldg.jpg Blog - Wicklow Mountains - Make it stand out Luke Wadding is the Waterford man who created St Patrick's Day. Wadding was born in Waterford in 1588, becoming a Franciscan friar in 1607 and an ordained priest in 1613. Through Wadding's efforts, St Patrick’s Day became a “feast day;” however, it would take years for it to develop. In fact, it wasn’t until the 20th century that St Patrick's Day parades first occurred in his native Ireland. Interestingly, the first organized celebrations in America took place in the 18th century in cities like Boston and New York, long before being celebrated in Ireland. Today St Patrick’s Day celebrations occurs in places as faraway as Russia and Japan. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b5ae6a2f-2fcb-4cc8-877d-58684a3eaefc/tempImageo4S0wX.jpg Blog - Wicklow Mountains - Make it stand out The 1863 Gothic Revival clocktower and fountain on Meagher's Quay. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/25b58b64-10c7-42a4-9d0b-78e7ce90f52c/tempImageev8xau.jpg Blog - Wicklow Mountains - Make it stand out Glendalough is home to one of the most important monastic sites in Ireland. This early Christian monastic settlement was founded by St Kevin in the 6th century and from this developed the “Monastic City”—consisting of a number of monastic remains. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/420a247c-c7b9-4562-82c5-e9674aa3bf2b/tempImageLZu28K.jpg Blog - Wicklow Mountains - Make it stand out St Kevin's Church https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/819a4c46-83ec-4099-9483-3a5db5130a74/tempImageHwTRDA.jpg Blog - Wicklow Mountains - Make it stand out The church is commonly known as St Kevin's Kitchen, as the bell tower resembles a kitchen chimney; however, food was not cooked here. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/502f1d27-356c-4cd2-a07d-762cd0fb5a32/tempImageuPf1vl.jpg Blog - Wicklow Mountains - Make it stand out The most impressive remain is the Round Tower (although the elaborate Celtic cross gravestone isn't half bad either). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/14ed5b55-a6a8-40d2-ac77-733b6b8bfa09/tempImagexXYbqs.jpg Blog - Wicklow Mountains - Make it stand out Rapunzel! Rapunzel! Let down your hair That I may climb thy golden stair! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f2f259cf-7c2d-498d-b826-affab9aea420/tempImagezX5i8S.jpg Blog - Wicklow Mountains - Make it stand out The tower stands 100 feet tall. Round towers were the Campaniles or Bell Towers of Early Irish Monasteries, summoning the monks to prayer. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b87a875f-445d-4350-b3d0-79be3b74ca4e/tempImage9x4qTy.jpg Blog - Wicklow Mountains - Make it stand out This tower had six floors with wooden landings—now vanished. The top story has four windows, and the other upper stories have one each. The door is almost 12 feet above ground and was presumably reached by means of a movable ladder which those inside could pull up after them to prevent an enemy from entering the tower. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7ba8aac0-bc56-4af4-b726-e53afa9681a5/tempImagemzpYnh.jpg Blog - Wicklow Mountains - Make it stand out Walking the Tombstone Gauntlet. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6da9d1e0-d6af-4ac9-9a0a-3f6aa01dcc69/tempImageSVeVBd.jpg Blog - Wicklow Mountains - Make it stand out The breathtaking natural scenery—the lough glittering in the sunlight and the mountains rising above—is inspiring. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9d782368-c704-4180-8489-4bf96e5ead0d/tempImagesEXETR.jpg Blog - Wicklow Mountains - Make it stand out The lovely lawn looking toward Glendalough. No surprise the director of the movie Leap Year used this as his backdrop for the wedding scene. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/aa25deb7-fea1-40f4-a91c-918edbbbf136/Speeh+2.jpeg Blog - Wicklow Mountains - Make it stand out As the bride gives her romantic speech to her husband at the top table, behind them lies the stunning views of the lough and the surrounding mountains. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8abfff2a-c010-4eef-be57-8f239f9c36e8/tempImagehsVmjX.jpg Blog - Wicklow Mountains - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/846a23ea-bdb0-4fdd-97a2-39648423706d/maxresdefault.jpg Blog - Wicklow Mountains - Make it stand out Later in the film Leap Year, this is where Declan and Anna nearly kiss (right before she loses her cookies on his shoes ). Also in the film, Declan’s Pub, named Caragh’s Inn, was obviously not in Dingle, but in the village of Kilmurvey on the Aran Island of Inis Mór (see our post Cliffs of Insanity). I had forgotten about the pub scenes being filmed there; however, the building is apparently all boarded up now anyway. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/080dd5d7-0153-4dc1-b216-01fc4de62a94/Proposal+1.jpg Blog - Wicklow Mountains - Make it stand out However, Declan does propose to Anna overlooking the Dún Aonghasa cliff fort, so at least we were able to visit that site. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e258b498-7242-4e36-b2f4-ff01e7b6100a/Proposal+2.jpg Blog - Wicklow Mountains - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/13c0efea-5f7f-4f5b-8cac-8b33fbf3e41e/tempImage8YaWJo.jpg Blog - Wicklow Mountains - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/cc07edbe-b555-48ca-bd9f-5856b42b0634/tempImagezmghsG.jpg Blog - Wicklow Mountains - Make it stand out Anyway, back to Glendalough…Is this place even real?! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/223469ed-50b6-45a9-bb0a-b3b91d7b7272/tempImageemompM.jpg Blog - Wicklow Mountains - Make it stand out The Reefert Church may have been built in around the 11th century. It stands on a site which has always been regarded as the burial place of the local chieftain's clan, the O' Tooles. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2e64ab37-4411-49f1-85c1-aacb0a3549ef/tempImageDFoAf7.jpg Blog - Wicklow Mountains - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/fc5b6ba6-cd52-48f0-bf08-f1518d7cc263/tempImageGD3pLQ.jpg Blog - Wicklow Mountains - Make it stand out The valley of Glendalough was formed during the last ice age by a glacier that left a moraine across the valley mouth. The Poulanass River, which plunges into the valley from the south, via the Poulanass Waterfall, created a delta, which eventually divided the original lake in two (now Upper Lake and Lower Lake). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ce3e73ad-50b8-4ea6-971c-4d626c08e1f4/tempImagePVkoJS.jpg Blog - Wicklow Mountains - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/805cfe1d-62b0-48dc-ae7d-5f8d2ebc71ac/tempImageJpGS0r.jpg Blog - Wicklow Mountains - Make it stand out From the Spinc Trail, Lower Lake is visible in the distance and Upper Lake is just visible to the left. Spinc is from the Irish "An Spinc," meaning “pointed hill.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/18a6854e-6adf-4b8e-99bf-257598f68b15/tempImageI22lV9.jpg Blog - Wicklow Mountains - Make it stand out Along the southern ridgeline looking toward the mouth of the canyon. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f647c8d7-ce52-4d56-bd4a-de40231dd5bc/tempImage8MBERc.jpg Blog - Wicklow Mountains - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2065d60b-b3b4-4902-9668-57177f77bafa/tempImagerXf8pk.jpg Blog - Wicklow Mountains - Make it stand out Upper Lake. The delta formed by the Poulanass River is the green space, with Lower Lake, and the moraine beyond. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5396f179-cbb2-4494-9c12-e972f1cc7ab1/tempImageN1qZ1e.jpg Blog - Wicklow Mountains - Make it stand out Gorgeous! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b708943c-b641-4327-aa11-66fe60e8bf4a/tempImageMXkIfi.jpg Blog - Wicklow Mountains - Make it stand out The Happy Pear For her Spring semester in 2015, Erica did a study abroad program in Greystones, Ireland. While she was there, one of her favorite places to get coffee was The Happy Pear. We dropped in today to check it out. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a0ac7a7c-fc93-4e73-9132-883421fe997d/tempImageOyCux4.jpg Blog - Wicklow Mountains - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/020ee794-3a92-4502-ba9d-51dcfc48e9ef/tempImageuZbT0q.jpg Blog - Wicklow Mountains - Make it stand out Yummy mocha Tasty, fresh bread and some desserts in the bag. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9731c6ff-5481-42e7-8578-27ad1968b4e8/tempImageFup9zm.jpg Blog - Wicklow Mountains - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e0c07c44-9581-40fc-a0d8-c48109cbbe6c/tempImageBvSjB0.jpg Blog - Wicklow Mountains - Make it stand out Killruddery House and Gardens Killruddery House has been home to the Brabazon family (the Earls of Meath) since 1618. The gardens are the oldest in Ireland still surviving in their original 17th century form. The house remains the family’s home. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c2d84dd0-ca89-4c4b-905b-651a0f458f0f/tempImagecQRQUt.jpg Blog - Wicklow Mountains - Make it stand out The family crest features wyverns—a type of dragon with two legs, two wings, and often a pointed tail which is said to be a venomous stinger. They are popular creatures in European literature, mythology, and folklore. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ee92e719-8198-4587-94c2-dab088bd56bf/tempImageFbNfRT.jpg Blog - Wicklow Mountains - Make it stand out The front entrance, which is very recognizable from the recent Netflix series Fate: The Winx Series. It was also used as the home of Shannon from Far and Away with Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman. It was similarly featured in movies The Turning and Angela’s Ashes, and in the TV series The Tudors and Camelot. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a535031e-28a1-4f29-8a12-12d3c9b242f6/tempImageF7OIhf.jpg Blog - Wicklow Mountains - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5093fdc4-8697-48a3-86f1-b14f06442e6a/tempImagen7SiXb.jpg Blog - Wicklow Mountains - Make it stand out The Orangery. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d3d73788-8bdb-4640-a87a-a6da5a341d95/tempImagegdZCS0.jpg Blog - Wicklow Mountains - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/fe419edf-b6fe-45dc-8cc1-c1cd04ac6557/tempImagenNpoXy.jpg Blog - Wicklow Mountains - Make it stand out The Long Ponds are twin 614-foot-long canals, known as “miroirs d’eaux” or reflecting ponds. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ad4ddc5a-2f3e-4427-badf-3cab107e74ce/tempImageLQ9f2Q.jpg Blog - Wicklow Mountains - Make it stand out The Orangery, built in the fashion of the Crystal Palace in England. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/036be849-6f6c-4eb8-8f43-de0e8ade98f5/tempImagercQaQs.jpg Blog - Wicklow Mountains - Make it stand out Inspired by the Renaissance gardens of Italy, the 10th and 11th Earls collected sculptures during their European tours. These 19th century artworks lend a Classical style to the Orangery, representing mythological heroes, famous historical figures, and some family members. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b7d6ea8f-f7a4-418e-b20e-1b5a839afcbe/tempImageyjBKBy.jpg Blog - Wicklow Mountains - Make it stand out Ganymede And The Eagle—The ancient Greek tale tells how Ganymede, son of King Tros (who gave Troy its name), was the most beautiful of all youths. Ganymede is chosen by the gods as Zeus' cupbearer. Fired with great lust, the father of the gods clothes himself in eagle feathers and hunts out the youth on the Plain of Troy in order to lure him away to Olympus. Ganymede artlessly offers his drinking bowl to this eagle that drops from the sky, and the disguised supreme Olympic god dips his beak into the bowl. As a sign of his origin, the youth wears the Phrygian cap and holds a jug in his right hand. Ganymede was to take the place of Hebe as the taster of the gods, because she spilled the drink—the nectar—that made the gods immortal. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/27be16b7-06f4-4372-a245-43ed654c129f/tempImage5MIQVz.jpg Blog - Wicklow Mountains - Make it stand out In Greek mythology, Cyparissus or Kyparissos was a boy beloved by Apollo or in some versions by other deities. In the best-known version of the story, the favorite companion of Cyparissus was a tamed stag, which he accidentally killed with his hunting javelin as it lay sleeping in the woods. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/36a9b186-2e5d-4bf2-b389-8c9ea8ff078a/tempImagetFhPH0.jpg Blog - Wicklow Mountains - Make it stand out Beech Hedge Pond https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/faf4dc30-a926-4b68-96c6-a84d577c271c/tempImagebTq7rC.jpg Blog - Wicklow Mountains - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9bbc215f-1beb-46c3-bc4f-5db6dc93549a/tempImageaHmXEz.jpg Blog - Wicklow Mountains - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0b9adbad-b900-4483-a1f5-abcd74549805/tempImage82cvi9.jpg Blog - Wicklow Mountains - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/fe69dc76-f5f9-4a4b-8492-5a70dad18b88/tempImageUEKZfx.jpg Blog - Wicklow Mountains - Make it stand out A band of color amidst the green.. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/fb1da134-45eb-427f-84f3-cf8cb1435a85/tempImage01Aas7.jpg Blog - Wicklow Mountains - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/aebde221-681d-4506-aaf8-fc6e0dd491fb/tempImageLfgj7X.jpg Blog - Wicklow Mountains - Make it stand out Rather than just a simple elevation change, the Ha Ha at Killruddery is called the Cascades. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ef6fa52b-4d81-457c-b8f0-81d314dfcab7/tempImagecOzagj.jpg Blog - Wicklow Mountains - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3aaeef70-e778-41f8-b060-42afdd4bf01b/tempImageYBAolI.jpg Blog - Wicklow Mountains - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a8217165-9eef-47be-b1a4-466cdb180d5d/tempImageOW5M78.jpg Blog - Wicklow Mountains - Make it stand out The view from The Rock. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/648c1ead-734a-43c5-ba63-e40478a0ca39/tempImageWcj52t.jpg Blog - Wicklow Mountains - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/43e7a3f0-9bd1-419d-b379-d0e9e274c295/tempImageKopPPC.jpg Blog - Wicklow Mountains - Make it stand out A sow and her piglets drunk on milk. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/37d2a1d9-1207-4d14-8809-f977d7f9c529/bray-head.jpg Blog - Wicklow Mountains - Make it stand out Bray to Greystones Walk After our visit to Killruddery, we drove to the beach city of Bray and attempted to enjoy a cliffside walk recommended by Erica—the Bray to Greystones Walk. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d585f310-2bec-45ef-a8ff-7e38e796c2db/tempImageLK5UxE.jpg Blog - Wicklow Mountains - Make it stand out However, we only made it about a half mile in… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9f1c3fb9-85df-48b0-9356-15934826d2d4/tempImagej92517.jpg Blog - Wicklow Mountains - Make it stand out The trail was temporarily closed due to a number of landslides. So nice that they put up a sign at the trailhead letting you know—not! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d210c030-504f-413c-a32b-378a795a3df3/tempImagecxvZyf.jpg Blog - Wicklow Mountains - Make it stand out We did drive around south to the Greystones side so we could at least say we saw both ends of the trail. We tried Erica! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/078340dd-b99e-443f-b6ab-b47b0763ca13/tempImagecQZs9C.jpg Blog - Wicklow Mountains - Make it stand out Back to the Happy Pear Being vegan violates the unofficial Code of Irishness, so when we found the Happy Pear not only served great coffee, but also great food that was vegan, delicious, and reasonably priced—we were in…again! We were going to stop at Tesco to grab food for our last two dinners in Ireland, but new plan: eat an early dinner both nights at the Happy Pear instead. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/afc82443-1553-4c61-a34a-8171ccea6c8e/tempImageQRehOQ.jpg Blog - Wicklow Mountains - Make it stand out Great decision BTW, the food was really excellent…and at only €30 for everything…not bad! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/43d793f8-424a-4341-b4cd-07155a895aaf/tempImagebuBzXw.jpg Blog - Wicklow Mountains - Make it stand out Check out our dinner companion. I think it’s just a common Irish Garden Bird, but as Dumb and Dumber would say, “Pretty bird.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c5972212-8493-462f-ac7d-f2d9d0138a09/tempImageMTURvC.jpg Blog - Wicklow Mountains - Make it stand out Bike racks in Greystones ❤️ https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1d9aee20-8b9f-4662-b435-51d029f686b0/tempImageFqmKhL.jpg Blog - Wicklow Mountains - Make it stand out Powerscourt House and Gardens Back in 2010, National Geographic rated the 10 best gardens in the world. It will probably come as no surprise that Château de Versailles in France was rated most beautiful, followed by Royal Botanic Gardens at Kew in England. However, you may be surprised to learn that Powerscourt Gardens in Ireland was awarded the number 3 slot. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/43728321-a489-41af-93f1-aa03e98e744b/tempImagedsTCa4.jpg Blog - Wicklow Mountains - Make it stand out Designed in the 18th century, the grounds, waterfalls, parks, garden pavilions, and fine tree-lined arbors were inspired by the Italian Renaissance and the great estates and gardens of France and Germany. Cascading terraces and formal landscapes are planned with carefully designed walks that are framed by the gentle beauty of the Wicklow Mountains. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/83b10709-64da-40d5-8b79-d73d622784a8/tempImage7DkMcD.jpg Blog - Wicklow Mountains - Make it stand out The grand central pathway leading from the house is called the Italian Garden, unfolding down a meticulously manicured landscape. The Garden ends at Triton Lake with Sugarloaf Mountain standing majestically in the distance. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f4d2d048-7e56-4c15-bb46-bb1da282a8b4/tempImageZoL2XD.jpg Blog - Wicklow Mountains - Make it stand out Cherub smelling the flowers. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/80a36271-af5f-438a-8df8-9b2ba8c11fd3/tempImagewhgyjI.jpg Blog - Wicklow Mountains - Make it stand out Is that a dragon in your pocket or are you just happy to see me? There are just so many things wrong with this statue! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/47d2712a-ee5c-4032-812c-48cb145f9bc5/tempImageq5zTPR.jpg Blog - Wicklow Mountains - Make it stand out Approaching Triton Lake. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e9ab6815-21d0-4072-b3de-80e1fbde859e/tempImageQKiuz4.jpg Blog - Wicklow Mountains - Make it stand out Are two Pegasus Pegasi? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5b1edbde-d4ee-40f0-8ac1-9bcce22977a0/tempImageBhYBc0.jpg Blog - Wicklow Mountains - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/820ab55f-6ea9-4d73-9dfe-620221e6a8b9/tempImageMoDy1n.jpg Blog - Wicklow Mountains - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a2b89a26-6e9e-43d9-8fb9-3c41be1fce9b/tempImager9zaSA.jpg Blog - Wicklow Mountains - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/73b1e952-af6f-4256-bb20-663a2370cb9f/tempImagej0nFmP.jpg Blog - Wicklow Mountains - Make it stand out A statue representing one of the four virtues (sorry, not sure which). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/23085a65-ab74-4936-8e39-38dc92f66855/tempImageo4MDa0.jpg Blog - Wicklow Mountains - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3c71d916-ed20-4270-ae12-364825e3187d/tempImagei0xr23.jpg Blog - Wicklow Mountains - Make it stand out The day started with overcast and rain, so once sunlight began dappling the flowers on the forest floor, it was wonderful to see. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8476b349-94d1-436e-89a1-740ea24c5c1f/tempImagegdJt6W.jpg Blog - Wicklow Mountains - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/159b3388-a2f5-403f-a20b-ebb7552bacb8/tempImage91FCMY.jpg Blog - Wicklow Mountains - Make it stand out The woodland sections of the gardens contain trees from around the globe. Given that many trees were planted in the 1700s, some have become quite large. (I’m hiding in the shadows if you look closely.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f92f8e18-061e-4964-a3c0-75e4b8f463e7/tempImagegN3d4z.jpg Blog - Wicklow Mountains - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2aa5ce82-e28c-4015-8b81-18a21b2597dc/tempImage9eJeKo.jpg Blog - Wicklow Mountains - Make it stand out Sugarloaf Mountain https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4cc667e4-65a5-436e-b3cb-f6a0bf240276/tempImagelcVgz5.jpg Blog - Wicklow Mountains - Make it stand out Triton Lake from the back side of the lake. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f529d72e-972e-4c4a-8e43-1fdc10449ab9/tempImageGPVrGi.jpg Blog - Wicklow Mountains - Make it stand out The grotto. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8ad87c94-f857-4fe2-80d0-2691cef24a60/tempImageZtXyqt.jpg Blog - Wicklow Mountains - Make it stand out Inside the Japanese Garden. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9bf20da6-74ce-49b4-93b2-7851cfbe6977/tempImagezRU3BI.jpg Blog - Wicklow Mountains - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7098ffd4-3ee4-4e39-9250-73cc17440b5a/tempImageYeIWtT.jpg Blog - Wicklow Mountains - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/fad9c732-6908-4886-aecb-b2a5a00a56d1/tempImage7czba9.jpg Blog - Wicklow Mountains - Make it stand out The sunlight warming the colors was magically. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0ecebb01-fe5d-4d33-865f-216b1810ba82/tempImageFRe6eS.jpg Blog - Wicklow Mountains - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d0a16a44-718b-47cf-8baf-9e5fb81711db/tempImageAYvXZa.jpg Blog - Wicklow Mountains - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/95fc1752-9e05-4e4f-9ad7-aaa24b0ff422/tempImageGzMvW9.jpg Blog - Wicklow Mountains - Make it stand out Entering Tower Valley, named both for the towering trees and the hidden tower. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/50cfac8b-586c-460e-8e29-64df95ad7ef0/tempImageBTcwWq.jpg Blog - Wicklow Mountains - Make it stand out Pepperpot Tower provides expansive vistas over the gardens and the Wicklow Mountains beyond. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/56465760-bb27-4887-bfea-75054cefa117/tempImageIkD5ka.jpg Blog - Wicklow Mountains - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1c021b44-36b3-461f-99db-8bbc1a42d4a9/tempImage6RUSjA.jpg Blog - Wicklow Mountains - Make it stand out View from the top. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5fae953c-b4ce-4f82-90e3-1e69f2ea9e93/tempImagey1IurW.jpg Blog - Wicklow Mountains - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/eda984d0-7031-4125-9746-f3ea213d43d9/tempImageSX7gkn.jpg Blog - Wicklow Mountains - Make it stand out The old well. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3e88bd95-f846-46ee-84a9-5a8821a553b8/tempImageDSAujf.jpg Blog - Wicklow Mountains - Make it stand out Although still on the Powercourt property, it’s about a 15 minute drive (and a separate entrance fee ) to reach Powerscourt Waterfall. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2ef6e984-fc09-4ba5-b6c6-e2281b8a8323/tempImageYYwwZM.jpg Blog - Wicklow Mountains - Make it stand out Powerscourt is Ireland’s highest waterfall, cascading down 70 feet. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/48a8d22c-1b38-4f04-8cfb-7b73c96db0d8/tempImageMo3RzR.jpg Blog - Wicklow Mountains - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e74c04ba-4ae6-439e-964c-9dbd14536bae/tempImagexvmE1i.jpg Blog - Wicklow Mountains - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/eeb7bfa0-62d9-4533-9745-51e4019da995/tempImage6nsKJH.jpg Blog - Wicklow Mountains - Make it stand out Enniskerry This small village just outside the gates of Powercourt was used to film the scene in Leap Year where, toward the end of the film, Declan and Anna fall asleep on a park bench while waiting for a bus. Since we were so close, we thought it would be fun to see the spot. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/dc150a4e-1f0f-40c5-bb79-7b5224069c1d/tempImageVOzc9Q.jpg Blog - Wicklow Mountains - Make it stand out The bench in the village square. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1155d49f-7274-4c71-91e0-a15520a2a724/Bench.png Blog - Wicklow Mountains - Make it stand out A lot has changed, but if you look at the houses in the background and the unique cable border, it’s clearly the same spot. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/329a174f-a472-4ce1-9834-5e6dba41c538/tempImagezZ5qjG.jpg Blog - Wicklow Mountains - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/85e6bd15-04fd-4f66-9c41-977cd607ef3d/tempImageQpEUPi.jpg Blog - Wicklow Mountains - Make it stand out It truly is a beautiful spot. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/14a95334-1256-4b6f-8c94-2fb90e6b9acc/tempImageJLWB3N.jpg Blog - Wicklow Mountains - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f5dfbd0a-f2c6-41d0-836c-e9316459df98/tempImageOkDMt7.jpg Blog - Wicklow Mountains - Make it stand out Slán leat Ireland We will certainly miss watching the ewes, lambs, and rabbits from our balcony. The lambs are especially fun to watch when they are feeding—their tails wag wildly, just like dogs. They are adorable! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6f0b9ff7-142c-4bcd-9491-cce621ccc496/tempImageZGUHuQ.jpg Blog - Wicklow Mountains - Make it stand out It’s hard to believe we have been in Ireland for three weeks already. And so the sun sets on our final day on the Emerald Isle, and tomorrow we head back to Dublin for the return ferry to Holyhead, Wales. https://www.overthehillandacrossthepond.com/blog/cork monthly 0.5 2023-11-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8b0ede10-e94d-42bc-96e9-fc11ef4bcd85/tempImagelK1uiH.jpg Blog - Cork - Make it stand out So far, two cities have unexpectedly captured our hearts: Worcester, England and Cork, Ireland. Beautiful, clean, and friendly—we wish we had more time to explore the shops and sites of each. Above, the River Lee runs through Cork, lending a wonderful ambience to the cityscape. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/38f2dfbe-a0d2-44b8-8231-9012ecdad505/tempImageJTuRlI.jpg Blog - Cork - Make it stand out St Anne's Church, built in 1722, is one of Cork’s oldest churches. Though sophisticated in its design and extremely large by the standards of the day, the church’s clock apparently failed to keep the same time on each of its four faces, leading locals to dub it "The Four-Faced Liar," a joke also made in reference to a clock outside Birmingham, England, among others. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/50ed62f4-ad40-40da-8d7a-14637d64a2d8/tempImagejN3hzW.jpg Blog - Cork - Make it stand out The golden weather vein is graced not with a rooster, but a giant salmon, indicating the importance of the fishing industry of the River Lee to the citizenry of two centuries ago. Nine feet high, the Fish of Shandon has long remained one of the most familiar features on the Cork landscape. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2ea3fd72-bb20-4ed9-9053-e2e9ef14b460/tempImagepc2vWk.jpg Blog - Cork - Make it stand out But what makes this church truly unique is, they actually allow the public to play the church bells! The Shandon Bells have had poems and songs written about them. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b7c54e6f-cc66-4e9d-8a6c-52c8a19934c3/tempImagegi8cLh.jpg Blog - Cork - Make it stand out The stairs to the third and fourth floors get quite narrow. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7c970808-f2bc-415b-955a-56385fb7508f/tempImageJAL9eb.jpg Blog - Cork - Make it stand out Then you climb up into the belfry, where the 6 tons of bells ring out. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7b8b0b1d-d512-4ecf-a375-d7996800752d/tempImagegOwl6z.jpg Blog - Cork - Make it stand out Fortunately, they provide “ear defenders.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/66c28dd6-e463-4957-986a-56ebf6920397/tempImageWNmxp8.jpg Blog - Cork - Make it stand out One more flight of even tinier stairs to reach the balcony. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ea26d007-3d01-489b-ab23-9d51df17a1af/tempImage9dJ7Y8.jpg Blog - Cork - Make it stand out After 132 stairs you’re rewarded with a panoramic view of beautiful Cork. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f3a2c092-e47a-4520-94db-7c9357d8e97a/tempImagegzTTP2.jpg Blog - Cork - Make it stand out The alter https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5ef5ff80-9715-44da-a5a1-fb04ab031eac/tempImagelgSg5U.jpg Blog - Cork - Make it stand out Thought the Cork Old Folks Friendly Association was hilarious! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/65a1df4b-65c8-4228-a866-04f1d1544543/tempImageBEIAKq.jpg Blog - Cork - Make it stand out The St Vincent Footbridge over the River Lee. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/fed767ec-68c9-4d05-ad45-15656f7a5754/tempImageryVMUj.jpg Blog - Cork - Make it stand out Cool houses on Sunday’s Well Rd (a cool street name) at Rope Walk (the likewise cool name for the narrow alleyway behind the houses). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d6532b4b-dbce-44da-b9c2-4b7a6c9be747/tempImageP3iMC3.jpg Blog - Cork - Make it stand out These amazing doors, found all along the wall, are actually back gates for the large homes that front the parallel street. The huge back gardens lead to these gates. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8b6ea079-7720-4584-993c-e54232fa2b00/tempImage6S0dDB.jpg Blog - Cork - Make it stand out Department of Music, University College Cork. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c3e4c0b7-fba2-41e6-9e7c-7f11efa0eddc/tempImagelwPpeW.jpg Blog - Cork - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/223de7df-be50-42d9-b300-d99a81bd25fb/tempImage6bTofG.jpg Blog - Cork - Make it stand out The Cork City Gaol (pronounced “jail”), a magnificent castle-like building which once housed 19th century prisoners. I wish I had time to visit, but here’s a quick video tour. It looks pretty cool inside…maybe I should have gone inside after all. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gnwEMiE4pnY https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/58151fef-01a7-4d84-8e89-0d41928f5201/tempImagenZKgaS.jpg Blog - Cork - Make it stand out Daly’s Bridge is the suspension bridge better known by locals as “Shaky Bridge.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/195348f0-2c04-4029-a594-83d801b19a3b/tempImagedtn3KL.jpg Blog - Cork - Make it stand out Its colloquial name derives from the lively movement of the deck under pedestrian loading. The bridge opened in 1927 to replace an earlier ferry crossing at the same location across River Lee. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4ec84250-a7e7-4118-a452-888e23c73a45/tempImage4cZawr.jpg Blog - Cork - Make it stand out It remains the only suspension bridge in Cork City and is the only surviving bridge of its type in Ireland. It's included on the Record of Protected Structures, the National Inventory of Architectural Heritage, and is considered a significant contributor to the architectural heritage of the city. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/29ebe58c-39ec-48bb-a5cb-dad4647ce947/tempImage5vr8e7.jpg Blog - Cork - Make it stand out What a view! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/635b960c-6274-4a36-8b7b-79721aff32eb/tempImagerF3QQB.jpg Blog - Cork - Make it stand out Art in Fitzgerald’s Park. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4c12e1fd-5f3d-4c28-bba2-0ef11387f445/tempImageZ0FLqO.jpg Blog - Cork - Make it stand out Father Matthew Memorial Fountain in the center of Fitzgerald’s Park. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/779b55a4-1996-43c2-a51f-8f3cc0617255/tempImagevUcUBm.jpg Blog - Cork - Make it stand out A heron surveys the scene from the fountain. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4d84dbbf-16c3-46d2-8262-5a3c5bed70c1/tempImageld1aLA.jpg Blog - Cork - Make it stand out On the Gaol Bridge over the River Lee, looking at the entrance to University College Cork. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0c7fa123-3824-4210-81a2-9bb60e916c96/tempImagewAOHWN.jpg Blog - Cork - Make it stand out University College Cork Main Quad https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c04e1716-1466-442a-9a5a-8baa871db931/tempImage40E46C.jpg Blog - Cork - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2dd07857-eb5e-47ea-8f26-9bcf071e9270/tempImagevOoMe7.jpg Blog - Cork - Make it stand out Two gigantic sequoias in the center of campus. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b3da253e-6f77-4fa3-933b-d671edd6623e/tempImageHK1303.jpg Blog - Cork - Make it stand out On campus, The Honan Chapel (also known as The Chapel of St Fin Barr). The mosaic floor is highly unusual for a church. The plaque reads: “Consciously evoking the golden age of Irish Christianity in its distinctive Hiberno-Romanesque style, the Chapel epitomizes the spirit of Celtic Revival at the heart of the Irish Arts and Crafts Movement.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ae1852f3-29d7-47a6-bdc6-f2de73ea1569/tempImageVwciTT.jpg Blog - Cork - Make it stand out “Every aspect of its design, including historical, architectural, and liturgical was meticulously researched and expressed by master craftspeople in the details of the building, its stained-glass windows, furnishings, altar plate, and vestments.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a7cef203-5cd6-4293-b778-7e8091b16030/tempImagexthAYG.jpg Blog - Cork - Make it stand out The Chapel is now a protected structure, listed on the National Inventory of Architectural Heritage. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/52567e3e-e421-4f2e-90e3-f79b9f3824d6/tempImageMIuJPI.jpg Blog - Cork - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/81f86347-dde3-4e2b-b8c8-77886853dbde/tempImagemaWMg5.jpg Blog - Cork - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a4c02eb0-e871-4be0-84ad-c25d2f54ffb5/tempImageRwvEvt.jpg Blog - Cork - Make it stand out St Finn Barre’s Cathedral is situated on a site where worship has been offered since 606 AD. Saint Fin Barre’s Cathedral is the finest example of French Neo-Gothic Cathedral architecture in Ireland and one of the most coherent in Western Europe. Designed by William Burges the Cathedral boasts over 1,500 stone and wood carvings, spectacular stained glass windows, marble features, and floor mosaics crafted by Italian craftsmen. The historic “Pit Organ” is the only one of its kind in Ireland. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/83c537b7-8b9c-44ff-89f2-7c210fe7c0e7/tempImageHVEHBW.jpg Blog - Cork - Make it stand out These may be some of the coolest rain spout “gargoyles” I’ve seen yet; each appear to be wild beasts with angels. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/eaecb242-130c-4784-a36d-e7103e05f0ca/tempImageYMaAcl.jpg Blog - Cork - Make it stand out A horse with an angel underneath, clinging to the horse’s right front leg. (I say angel because there appears to be a wing at the right side.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/fe093271-dd7e-42fb-ace4-d3c3c61ff44f/tempImageDNikz2.jpg Blog - Cork - Make it stand out A goat, a fish, and a fallen torch? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/fc1bb1fc-6ca7-4911-8147-85b1a605cce5/tempImage24QnQ3.jpg Blog - Cork - Make it stand out There are six doors on the western entrance, a pair under three elaborately carved archways. Each archway is covered with carved images from end to end. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b69c941f-d15b-4983-9872-65a005fad202/tempImageAC5Edd.jpg Blog - Cork - Make it stand out The central archway has what appears to me to be the Parable of the Ten Bridesmaids from Matthew 25. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/aaea576e-730c-4d99-bff2-a899984bdfd3/tempImageXTm1IG.jpg Blog - Cork - Make it stand out Five of them were foolish and took no extra oil for their lamps and and five were wise and took oil in jars along with their lamps. The five statues on the left are holding their lamps upright, while the five on the right are no longer holding their lamps upright, apparently out of oil. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/418d7ed0-cadf-46b1-92f1-50c40d434044/tempImageQTNEFU.jpg Blog - Cork - Make it stand out The cities above their heads may reference Matthew 5:13-20: “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hid. Neither do men light a lamp, and put it under the bushel, but on the stand; and it shines unto all that are in the house. Even so let your light shine before men; that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d36a1796-3729-4e67-805b-95d629425ec5/tempImageOWnfqm.jpg Blog - Cork - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/090569c6-76ce-4a17-9485-1182bb539d47/tempImageAhVeQQ.jpg Blog - Cork - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2478a5b1-c49c-488e-9340-ae9c3872bd9d/tempImagemMWevh.jpg Blog - Cork - Make it stand out Sadly, there was an event at the cathedral when I was there, so I wasn’t able to tour. Given how amazing the exterior is, it’s a real shame I wasn’t able to go inside. Fortunately, we can take this quick video tour of the cathedral’s remarkable interior: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1Scv_s0NTxY https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/039a948b-5722-4d99-a840-dd892f012f16/tempImageSFs4ra.jpg Blog - Cork - Make it stand out Looking over Cork from Elizabeth Fort. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/afbda960-fbf5-4c51-b2c6-c38dde2d932a/tempImageb4AIwN.jpg Blog - Cork - Make it stand out A wonderful Maya Angelou quote outside Nano Nagle Place. If Nano Nagle were alive today she would be the kind of person to win a Nobel Prize. Before her death in 1784, Nano had opened 7 schools for poor children across Cork city, founded an almshouse for poor women, and, most notably, founded the Presentation Order, who continue her education and social inclusion work today. Born to a wealthy Catholic family in 1718, Honora Nagle was given the pet name Nano by her father. If you’re interested, you can read more about Nano here. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c15383b2-4bc8-49b1-b5e7-e3fc974162e0/tempImage0wSuzf.jpg Blog - Cork - Make it stand out Nano’s gravesite at Nano Nagle Place. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c3939416-e6a6-4143-8caa-7abf70d592f5/tempImageMK5fbc.jpg Blog - Cork - Make it stand out The Red Abbey was a 14th-century Augustinian abbey which took its name from the reddish sandstone used in construction. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/03c07fed-c63e-421b-a380-28ffec8d5399/red_abbey.jpg Blog - Cork - Make it stand out Today all that remains of the structure is the central bell tower of the abbey church, which is one of the last remaining visible structures dating to the medieval walled town of Cork. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/31351d21-1521-41a3-af08-44b4af23b21a/tempImageBP6MPh.jpg Blog - Cork - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c37d42c3-7605-497d-85c8-94134c3c6f4a/tempImageBv6PN5.jpg Blog - Cork - Make it stand out In 1970, the last drops of pot still whiskey were distilled at the Jameson Distillery in Bow Street, ending nearly 200 years of whiskey production in Dublin 7. In 1976, the Dublin whiskey distilleries of Jameson in Bow Street and in John's Lane were closed following the opening of the New Midleton Distillery by Irish Distillers outside Cork. The Midleton Distillery now produces much of the Irish whiskey sold in Ireland under the Jameson, Midleton, Powers, Redbreast, Spot, and Paddy labels. To this day every drop of Jameson enjoyed around the world hails from here. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4b3305f7-bbfe-415f-be7a-079e3ff22074/tempImage3SXNN2.jpg Blog - Cork - Make it stand out The underside of the malting floor, where heat rises to dry the barley. Unlike Scottish whisky, a smokeless heat source is used. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e1d56f50-567f-4447-98e4-a8fcd169966f/tempImageUKXIal.jpg Blog - Cork - Make it stand out Malting shoes to provide protection from the heated floors when the barley is drying. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c5324bcd-6b40-4b7c-93dc-c3b70607cc95/tempImagegskxcg.jpg Blog - Cork - Make it stand out The Mill House and its remarkable, and still operational, water wheel. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/fe94f7f7-52f9-4efa-99ab-f9bff2db2128/tempImagetIuKk5.jpg Blog - Cork - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/18b12160-d9da-42f5-a7a9-fce889aa1194/tempImageqG5OzP.jpg Blog - Cork - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/29467d27-284b-45e4-88c4-04b84d61802f/tempImageHbMW93.jpg Blog - Cork - Make it stand out The massive copper wash still. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8c35b750-d34f-4998-9bf6-ebd8c465fa44/tempImageHa27Xg.jpg Blog - Cork - Make it stand out The Microdistillery. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7b93f3bb-a431-4563-a3ed-790353958bde/tempImage9ypraD.jpg Blog - Cork - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5ffd6e1e-e9f4-4aea-8245-9462262b0631/tempImage5mZPcN.jpg Blog - Cork - Make it stand out The actual storehouse. “And now we wait.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/008d9b6c-e52c-4362-958a-65cc49fef188/tempImageTiY4Zv.jpg Blog - Cork - Make it stand out Jameson’s whiskey is aged in American oak bourbon barrels. This one still has the Maker’s Mark logo. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/084ced6a-714d-4298-a46e-9d71016417cd/tempImageUhpimg.jpg Blog - Cork - Make it stand out Barrels loose 2% of their volume per year to evaporation—the so called Angel’s Share. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/44328351-ac74-473c-b0b4-794004462de0/tempImagefXosh9.jpg Blog - Cork - Make it stand out Sláinte! https://www.overthehillandacrossthepond.com/blog/blarney-castle monthly 0.5 2023-11-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0b45a869-5ec9-4816-9562-b36283150819/tempImageCz4SZc.jpg Blog - Blarney Castle & Gardens - Make it stand out On Saturday morning (Apr 29) we said goodbye to the amazing Railroad Cottage and began our two-hour drive to Blarney Castle. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e1bad3c8-3ab0-4693-8ae4-09804a93204c/tempImageLc5xWU.jpg Blog - Blarney Castle & Gardens - Make it stand out The road leaving our cottage…amazing. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0d18f616-a82a-45e5-885c-064bfe70f852/tempImageMy3nYL.jpg Blog - Blarney Castle & Gardens - Make it stand out Ignorance sometimes provides an opportunity to be surprised. This was certainly the case for us (and perhaps a spoiler alert should you chose to continue reading). All we knew was there is this thing called the Blarney Stone and you kiss it. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0bbc3ad9-849c-4d51-9939-22eb98561e8f/tempImageJFne09.jpg Blog - Blarney Castle & Gardens - Make it stand out Well we were in for an unexpected treat. From the moment we walked onto the grounds and glimpsed the castle, we were awestruck. The castle is impossibly romantic—rising majestically from its rocky perch, two rivers meandering beneath its walls, and exquisite gardens stretching in every direction. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ec440dac-d41d-4421-a95a-81a73eb3f642/tempImage07oIcX.jpg Blog - Blarney Castle & Gardens - Make it stand out In fact, I first titled this post “Blarney Stone” but changed it to “Blarney Castle and Gardens” because—with all deference to the famous stone—the castle, and especially the gardens, should receive at least equal billing. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1507111e-3ac8-4b2a-98e7-30e5f0c0925c/tempImageQsgxxr.jpg Blog - Blarney Castle & Gardens - Make it stand out Much like Ross Castle from the last post, Blarney Castle is not a castle but a tower house, a fortified medieval residence of stone. Blarney Castle was built by Cormac Laidir MacCarthy. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3de2ad07-0bad-4762-ab8d-3e1394f5fcda/tempImagev3prhv.jpg Blog - Blarney Castle & Gardens - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0186658e-29ad-473c-a504-c1ea2f8c80cb/tempImageZQ3IfH.jpg Blog - Blarney Castle & Gardens - Make it stand out Every inch of this massive estate is thoughtfully and beautifully manicured. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4fb6d7bc-94c6-4bd0-9fd3-926feba3e955/tempImageq65N30.jpg Blog - Blarney Castle & Gardens - Make it stand out Blarney Stone 101 If you’ve already kissed the Blarney Stone, you’re free to skip ahead . For those reading who, like us, knew absolutely nothing about the stone, here is some Blarney Stone 101. The stone was set into the top of the tower in 1446 (look for the metal bars on the outside of the left wall). You climb 127 steps to reach the top, and the old stone spiral stairwell gets quite narrow as you near the parapet walkway. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/edba5d6b-b992-4f6f-b9e7-272bf918af59/tempImage30pXO7.jpg Blog - Blarney Castle & Gardens - Make it stand out The extended battlement at the top of the tower includes several machicolations. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/bbedeaa1-2dc5-4bbe-afa6-2a0e8dfddc12/tempImage8RjTHz.jpg Blog - Blarney Castle & Gardens - Make it stand out Extending the battlement beyond the castle walls, creates space for openings in the floor (machicolations), through which stones or other material, such as boiling water, hot sand, quicklime, or boiling cooking oil, could be dropped on attackers at the base of the defensive wall. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8bcecdb9-3534-4f6b-b55c-48f19aa71bf7/tempImageBM9bBl.jpg Blog - Blarney Castle & Gardens - Make it stand out The Blarney Stone is the large rectangular stone at the bottom of the battlement wall (between the two vertical bars). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/be554924-d314-4e2b-8b4a-b2976cfacee5/IMG_6675+copy.jpg Blog - Blarney Castle & Gardens - Make it stand out Back in the day, you kissed the outside surface of the stone by crawling over the top of the battlement wall, while two of your BFFs lowered you by your legs—all while trying not to focus on the perilous 85-foot drop to the ground below. In the Sherlock Holmes radio dramatization "The Adventure of the Blarney Stone" (first broadcast on March 18, 1946), a man attempting to kiss the Blarney Stone falls to his death. Holmes' investigation reveals this as a murder, the man's boots having been surreptitiously greased before the attempt. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/27b807e9-2d6e-43e2-8404-bf940d939a17/tempImageOPnunU.jpg Blog - Blarney Castle & Gardens - Make it stand out Thankfully, these days you kiss the inside surface of the Stone while lying on your back. Rather less thrilling I suspect, but probably the safer of the two options. Amanda approaching the Stone—only one couple ahead of us! (Walking up to the castle we passed a “90 minutes” to the Blarney Stone sign, like at Disneyland. I can only imagine this place in summer!) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9d8f9b5b-e9f4-41a9-a242-5d589b274867/tempImageuCyUY1.jpg Blog - Blarney Castle & Gardens - Make it stand out Rather than looking directly into the room below, you have to imagine a wooden roof that peaked above the arched window and slopped down on either side. Where I’m standing would have been the bottom of the roof. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/00064f0d-bb87-41c8-b0ee-943286b296db/tempImageGIyCSO.jpg Blog - Blarney Castle & Gardens - Make it stand out Today, solid iron bars would prevent you from falling through the machicolation opening, but you still have to lie back farther than you think to reach the stone, and it is surprisingly unnerving. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a1972eea-9d72-403f-bf7a-3ba693041ff4/tempImageDoibRk.jpg Blog - Blarney Castle & Gardens - Make it stand out https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/aa017a41-380e-4306-a09e-2d2bb7e1c562/tempImageW33BOY.jpg Blog - Blarney Castle & Gardens - Make it stand out You just gotta hope that before your turn, Rocky Griswold didn’t kiss the stone with that lip fungus they ain't identified yet! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1ef2156c-e8bd-42a7-982c-57c617755e03/tempImageVgRpQi.jpg Blog - Blarney Castle & Gardens - Make it stand out https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7dcaca55-5499-47db-9c68-048970be94d3/tempImagemcckWk.jpg Blog - Blarney Castle & Gardens - Make it stand out On this diagram you can see the roof and the Blarney Stone (#8), plus the chapel, banqueting hall, and family room. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/184aee08-4fb6-41c1-b724-7d6e3c7b41bd/tempImageObphAE.jpg Blog - Blarney Castle & Gardens - Make it stand out Standing opposite the Blarney Stone. As mentioned, imagine the peaked wooden roof over the rooms below. You also have to imagine two wooden floors, creating three rooms. The top room was the chapel (probably the original banqueting hall), the middle room was the banqueting hall (look for the fireplace on the left wall), and the bottom floor was the family room. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/81bc3fb8-944b-4bcc-9c6c-59728d6bb2bd/tempImagefzvmfV.jpg Blog - Blarney Castle & Gardens - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/fdac4669-4300-43a6-a22d-989dcfc51c62/tempImagevIojym.jpg Blog - Blarney Castle & Gardens - Make it stand out There is no denying the old stairs are amazing; no matter how many castles you visit, walking on the same steps that real people have been using at Blarney for roughly 577 years is a powerful experience. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7bcb5908-870b-4be5-a2b8-e102a7cc3644/tempImagehRPS6R.jpg Blog - Blarney Castle & Gardens - Make it stand out The Watch Tower through an arrow slit window. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/159b09d8-6686-4a2b-8c13-5217deb62ee9/tempImagevs7Nog.jpg Blog - Blarney Castle & Gardens - Make it stand out This house had some of the best examples of garderobes we’ve come across thus far. The two garderobes we toured had long passageways on the way to the actual place where you do your business. This is because garderobes were also used to fumigate clothings, linens, etc. By allowing the wind to push ammonia up from the pit into the garderobe, the many minuscule bugs that lived in these items would be killed. Garter means “to keep” and robe means “clothing.” Thus our modern word “wardrobe”—a place in which clothes may be hung or stored. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7f181bbe-881a-46ea-a8c8-fecb322c425b/tempImagegwwWvj.jpg Blog - Blarney Castle & Gardens - Make it stand out The bench is no longer here, but this was once a three-seater. Thank God for progress! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8669842a-760b-4604-938f-d79964c7e208/tempImagerloUMl.jpg Blog - Blarney Castle & Gardens - Make it stand out A large three-staller, perfect for shooting the shit. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e2f84225-4ed2-4d7e-b2d8-4ff3f9fa2b87/tempImagedR2mfU.jpg Blog - Blarney Castle & Gardens - Make it stand out Because windows had no coverings, they often includes built-in drains to divert rainwater outside. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5f548c2d-a70a-4ad3-96cf-9acd297af67d/tempImagevmnZlx.jpg Blog - Blarney Castle & Gardens - Make it stand out Floors were typically covered with reeds and threshing to make them softer and warmer. Stones at doorways were purposely raised to hold the thresh in the room—a threshold. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/785f3168-57bf-48ff-88bd-e2fae0530cfb/tempImage5BwqIK.jpg Blog - Blarney Castle & Gardens - Make it stand out Passageway into a bedroom used by the chieftain’s three daughters. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3e4437bc-d76d-4d63-a77b-2bc63b100a61/tempImageoRiCpI.jpg Blog - Blarney Castle & Gardens - Make it stand out The girl’s bedroom was on the bottom, and had a small fireplace (straight ahead). There was a wooden floor above, creating another room above accessible by the obvious door. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/73223c74-1e2e-4e31-a216-f729c69ca7a3/tempImageewpo6T.jpg Blog - Blarney Castle & Gardens - Make it stand out More amazing old stairs. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/164d29d8-83c0-4152-afbd-39f4d00a4d95/tempImageb8YBkw.jpg Blog - Blarney Castle & Gardens - Make it stand out The “murder hole” over the front entrance. A large stone slab once covered the hole. It could be removed, which then left an opening through which an undesirable intruder could be attacked with deadly fire, boiling tar, or even a sword or pike! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5807ff91-2c8f-4c5f-842b-57e5eaf27a21/tempImagendjH6v.jpg Blog - Blarney Castle & Gardens - Make it stand out Looking up at the murder hole. You have to love the blatant honesty in the name, not even a hint of euphemism. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9e288efb-b617-431a-aa49-c83671697a3b/tempImage0Jy8JU.jpg Blog - Blarney Castle & Gardens - Make it stand out This is the front door. The sign on the right describes how there was once an “oubliette,” a hidden 50-foot-deep pit with a conical roof you cannot climb out of. If your arrival was unwelcome, as you stepped on a certain paving stone, the guard could pull a lever on the wall. The stone would turn over and the ground would seem to swallow you up. Oubliette comes from the French to forget—and forgotten you would be. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/06f88d63-bb09-4222-b73e-b7e8922b3023/tempImage1Khzzv.jpg Blog - Blarney Castle & Gardens - Make it stand out A large window in the ground floor. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/94f5e342-fc6d-4ead-b471-2f11c357b707/tempImagesVe0xR.jpg Blog - Blarney Castle & Gardens - Make it stand out A very cool fireplace floating in the middle of the wall because the old wooden floor is now gone. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0bdc69ba-c300-4c3e-b683-4068a3bc7014/tempImageVCDSXi.jpg Blog - Blarney Castle & Gardens - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c61007ea-0716-449e-8af2-80d8221468ba/tempImageztJ98c.jpg Blog - Blarney Castle & Gardens - Make it stand out Tea Time https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/913f9b3f-4b91-4d8e-aef3-f65dbac41411/tempImagedIlxBp.jpg Blog - Blarney Castle & Gardens - Make it stand out Irish Wolf Hound in wire mesh. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/de60d946-37d3-4518-83bd-86f32661e948/tempImageY3GajA.jpg Blog - Blarney Castle & Gardens - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/73b798b3-9c19-4f8d-999f-2f1431712a0d/tempImageeUNx3l.jpg Blog - Blarney Castle & Gardens - Make it stand out Tables in the Stables https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5d9b2f0f-ce04-4695-b80c-2da2b00c7801/tempImagewHLULr.jpg Blog - Blarney Castle & Gardens - Make it stand out Poison Garden The property has a large poison garden that was so Harry Potter. “Potter! What would I get if I added powdered root of asphodel to an infusion of wormwood?” -Professor Snape https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c000cb92-065f-4333-839e-bfffadfede7d/tempImageLlPRBY.jpg Blog - Blarney Castle & Gardens - Make it stand out Mandrake https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/629e76eb-1d8d-4486-adef-01d51ab9974e/tempImageZ53Uy7.jpg Blog - Blarney Castle & Gardens - Make it stand out “What is the difference, Potter, between monkshood and wolfsbane?" -Professor Snape https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/825d0741-27b0-4e3d-8dd7-e317f6c382d1/tempImageh5aCM7.jpg Blog - Blarney Castle & Gardens - Make it stand out Professor Remus John Lupin https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/dbe98f6c-a154-4b2d-99bd-79a41f3af9db/tempImagebiJu5g.jpg Blog - Blarney Castle & Gardens - Make it stand out Narcissa Malfoy https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4ae0ac92-595e-497b-8731-04e8769376c6/tempImageLouvJC.jpg Blog - Blarney Castle & Gardens - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/17d91bb8-6c35-467c-854a-5f514f581731/tempImagecDolTF.jpg Blog - Blarney Castle & Gardens - Make it stand out This may be the craziest tree we’ve ever seen. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9ad61f28-4356-4ffc-a8ad-b2deef446163/tempImagedkUr08.jpg Blog - Blarney Castle & Gardens - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/53ff911c-addb-4479-84ed-4b14a6509ba5/tempImageFDQjki.jpg Blog - Blarney Castle & Gardens - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c4bd8bc5-92b9-41f4-8a0c-979baa534ff0/tempImageQ328ez.jpg Blog - Blarney Castle & Gardens - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e837ac15-ee34-499c-b248-9b5df1267ba9/tempImageJAoAzW.jpg Blog - Blarney Castle & Gardens - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e2069c74-d8e3-4610-9020-a477893a3417/tempImage1aYmES.jpg Blog - Blarney Castle & Gardens - Make it stand out The Fern Garden is a uniquely interesting space. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7ab6ea63-5584-4328-8251-f0f0b66df901/tempImageAo2nvG.jpg Blog - Blarney Castle & Gardens - Make it stand out While only just beginning to sprout their branches, this sunken garden was still amazing to explore, like you were suddenly on the Jurassic Park set and not Blarney Castle. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b4932595-ae03-40af-b676-b2568d01d200/tempImageQFjUus.jpg Blog - Blarney Castle & Gardens - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/58e49644-ed22-4ece-ae03-623fb97e9fdb/tempImageonOFZl.jpg Blog - Blarney Castle & Gardens - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3bc10c96-7259-4025-a174-0308fe23730f/tempImage6PjtZA.jpg Blog - Blarney Castle & Gardens - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/178f9945-c38d-4f9a-911f-3de1ce461070/tempImageMREGy6.jpg Blog - Blarney Castle & Gardens - Make it stand out Explosions of color! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/de746a2d-4093-4ed7-8da5-62f76c261aba/tempImageyb8Aru.jpg Blog - Blarney Castle & Gardens - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9128e4c7-8217-4825-be88-5f621387e7bf/tempImagerV2Tc5.jpg Blog - Blarney Castle & Gardens - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/31887a43-7653-4202-8efc-b29f4c40d681/tempImageLNt8K5.jpg Blog - Blarney Castle & Gardens - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a7bee08f-59f4-4237-a87d-5d0200427764/tempImageA7H9t1.jpg Blog - Blarney Castle & Gardens - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/71078f07-7dbe-4608-ad9e-36d41d108c8d/tempImageU9SyqJ.jpg Blog - Blarney Castle & Gardens - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a74d0c29-fcc1-41f1-8b2a-3de65d446bb9/tempImageHvcEGA.jpg Blog - Blarney Castle & Gardens - Make it stand out Situated in the middle of the property, just beyond the Castle is Blarney House. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/986c93fc-5605-419b-b8d4-17a5b5e27366/tempImageagwQwD.jpg Blog - Blarney Castle & Gardens - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7e2915a7-86db-488f-996f-3ed1fe588cae/tempImageFeFaAm.jpg Blog - Blarney Castle & Gardens - Make it stand out Such as amazing tree! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9c43bc0b-90c9-43ee-91c3-e5eff39ebe8a/tempImagewoZV77.jpg Blog - Blarney Castle & Gardens - Make it stand out Rock Close Opposite the Main Gardens is this forested close, dense with plants and rocks and magical sights. We were in the Fairy Forest section when some movement caught Amanda’s eye. She spotted this little guy wandering around doing whatever it is that mice do all day. Its funny how cute he is in this setting and not such much when he’s popping out of your kitchen drawer (true story)! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/863a470b-1099-4e8e-aba4-8a15f19b546f/tempImage3bpaYo.jpg Blog - Blarney Castle & Gardens - Make it stand out Such a lovely blue. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a153f2ed-c3a8-4901-aefb-d588cd48c4ea/tempImageN4RT2F.jpg Blog - Blarney Castle & Gardens - Make it stand out It takes little imagination to see who is imprisoned here. The Witch of Blarney has been with on the grounds since the dawn of time. Some say it was she who first told MacCarthy of the power of the Blarney Stone. Fortunately for visitors, she only escapes the witch stone after nightfall—and the property closes at dusk. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a1247cb9-aab2-4124-b745-55de26998f1b/tempImageQ8YVXM.jpg Blog - Blarney Castle & Gardens - Make it stand out The Druid’s Cave is said to once be the home of a religious hermit who was fed and cared for by the Jefferyes family, and it may well have sheltered many others through the centuries. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/69e07897-4106-462c-a210-44696121a1bf/tempImagefNmP9s.jpg Blog - Blarney Castle & Gardens - Make it stand out Witches Kitchen—Historians will tell you that this was home to early Irish cave dwellers. But if you arrive early enough in the morning, you may still see the dying embers of a fire. Legend tells us that the Blarney Witch lights the fire every night as she fights to stop shivering after her nocturnal escape from the cursed witch's stone. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/730f9c07-85c7-4c21-9557-046b4ccc4786/tempImageoqiWGr.jpg Blog - Blarney Castle & Gardens - Make it stand out Wishing Steps—For hundreds of years, the Blarney Witch has taken firewood from the Estate for her kitchen. In return, she must grant visitors wishes. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/daa9a162-5d48-40af-8915-f88a7a393b93/tempImageaBT5BW.jpg Blog - Blarney Castle & Gardens - Make it stand out It you can walk down and back up these steps with your eyes closed—some suggest walking backwards—and without for one moment thinking of anything other than a wish, then that wish will come true within a year. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e660291a-d6cb-4f6f-9b71-5541eb184ab7/tempImagepxkrTE.jpg Blog - Blarney Castle & Gardens - Make it stand out By the way, the steps are wet and slippery. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ed1ea9ed-79ff-4b7f-942b-ea4bc5662686/tempImagecdlewo.jpg Blog - Blarney Castle & Gardens - Make it stand out Dolman—The secrets of this megalithic tomb portal are lost in the mists before history began. Was the great rock rolled or was it lifted? Why does it still sometimes rock? What magic and mysteries has it guarded over the millennia? We cross the portal with care—and we wonder… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8ff93623-2cd7-45bc-b925-e59003895c5c/tempImagelxKIXk.jpg Blog - Blarney Castle & Gardens - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/96eb912c-7e50-4928-942b-cc9ff7dc691b/tempImageGzsuRd.jpg Blog - Blarney Castle & Gardens - Make it stand out Legend tells of a famous King of Munster who once ruled these lands. He had seven daughters and two sons. His rival was also a powerful clan chief and the time came when the king had to defend his lands. One fateful day the army rode out to battle with the king and his two sons at the head. Although victorious it came at a great cost, as both sons were killed in the fighting. The army marched back to the castle, on route passing the ancient druids stone circle that had stood for millennia. The king dispatched a contingent of men to the sacred site and in his grief he instructed them to push over two of the nine standing stones. This would forever commemorate his two fallen sons. The Seven Sisters remain. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d72d26f3-9d38-4781-bb72-52dec2633775/tempImagej30U49.jpg Blog - Blarney Castle & Gardens - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/adcea183-30d9-4adc-a06d-1ea2a7243be0/tempImagev35Lzv.jpg Blog - Blarney Castle & Gardens - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/da7455c8-7541-4b2a-9f6e-25b4118d5ef1/tempImageU4MfnX.jpg Blog - Blarney Castle & Gardens - Make it stand out These Three Yew Trees are known as "The Three Wise Men," which probably alludes to their longevity and that they are the oldest trees on the estate. All three Taxus baccata (Common Yew Tree) are in the region of 500-600 years old. The Yew tree is one of the longest living trees with some surviving more than 2,000 years and they are in existence throughout Europe and as far east as Iran. If one is struggling to locate Yew tree, then a visit to most Christian graveyards in Europe should present the visitor with many, where they are planted due to their lasting stature. One note of caution is that the leaves are highly toxic, especially when crushed or burned. Indeed the leaves are so toxic to animals that Yew trees are rarely found on farmland. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/73f427a3-917b-4d7f-a1e8-838980f4b826/tempImagep7Isvx.jpg Blog - Blarney Castle & Gardens - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/da7aa5f8-a718-41be-bfef-7bcb5ee84fc1/tempImageLPHc6B.jpg Blog - Blarney Castle & Gardens - Make it stand out After over four hours of wandering the estate, we can safely say that Ireland really has something over England. We’ve visited a great many English estates with magnificent gardens, but the Blarney estate is the clear winner—largely due to the sheer variety on offer—a very romantic castle, two beautiful rivers, lake, poison garden, carnivorous garden, massive fern garden, Victorian mansion, lime kiln, ice house, horse graveyard, Himalayan Valley, Vietnamese Woodland, bee observatory, everything in the magical Rock Close, the Blarney Stone, dungeon—oh, and did we mention caves under the castle?! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/819a906f-415c-4432-850e-65284dfadc13/tempImageeYeoBK.jpg Blog - Blarney Castle & Gardens - Make it stand out Yep, a hidden cave under the castle. When Cromwell’s General, Lord Broghill, besieged the castle, he fired down from Card Hill above the lake and broke the tower walls. Yet when he entered the castle, he found only two trusty old retainers, The main garrison had fled through Badger’s Cave. Come for the Stone, but leave yourself hours to explore the amazing castle and 60 acres of surprises, delights, and mysteries in the gardens. You will not be disappointed. https://www.overthehillandacrossthepond.com/blog/killarney monthly 0.5 2023-11-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8d05fc89-3d9c-41fc-b72c-c32914659e03/tempImageSQ7aN6.jpg Blog - County Kerry - Make it stand out Farewell to the amazing Earlson’s Farmhouse southwest of Limerick. It was fun to call this late 17th century building our home for five nights. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/93766f23-0ce2-4e62-b0bd-2a85d9053420/tempImageM5IRdJ.jpg Blog - County Kerry - Make it stand out We are grateful to our hosts Anne and Dan for the wonderful stay. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3f7e804b-5431-4ff9-bdfc-563438651a9e/tempImage1wqOqS.jpg Blog - County Kerry - Make it stand out Muckross House was completed in 1843 for the Herbert family, who hosted the English Queen Victoria and members of her family in August 1861. The boudoir, dressing room, and bedroom used by Queen Victoria have been restored to how they appeared during her visit. The Herbert family eventually sold the property to a member of the Guinness family. In 1911, it was then bought by a wealthy American couple who gave it to their daughter. When their daughter died unexpectedly in 1929, the house and its estate were presented to the Irish Nation. Muckross became Ireland’s first National Park in January 1933. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/cf618b95-7ccb-4957-bf55-b2dc02732068/tempImagejMQBrC.jpg Blog - County Kerry - Make it stand out In the entrance hall are the antlers of a Great Irish Elk, which became extinct over 10,000 years ago. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7c529ae0-550c-447f-8940-1ef8a5c797ec/tempImageqn0UsA.jpg Blog - County Kerry - Make it stand out A large old English crystal frosted window overlooks the grand oak staircase. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e69dca41-ac77-4f73-a612-4a92372fbb1b/tempImage9LPupY.jpg Blog - County Kerry - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3b88911f-8bd5-4b20-820d-cb782ab59d79/tempImageBOTnWK.jpg Blog - County Kerry - Make it stand out The bell corridor. Each bell had its own tone, so the servants knew, almost without glancing, which room they were being summoned to “above stairs.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2e858672-908c-41d8-a6da-8c0add12a8ef/tempImage8Cj8Ws.jpg Blog - County Kerry - Make it stand out At the end of the bell corridor was the wine cellar. The numbered stalls were reminiscent of those found in Edinburgh’s South Bridge vaults. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d178e348-29f9-4982-aec4-9f8ce64f3669/tempImagenUDnx6.jpg Blog - County Kerry - Make it stand out Amazing original Eagle Range. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/cd4d004d-a009-44ea-8c34-8a9ce393f4e3/tempImageqoFZSY.jpg Blog - County Kerry - Make it stand out The west elevation of the house, where every room overlooks the massive lawn, which leads to Muckross Lake. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/dabf722d-ead6-45c8-83d9-5f8255daa6bb/tempImagefO447b.jpg Blog - County Kerry - Make it stand out Muckross Lake. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9db02564-440f-49d7-9a2e-7ae8f41e0e00/tempImagevDk1uz.jpg Blog - County Kerry - Make it stand out As we were walking out, Amanda spotted a single coin on the floor. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7f4df4ab-7094-4162-920e-b753787ce477/tempImageIiSxn5.jpg Blog - County Kerry - Make it stand out Of course it was ten cents! (With the Euro, they also call their change cents.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8a24a1a3-9dbd-462e-84a7-756fae455f33/tempImagedhb2x0.jpg Blog - County Kerry - Make it stand out The view while making breakfast on Wednesday. Grand! In case you’re wondering, in honor of the independent Irish Free State (Brioches le Dia/“Thanks to God”), we switched from PG Tips to Barry’s Gold tea while in Ireland. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/99432e85-2552-46bc-99a6-443ae3347336/tempImageUh3J7n.jpg Blog - County Kerry - Make it stand out On the Ring of Kerry, looking across the small stream and valley to our cottage. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/451d8008-c877-4351-8da6-bde7dd63ca10/tempImagel8yyag.jpg Blog - County Kerry - Make it stand out Branching off the western reaches of the Ring of Kerry, we dropped into the tiny fishing village of Keel, overlooking the lovely St Finan’s Bay. There we joined up with the little-travelled 11-mile route known as Skellig Ring, which traverses some remote and rugged sections of coastline—all enjoying views of Skellig Michael island. We were going to hike on the peninsula here, but when we opened the car doors we were greeted by a blast of cold wind that momentarily made us think we were back in Iceland. Maybe we’ll just take a few pictures instead. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/872cad6a-f4ce-440b-a350-d5fa0d0c1ade/tempImagez8OceX.jpg Blog - County Kerry - Make it stand out We traveled here mostly to see the three famous islands. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/cf1177e2-856f-4ba7-abd0-01a65ef0793e/tempImageqCyWe5.jpg Blog - County Kerry - Make it stand out The middle island is called Small Skellig (right). It is home to almost 30,000 pairs of gannets, the second largest colony of such sea birds in the world. The jagged, largest island is called the rock of Skellig Michael—like St Michael's Mount in Cornwall and Mont St Michel in Normandy. Early Christian monks established a community and survived here from the 6th until the 12th or 13th century. The 6th-century oratories (chapels) and beehive rock huts perched on a saddle in the rock, some 500 feet above the sea, are astounding. They also had a vegetable garden, a cistern for collecting rainwater, and a cemetery. The monastic buildings are reached by 618 steep steps cut into the rock face. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0d8d4c52-559b-4ad5-ae5d-7c5d8945e7e2/Skellig-Michael-Aerial-View-Beehive-Huts-2.jpg Blog - County Kerry - Make it stand out Influenced by the Coptic Church (founded by St Anthony in the deserts of Egypt and Libya), the monks' determined quest for ultimate solitude led them to this remote, windblown edge of Europe. Not much is known about the life of the monastery, but there are records of Viking raids in AD 812 and 823. Monks were kidnapped or killed, but the community recovered and carried on. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/10b81630-e07f-4020-a1b5-02dfe544f014/skellig-lighthouse.jpg Blog - County Kerry - Make it stand out In the 19th century, two lighthouses were built on Skellig Michael. One has since been abandoned, but the other remains. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/bcbd4418-4b03-4874-9521-a59fc7c14792/1983719_7_articleinlinemobile_at_the_helipad.jpg Blog - County Kerry - Make it stand out The lighthouse is serviced by an amazing helipad that would be super fun to land on. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7a4ce4bc-f068-42fc-ad5a-bee3a9cfe0fd/cropped_Mark_Hamill_Daisy_Ridley_Star_Wars_The_Last_Jedi_Skellig.jpg Blog - County Kerry - Make it stand out Rey and Luke on Skellig Michael. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e5934e0c-b55a-4670-b0af-16cb0e32c966/tempImageUZRVVL.jpg Blog - County Kerry - Make it stand out The smallest of the three islands is called Lemon Rock (no idea why). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9a2a6666-32f6-450c-8ece-788c72878382/tempImage7Iomyw.jpg Blog - County Kerry - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/fcb08803-46d8-48aa-a4ac-3562480e7221/ezgif.com-webp-to-png.png Blog - County Kerry - Make it stand out The unique shape of Lemon Rock seems to mirror the shape of the cave opening at the Cliffs of Moher, which probably explains why Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince Director David Yates chose to combine for cinematic effect the cave and rock that are actually about 100 miles apart. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1fbbc51e-7fcb-4310-994f-e52e28b55dff/tempImageZWxO9I.jpg Blog - County Kerry - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f30dec61-ef80-49b2-9a29-d895fd1d5796/tempImagejdQVVb.jpg Blog - County Kerry - Make it stand out At the southwestern corner of the Ring, we stopped to visit Derrynane Abbey. Located on the aptly named Abbey Island, the ruin is accessible from the mainland via a beach. It is believed to have been built in the 6th century. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/aacf5e90-d565-47c8-8ec4-275aa6dbe4c5/tempImageeQ4Svz.jpg Blog - County Kerry - Make it stand out Graves inside the old abbey walls. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f88e02c7-46c8-4ff1-98a7-20c12a68dfa1/tempImageOLNSfQ.jpg Blog - County Kerry - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f188918f-2047-4d72-b3cd-18f36d8326e7/tempImageQ2o81q.jpg Blog - County Kerry - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9907528f-e6f4-4b5d-9fb1-9eba53616b97/tempImage30anNx.jpg Blog - County Kerry - Make it stand out Such a gorgeous setting. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1b706efd-91c5-4964-9d07-f301e8a79354/tempImageEtoSDN.jpg Blog - County Kerry - Make it stand out We continued around the southern edge of the Ring and passed through the village of Sneem. It looked like a charming village and a great place to stop, except for the six or so large buses that had already unleashed their throngs upon the town. We continued on, arriving in the city of Kenmare. After a bit of window shopping, we popped into PF McCarthy’s pub for a couple pints of Guinness and some chips. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3ba008e8-8e76-4878-8fd6-924400e317f3/tempImageXXQjQi.jpg Blog - County Kerry - Make it stand out From Kenmare, we headed up the mountain pass and through Molls Gap. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b1dd1985-45e5-4379-ae8f-ac1e769a7de1/tempImageqAcINk.jpg Blog - County Kerry - Make it stand out Beyond Molls Gap, we stopped at a scenic turnout just above Ladies View (which is more picturesque in my opinion…sorry ladies!). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/79f046a0-ebc1-4080-a4ca-d688b7f95823/tempImagey0FSz4.jpg Blog - County Kerry - Make it stand out The real Ladies View scenic viewpoint was just beyond. The Irish Times called it one of the most photographed places in Ireland. The name comes from the admiration of the view given by Queen Victoria’s ladies-in-waiting during the Queen’s 1861 visit to Ireland and nearby Muckross House. In fact, the furthest lake in the distance is Muckross Lake. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8012a849-edf3-42ee-9283-3d7a62a4daa2/tempImageE06bBH.jpg Blog - County Kerry - Make it stand out Our final stop along the Ring was to see Torc Waterfall (meaning “cascade of the wild boar”), at the base of Torc Mountain in Killarney National Park. It is within walking distance of Muckross House, so Queen Victoria visited the waterfall during her tour of the region. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b40c4235-92ae-4268-aa48-c75e4a809a8f/tempImageu475SA.jpg Blog - County Kerry - Make it stand out Pesky magical boars aside, the view over Muckross Lake (foreground) and Lough Leane beyond was beautiful. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6f2f7367-2b52-4baf-bb41-439daeecf592/tempImagehPKad2.jpg Blog - County Kerry - Make it stand out Another small waterfall is accessible by a hardy 15-minute hike beyond Torc Waterfall. Not sure it was worth the effort, but walking after all that sitting was a definite bonus! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/90ee00dd-de54-4b01-95d6-705d1b65a407/tempImage5e1CqJ.jpg Blog - County Kerry - Make it stand out Stones on the Rosseigh Stand. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c6683a73-777c-49f0-91c1-7f62e6633676/tempImagehdXs5K.jpg Blog - County Kerry - Make it stand out Behy Bridge used to access our cottage. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/67fec24d-e463-4676-bfe1-d717b5bfcd33/tempImageAvwKCV.jpg Blog - County Kerry - Make it stand out The Glenbeigh Fairy Forest was a bit disappointing. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/facd489c-57ba-4739-a497-3456e89bd930/tempImagel2A1qi.jpg Blog - County Kerry - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f72951d4-19c4-445e-9eb0-b706e824e976/tempImageaUUWUP.jpg Blog - County Kerry - Make it stand out They were kind of boring, but they also look like they were made by local kids…I’m a real jerk for bagging on them! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c26bc96b-04c6-41f0-8ba6-b4864f323bde/tempImagelILIDC.jpg Blog - County Kerry - Make it stand out These were the cutest ones we found. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/79295dc3-634e-42c2-b4aa-217a0a6e1b09/tempImagesDcpud.jpg Blog - County Kerry - Make it stand out The rest looked like those Saturday projects you take your kids to at the Home Depot. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9308f72e-c988-4621-9a18-bb99b1ffcc14/tempImageMWtPUS.jpg Blog - County Kerry - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6249847c-7e7e-4249-aefa-f33e962cd611/tempImagekB1QE2.jpg Blog - County Kerry - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/994c835a-ba13-4b6e-abe3-9565c4216118/tempImageZTqpS3.jpg Blog - County Kerry - Make it stand out Pure Ireland! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/319ba0dd-de61-4033-8a9b-d46caa2c45b0/ezgif.com-webp-to-png.png Blog - County Kerry - Make it stand out The relatively short drive is one of the most beautiful places we’ve visited thus far in Ireland. Just look at the road on the left (above); it’s like a really long Lombard Street—only narrower, with two-way traffic, walkers, cyclists, and jaunting cars! Here are some clips from our drive https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Csq9KXL-EBc: https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ca017fca-90f8-486d-b23b-1a5501b3c3cb/tempImage8qEgeO.jpg Blog - County Kerry - Make it stand out At the summit, we talked with two women who had rented e-bikes from Killarney Bike Rental. They rode to Ross Castle where they loaded their bikes on a small ferry boat that took them across Lough Leane before continuing on the the Gap. Had we known about this option, it would have been an amazing opportunity. Just a heads up if you ever make it over here! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a3a148c0-2462-445e-a4b9-0319aab5b966/tempImageMgRSvH.jpg Blog - County Kerry - Make it stand out Ross Castle is perched on an inlet of Lough Leane, inside Killarney National Park. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/460c91d3-fd06-4585-acf9-ea16a667c730/tempImage76zkIk.jpg Blog - County Kerry - Make it stand out Despite the name, Ross is not a “castle” in the truest sense of the term. Ross is a tower house, which is a fortified medieval residence of stone, usually four or more stories in height. They were built widely in the fifteenth century as strongholds to protect local chieftains from unfriendly neighbors. Ross Castle was the ancestral home of the Chiefs of the Clan O'Donoghue, later associated with the Brownes of Killarney. In fact, there are over 3,000 such tower houses littered across Ireland. Like most of the surviving medieval monuments, the majority of Irish tower houses are in poor condition, with collapsed walls and ivy shrouded exteriors, reflecting centuries of neglect. An increasing number are being restored through both private and state initiatives. The name Ross comes from the Irish word meaning “headland,” so the castle is a family name, but rather a reference to its location on the headland of Lough Leane. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3adb3a91-018d-4ff0-ae90-41e11e47fc06/tempImage2i2xhm.jpg Blog - County Kerry - Make it stand out They did not allow photographs inside (I’ll never understand why places adopt this archaic and self-defeating policy), but here is a quick photos of Amanda in the Great Hall on the top floor. The roof is pretty amazing. The original wooden roof collapsed from neglect, so they rebuilt this one based on probably the only tower house with its original medieval roof timbers intact—Dunsoghly Castle near Dublin Airport. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/fed2879d-e645-4416-a9d3-ec46c7389cd7/tempImageI5shli.jpg Blog - County Kerry - Make it stand out A boat crosses Lough Leane with Purple Mountain on the left. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/752f9e81-1ccb-4276-bb45-581d37d00a06/tempImageOM7Wo5.jpg Blog - County Kerry - Make it stand out A boat rests on Lough Leane. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7b12a58d-f310-40fb-bac5-eeb4dd30d2ae/tempImageWobzhU.jpg Blog - County Kerry - Make it stand out This monument in Killarney of two stags represent the wild deer of Ireland. The Red Deer (Cervus Elaphus) in the Killarney area are the last of the native Red Deer in the wild. Their lineage is traced back over 5,000 years. A protected species under the Wild Life Act, they are part of Ireland’s national heritage. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/59336ad3-619d-4924-9956-2fc1c54ada6b/tempImageAUB8iN.jpg Blog - County Kerry - Make it stand out While Amanda when shopping, I had a mocha at this café. If you’re ever in Killarney, go here—some of the best coffee I’ve had in a long time! https://www.overthehillandacrossthepond.com/blog/cliffs-of-insanity monthly 0.5 2023-11-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c4f75cb4-1701-4fca-ad99-14e166fd45ea/tempImageqeRm2C.jpg Blog - Cliffs of Insanity - Make it stand out On Sunday (Apr 23) the barometer at the Earlson Farmhouse showed fair weather, so it was into the car for the 1.5 hour drive to Doolin to catch the ferry to the Aran Islands. The name of the islands depends on whether they are written in Irish or Anglicized. You can use the map below to look around at the location of the archipelago. We traveled to the largest island: Inis Mór. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0c4ae46e-18a8-4430-9aad-bc6d4d2bf393/tempImageeKcynA.jpg Blog - Cliffs of Insanity - Make it stand out Here we are at the small harbor in Doolin preparing to take the Doolin Ferry to the Aran Islands. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b2facd37-a7da-4273-8539-965f76956818/tempImagebW0gHX.jpg Blog - Cliffs of Insanity - Make it stand out Fair winds and following seas as we leave Doolin behind. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e1183207-e00e-467f-bf8e-290a20f123de/tempImageEqpohn.jpg Blog - Cliffs of Insanity - Make it stand out The first island we approach is Inis Oírr, with its lighthouse and the Plassey Shipwreck. Inis Oírr is the smallest of the Aran Islands and the closest to the mainland; it’s less than 1.8 miles long and only 1.2 miles wide. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c62f9185-ca53-4b3b-8d05-305381a64bea/tempImageJTNHuK.jpg Blog - Cliffs of Insanity - Make it stand out Homes on Inis Oírr. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8482bb17-932f-43ae-9836-1e3339487eff/tempImage2UQU8Y.jpg Blog - Cliffs of Insanity - Make it stand out The east end of the middle island Inis Meáin (left) and the west end of the furthest island Inis Mór (right) nearly meet at the horizon. We stopped off in the Inis Oírr harbor briefly to pick up passengers; however, we never got very close to Inis Meáin. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/32811e4f-b0c0-4e8f-b59b-3cc898f7f3b3/tempImagerf0STr.jpg Blog - Cliffs of Insanity - Make it stand out Approaching the harbor on Inis Mór. Inis Mór is the largest of the three islands (Mór means “big” in Irish) and has a population of around 800. It’s 7.4 miles long and 1.8 miles wide. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b33c963f-d639-45d7-bd35-a8f9d24c9830/tempImageJeBr8a.jpg Blog - Cliffs of Insanity - Make it stand out The barometer was right—a gorgeous day! ☀️ We rented bicycles and started on the four-mile ride to the Dún Aonghasa fort. Amanda still has her jacket on because we got her an electric bike. My jacket is off because I didn’t. My heart rate was probably back to the low 100s by the time we took this shot. ❤️‍ https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e10537d7-1676-49a0-987f-2a7be02edb9c/tempImageJHKuR8.jpg Blog - Cliffs of Insanity - Make it stand out Some sights along the way: a gravesite. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/299bded1-7b90-4c58-a4fc-561ad7232e02/tempImageuQj4z4.jpg Blog - Cliffs of Insanity - Make it stand out Some mamas and their babies. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d93a8830-3020-4ed3-8723-ab7d9cf3449e/tempImageK5GHO1.jpg Blog - Cliffs of Insanity - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/762c018c-5ecd-404e-a350-a454c3476082/tempImage3e8iPV.jpg Blog - Cliffs of Insanity - Make it stand out Endless views https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9d407b98-a402-43ca-82ee-0c0158ac18c8/tempImageMN0xJp.jpg Blog - Cliffs of Insanity - Make it stand out Restored, traditional island houses (and their miniatures). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c2c7bb67-3c96-480d-9143-c53202728072/tempImagecIatHC.jpg Blog - Cliffs of Insanity - Make it stand out Roadside monuments https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1aa6ca81-a3a2-44de-a916-e2577a60d316/tempImagePJJ7Fe.jpg Blog - Cliffs of Insanity - Make it stand out And then it was time to park the bikes and hike up to Dún Aonghasa hilltop fort. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/cde61704-3414-4036-8433-aea4f005acdd/Dun-Aonghasa-exterior-walls.jpg Blog - Cliffs of Insanity - Make it stand out It is not known exactly when Dún Aonghasa was built, though it is now thought that most of the structures date from the Bronze Age and Iron Age. Excavations at the site indicate that the first construction goes back to 1100 BC, when rubble was piled against large upright stones to form the first enclosure. Around 500 BC, the triple wall defenses were probably constructed along the fort's western side. Excavations have revealed significant evidence of prehistoric metalworking, as well as several houses and burials. The whole complex was refortified in AD 700–800. The fort consists of three massive drystone defence walls. Outside them is a chevaux-de-frise—a dense band of jagged, upright stones, thousands in number. A devastatingly effective way to impede intruders, the chevaux-de-frise surrounds the entire fort from cliff to cliff. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/03eb8359-72b9-4af9-821e-96aebaeef03c/Dun_Aonghasa_waves-1800x1199.jpg Blog - Cliffs of Insanity - Make it stand out The final side of the fort is, of course, protected by the most impenetrable barrier of them all—the sheer drop to the North Atlantic Ocean. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/14b3e7fd-aa29-4b36-9d2e-d21c1384da02/tempImageT7ReuY.jpg Blog - Cliffs of Insanity - Make it stand out This photo was taken (respecting the cliff!) inside the outer perimeter wall; the inner wall is visible behind us. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b5954bf2-9efc-404e-bc32-ea4cc334b397/tempImage0mk8oB.jpg Blog - Cliffs of Insanity - Make it stand out The view east back toward Doolin. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ffd6b72b-0d69-43b5-8f9e-39340c7ae5a5/tempImageedZvnU.jpg Blog - Cliffs of Insanity - Make it stand out Standing in front of the inner wall. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5089ee54-0148-46e2-8cc6-355f535bfa2d/tempImagevGOD7a.jpg Blog - Cliffs of Insanity - Make it stand out The passageway through the inner wall. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/320ad34a-087a-4338-ab17-b43d6c44ad13/tempImageb6vtsl.jpg Blog - Cliffs of Insanity - Make it stand out Standing on top of the rock plateau inside the inner walls. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c7c22f23-71d1-4ca8-87ba-bfe34f3e35d6/tempImagekj8JKb.jpg Blog - Cliffs of Insanity - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/667f618a-2d23-4068-a5c9-337b9978211e/tempImageJT45J2.jpg Blog - Cliffs of Insanity - Make it stand out When you do this, you see…. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/54a63a38-a412-4f51-a300-88030820379c/tempImageqsjgXc.jpg Blog - Cliffs of Insanity - Make it stand out …a 300-foot drop (keep a tight grip on that phone)! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/29e9b5a6-0ff6-457a-8e8f-25d5e13d0b70/tempImageAJmVtB.jpg Blog - Cliffs of Insanity - Make it stand out The view west over the inner wall. Some of the chevaux-de-frise can be seen. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2989a7d6-e90d-423e-b550-cb7b977d409f/tempImagei5XNqV.jpg Blog - Cliffs of Insanity - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6775c8a9-dc60-44a0-b8f4-ab82b6d566c6/tempImageWLQE5W.jpg Blog - Cliffs of Insanity - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c49b5772-034f-4672-994b-30206842efb4/tempImagenIhuCe.jpg Blog - Cliffs of Insanity - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a98c205b-d74c-4cc8-991b-e64e18a69b8d/tempImageqfQIIk.jpg Blog - Cliffs of Insanity - Make it stand out Time to head back to the bikes for the ride back to the harbor. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/aef0b301-83be-4dad-85d4-8c1c7b6e791e/tempImage5tteks.jpg Blog - Cliffs of Insanity - Make it stand out After biking 8 miles and a hike up and back to the fort, a pint of Guinness was in order! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6019368a-ab5d-44bf-8bf9-a5b963b66a2d/tempImagelCbRSu.jpg Blog - Cliffs of Insanity - Make it stand out At the harbor waiting for our 4 pm boat back to Doolin. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7a25fa4f-640b-472b-a3b8-8c56c0e12d17/tempImageqnKQDh.jpg Blog - Cliffs of Insanity - Make it stand out After arriving back in Doolin, we switched boats for the 5:15 tour of the Cliffs of Moher. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e4920523-8470-42b9-9fc6-d6095c2c0eec/tempImagecvikzE.jpg Blog - Cliffs of Insanity - Make it stand out The Cliffs reach 702 feet in height at their highest point. A visit to the Cliffs of Moher is the second most popular tourist destination in Ireland. Can you guess the first? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5b8036a8-a0a9-4bf0-b91a-05f3da162cd4/tempImageuA7DA2.jpg Blog - Cliffs of Insanity - Make it stand out The Nag’s Head rock formation above and hundreds of nesting birds below. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8d218ba6-f2fb-4569-8e54-d3c82b363074/tempImageS5sonp.jpg Blog - Cliffs of Insanity - Make it stand out As erosion takes place, a cave is formed. The cave will eventually erode fully through creating an arch. The arch will eventually collapse and leave a stack. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9e37df4a-606b-4f1a-b594-9f898a194858/tempImagemrz9uv.jpg Blog - Cliffs of Insanity - Make it stand out It will come as no surprise that there is a Harry Potter movie connection with the Cliffs of Moher. In Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince book, it was revealed that Tom Riddle turned the Slytherin Locket into his third horcrux and hid it in a seaside cave. When the filmmakers wanted to create the scene where Harry and Dumbledore apparate to the rock outside the cave entrance, they came to the Cliffs of Moher and filmed the large cave coming into view behind Amanda. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e4645cc7-a8b2-4c44-bace-45638254431c/tempImagekKsmXW.jpg Blog - Cliffs of Insanity - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/67bd3c0f-424b-4c41-9b15-c95da5f5e2d1/tempImageH7izBl.jpg Blog - Cliffs of Insanity - Make it stand out You may notice the rock Harry and Dumbledore stand on is missing. No worries, that is also in Ireland, just in a different place. We’ll be visiting that rock in a few days. Isn’t it crazy how movies are made…so many bits and pieces joined together to give the desired effect?! Here is the cave scene from the movie: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d40X5WkOjxg&t=117s https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6ad4b586-5a61-4a17-ba64-b24a95df7c94/tempImageVLfUZD.jpg Blog - Cliffs of Insanity - Make it stand out After the boat tour, we drove to the top of the Cliffs. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/dd58041a-2827-4fb8-9a98-19185818682f/tempImageeyPITW.jpg Blog - Cliffs of Insanity - Make it stand out The HP cave in the background. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0c550eca-e36f-441f-a429-da1af32a10ba/tempImage3iCkfo.jpg Blog - Cliffs of Insanity - Make it stand out The Nag’s Head is the prominent feature in the far background. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f6ed63c2-f2b7-4801-bad2-f80ea8ef48d2/tempImageU1xxaK.jpg Blog - Cliffs of Insanity - Make it stand out Yes, these are the Cliffs of Insanity of The Princess Bride fame. Vizzini: Inconceivable! Faster! Fezzik: I thought I was going faster. Vizzini: You were supposed to be this colossus, you were this great legendary thing, and yet he gains! Fezzik: Well, I'm carrying three people, and he's got only himself. Vizzini: I do not accept excuses! I'm just going to have to find myself a new giant, that’s all. Fezzik: Don't say that, Vizzini. Please? Vizzini: Did I make it clear that your job is on the line? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/71b24f68-ad24-409d-a22a-6de5a25b2182/tempImagehIme9z.jpg Blog - Cliffs of Insanity - Make it stand out Saw this lucky Irish ☘️ rainbow on the drive home. By the Way, the most popular tourist attraction in Ireland? The Guinness Factory tour! https://www.overthehillandacrossthepond.com/blog/limerick monthly 0.5 2023-11-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/83de024d-50c8-4181-9a38-5c5bf359c996/tempImage0J5q87.jpg Blog - Limerick - Make it stand out St Mary’s Cathedral, Limerick https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5eeba0dd-7f52-48ea-ba4e-fbc70572893d/tempImagew1Wgsw.jpg Blog - Limerick - Make it stand out How the castle looked when it was completed in the late 12th century. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/781e6f82-637d-4fe6-b80b-45c99fb88b7d/tempImagedUyu8G.jpg Blog - Limerick - Make it stand out The Castle today and largely how it appeared as “Ballycarbery Castle” in the movie Leap Year, although the movie introduced a lot of CGI to create the effect they wanted. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8fdb8b2c-b762-421b-883c-05cd23538734/tempImage29bfZd.jpg Blog - Limerick - Make it stand out The castle’s Barbican Gate (a fortified gateway in an outer defense perimeter), should look familiar from the movie. The large tower at the top only exists in post production. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/80a2971e-a19d-469a-97b0-6b44422fb396/Leap+Year+The+Rock+of+Dunamase.png Blog - Limerick - Make it stand out Anna and Declan approach the Barbican Gate in Leap Year. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d7345105-5780-498f-929c-21ea58983295/tempImage3epZwq.jpg Blog - Limerick - Make it stand out Looking into what was once the castle’s Great Hall. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2599afbe-94d3-441d-bdd6-e8ab10aff83b/tempImagerYqR5e.jpg Blog - Limerick - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/bf55f98d-d663-492f-9050-5ff76f65ebd3/tempImageUke9vt.jpg Blog - Limerick - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/da8081fa-91b7-4aa6-a018-6ade2efdb1b9/tempImagevBIpTA.jpg Blog - Limerick - Make it stand out Looking out a doorway from the Great Hall (the mini rainbow on the wall is apropos). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f31f9185-860e-46c2-82ac-ee479ab4b7d4/3885_leap+year_the+rock+of+dunamase+_+d%C3%83%C2%BAn+m%C3%83%C2%A1sc_2.png Blog - Limerick - Make it stand out The castle ruins, as Anna and Declan saw them, included a tower and the remains of a large window that were never part of the original castle. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/704d2e7a-537d-4123-9d6a-33d763fdb5a8/leapyear_0011.png Blog - Limerick - Make it stand out The Rock may actually sit in County Laois (not County Tipperary), it may not be near a train station, and it may not sit atop of a large hill… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/706a3f0a-bf52-4161-89e0-aa067afcafa9/leapyear_0009.png Blog - Limerick - Make it stand out And the view from the castle’s non-existent tower may not be as dramatic as depicted in the film—but that’s why we call it movie magic! As people we are deeply drawn to stories and movies allow us to imagine stories in powerful ways. I say keep the magic coming! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8c8a4661-022c-4922-8a51-5a01136d3227/tempImagepK0UDQ.jpg Blog - Limerick - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ec1b6eac-9815-4922-a717-d4dce2bf3acd/tempImagentOn2s.jpg Blog - Limerick - Make it stand out Sure enough, an entire plaza dedicated to our 44th President, his Irish heritage, and his visit to the town on May 23, 2011. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4e20195b-3f16-47c7-9f91-d216f35215db/tempImageVuIk86.jpg Blog - Limerick - Make it stand out Upstairs is a large conference center and museum dedicated not only to Obama’s connection with Moneygall, but also the three other presidents with Irish heritage: Kennedy, Reagan, and Clinton. In 2008, a researcher learned Barack was the great-great-great grandson of a Moneygall resident. Three years later, President Obama made a pilgrimage to the village of his ancestor. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/bb736458-c0e2-4e0d-b680-ab46131fdea1/tempImagegFoyVQ.jpg Blog - Limerick - Make it stand out President Barack Obama and the First Lady Michelle touched down on Air Force One at Dublin Airport. The Obamas then travelled on Marine One to Moneygall to visit his ancestral home, where they were greeted by local-man Henry Healy, President Obama's distant cousin. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f54836a4-bac0-4bab-915f-64221abc9fe6/tempImagemTOT9O.jpg Blog - Limerick - Make it stand out They then spent time meeting and greeting some of the hundreds of onlookers before visiting the local “siopa beag” (Irish for shop) and having a pint in Ollie Hayes’s pub. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7323ccb4-6e9c-41bf-a29d-376c6f5d48fc/tempImageYBw0ws.jpg Blog - Limerick - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6d5f59ce-13c2-4e06-9eb9-42a97d63b11f/tempImageYoRwxf.jpg Blog - Limerick - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/cca6b4b5-cf1c-4870-8896-c76ee5f6587b/tempImageL9UeGF.jpg Blog - Limerick - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/002886f0-64bd-4485-811b-134c472d192e/tempImagezdI3QZ.jpg Blog - Limerick - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/218afe7c-c310-4882-97dc-0d2e085e3d9c/tempImagemZh1qt.jpg Blog - Limerick - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d1047e12-b279-451e-a6c6-29f70af8bb2a/tempImage4lX6F8.jpg Blog - Limerick - Make it stand out The Gathering Bowl—It is now a well-established tradition that every St Patrick's Day a crystal bowl filled with Irish shamrock is presented to the President of the United States. This is a replica of the Gathering Bowl that was presented to President Barack Obama by An Taoiseach Enda Kenny on March 17, 2013. As with the original, it was designed and engraved by Sean Egan, master crystal-engraver, formerly of Waterford Crystal. The engravings depict a ship departing for America during the Great Hunger and symbols representative of Ireland and its people. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/15a927d5-bd6f-4bb1-8c6d-7fd0282a1762/tempImageqeXmQp.jpg Blog - Limerick - Make it stand out The bike from the 1999 movie by the same name. I finally read the book in February and really enjoyed it! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/12046e77-c622-4e4a-ab2e-5bc9461b568f/tempImage1yD3PK.jpg Blog - Limerick - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/583b2884-970a-4c01-b958-eab48d775f90/tempImagenXoDvJ.jpg Blog - Limerick - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/52efb339-976d-4eb1-9965-3f11a0617225/tempImageLqzYSG.jpg Blog - Limerick - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f2f789cb-4ef3-4e29-b5f7-29da92e302cd/tempImageGmoDKj.jpg Blog - Limerick - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a53c0999-0b9b-4954-aa94-5655d325baeb/tempImage4t9fwY.jpg Blog - Limerick - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c67d9afe-f366-471e-bcc1-f8e928dbb6f3/tempImage1EKi5p.jpg Blog - Limerick - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/fbc0cc53-fdf2-41b0-8a69-bf393b826cd1/tempImage4uFjmO.jpg Blog - Limerick - Make it stand out The vehicle ahead of us knows he is traveling slower than the flow of traffic, so he cheats left while he drives, fully expecting you to pass on the right. It’s an interesting set up. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/599bf70b-01f5-4bc8-8630-62f5db936ff3/tempImageqVEJvZ.jpg Blog - Limerick - Make it stand out Milk Market The Limerick Market Trustees were incorporated in 1852 for the purpose of providing, managing, regulating, and governing markets and market places in the Borough of Limerick. The Limerick Milk Market is one of its flagship markets and has become quite famous. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7ce427e4-91bb-4ae7-b047-bf75a0c568b8/tempImageMOzprB.jpg Blog - Limerick - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6e29d5db-0cfa-4d6c-a0fb-a57b1ed4b65a/tempImage1DRZnS.jpg Blog - Limerick - Make it stand out St Mary’s Cathedral https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e9cb2468-ab4a-42ce-81eb-0748f315b354/tempImage40Yp2X.jpg Blog - Limerick - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3dfcf98d-1277-487c-abb7-408b07ccc68e/tempImagep1NJgz.jpg Blog - Limerick - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/081134c9-a211-4b10-9661-bd6d347e22c5/tempImageLrwhT6.jpg Blog - Limerick - Make it stand out The Exchange Wall—The exchange was built in 1673. This impressive façade of hewn stone with its seven Tuscan columns linked by a handsome balustrade is all that remains of the original building. The structure was rebuilt in 1702 and 1778. It fell into disuse when the new town hall was constructed across the bridge in Rutland Street in 1846. The east wall of St Mary’s Cathedral is in the background. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/fc10e9d2-12e6-4bd6-8dce-d6e18f956168/tempImageK2QxXn.jpg Blog - Limerick - Make it stand out St Mary’s Catholic Church, not to be confused with nearby St Mary’s Cathedral above. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9472b049-ee7f-4231-8f16-5af4055ab8af/tempImagewhLqMH.jpg Blog - Limerick - Make it stand out Never mind church-and-state, what about church-and-beer? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/85ac68df-74e2-4503-992d-fded2c408d44/tempImage3VBd7m.jpg Blog - Limerick - Make it stand out Michael Hogan, The Bard of Thomond (1826-1899), who was wounded by a sniper's bullet during the Irish Revolution from British rule during 1916-1922, while in the military service to his country in the Irish Republican Army. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/bf882666-77bc-48be-a785-fb9f1931aa2c/tempImageT8gyKr.jpg Blog - Limerick - Make it stand out The Thomond Bridge over the River Shannon. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a605f02f-4a88-4746-9a9b-8bf48c4b9050/tempImageEE8eJO.jpg Blog - Limerick - Make it stand out Clancy Strand along the west side of the River Shannon. King John’s Castle is on the east side (and St Mary’s Cathedral jutting about the skyline). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3d8a0d6c-86c0-47c6-88d0-910f122447a4/tempImagexx6yDW.jpg Blog - Limerick - Make it stand out Treaty Stone—Monument with a stone said to be used in the signing of the 1691 Treaty of Limerick. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/64caa2e6-fcc3-4db2-b877-f5b441dbdcf4/tempImageKO3EHK.jpg Blog - Limerick - Make it stand out Jack Monday’s Coffee House, also on the east side of the River Shannon at the Thomond Bridge. Surprise, surprise—they had oat milk! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/294fb87c-3710-456f-ba9a-1b11f41ede3b/tempImageSZoVHz.jpg Blog - Limerick - Make it stand out JJ Bowles, supposedly Limerick’s oldest pub. It wasn’t open yet, so sadly no Guinness was to be had. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5f5b983b-dd68-4feb-990d-9f857f5382cd/tempImagezrk45R.jpg Blog - Limerick - Make it stand out Shooting the River Shannon rapids? I believe there is some sort of design which causes the turbulence in this spot. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/77e4d2af-c55a-4a94-b156-32a287e6ed2d/tempImagehEEKgJ.jpg Blog - Limerick - Make it stand out Sarsfield Swivel Bridge. Think it rains a lot here? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1d17daf1-0d45-45e7-aaea-8bff8767c755/tempImagex9zv0F.jpg Blog - Limerick - Make it stand out Memorial dedicated to the memory of those who died in the struggle for Irish freedom and Easter Rising of 1916, both those killed in action and the leaders executed in its aftermath. The front of the Memorial contains a plaque inscribed with the 1916 Proclamation. Also inscribed on the Memorial are the names of the 16 men executed during May 1916 and on the side panels are the names of others killed in action during the Rising. The bronze figures are Tom Clarke, Freeman of Limerick, pointing to the Proclamation and on the pedestal are Edward Daly and Con Colbert depicted freeing Mother Eire, represented by a young maiden, from the shackles of oppression. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/efd0a545-36d9-45a4-a788-8c000fb55a64/tempImageHDOLP3.jpg Blog - Limerick - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/92b97185-3b90-4ba1-aab5-e97b3f27bd6b/tempImage9LNzQQ.jpg Blog - Limerick - Make it stand out In honor of The Boys in the Boat book, here is a rowing club in Limerick (see the small plaque on the brick building). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d5e7c878-33be-4e67-8e35-cad71103db7b/tempImageQWDnYS.jpg Blog - Limerick - Make it stand out The Shannon River Weir. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c2c6a00c-db5a-46f9-a146-7b146eec61a8/tempImagexFpju7.jpg Blog - Limerick - Make it stand out Sylvester O'Halloran footbridge, leading to the old Potato Market. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4e88e258-a144-4156-a748-4afffcac0d6a/tempImageX2IysN.jpg Blog - Limerick - Make it stand out From the Matthew Bridge looking over the River Abbey, the eastern spur of the River Shannon that flows around and creates King’s Island. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c6a45b21-7a71-4c92-ad22-8c36fc68bda8/tempImageB56Qtc.jpg Blog - Limerick - Make it stand out Limerick was once a walled city and fragments of the wall can be found throughout the city. https://www.overthehillandacrossthepond.com/blog/61u57noybkw17nprk99bxznlqqqqpl monthly 0.5 2023-11-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/bbace291-cf5b-4ac5-a2ba-f086579ea34a/tempImageNAPy1O.jpg Blog - Céad Míle Fáilte - Make it stand out The process couldn’t have been simpler. Book your tickets online, drive up and wait in line, check-in at the drive-up kiosk, wait a little longer in another line, and then drive onto the massive ferry. Easy peasy lemon squeezy, as the Brits would say. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/78036f69-b160-4e9c-b848-5e121f99fce2/tempImagekvJoJD.jpg Blog - Céad Míle Fáilte - Make it stand out By the time we arrived in Holyhead, it was really foggy. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5196c0e4-e3eb-41ad-8b31-1aa13917e5be/tempImagearo1r5.jpg Blog - Céad Míle Fáilte - Make it stand out About to drive on to the Irish Ferries boat Ulysses. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4ff4320a-a60b-4ef3-b9a6-f212b0dd7575/tempImagetMV75P.jpg Blog - Céad Míle Fáilte - Make it stand out With the car parked on the Copper Deck, it was up to the lounge. We started with a tea and mocha from the onboard Café Lafayette and a curry from Boylan’s Brasserie, browsed the Duty Free store, and then read in the aptly named James Joyce Balcony Lounge. It was a really pleasant way to travel, far easier and more comfortable than by air. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d46b368b-243a-43f5-80cb-711b28367327/tempImageNJEW4n.jpg Blog - Céad Míle Fáilte - Make it stand out On the deck. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f2dc36c1-d8ad-4d05-a942-42e3a4ad5698/tempImageJeSnjf.jpg Blog - Céad Míle Fáilte - Make it stand out Not much to see and pretty https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/af1b4b51-0849-4115-9597-7c964f95297c/tempImagel0eVYw.jpg Blog - Céad Míle Fáilte - Make it stand out A little over three hours later and we were pulling into Dublin Harbor. Ireland welcomed us with sunny skies! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/75ca4b36-1463-45bb-88b3-554afbc7e3e8/tempImagedXEwnr.jpg Blog - Céad Míle Fáilte - Make it stand out Our apartment is located right next to the famous Ha’penny Bridge. The name derives from the cost to cross the River Liffey by ferry before the charming pedestrian bridge was installed in May 1816. We crossed the bridge and had dinner at Milano, Ireland’s branding of Pizza Express. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/22c8d4e4-bb30-45c7-9f6b-5ffd19195f46/tempImageJHFdYX.jpg Blog - Céad Míle Fáilte - Make it stand out The sun setting over the River Liffey from the Ha’penny Bridge. Time to settle into Dublin. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c315cb87-4d17-4e1b-85c3-d5271c596340/tempImageo6Am1O.jpg Blog - Céad Míle Fáilte - Make it stand out On Monday morning (Apr 17), it was off to the Guinness Factory and some sites along the way, like these figures on the Grattan Bridge. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b809d767-5ef1-4e11-ba22-96c172265788/tempImageaNHmcw.jpg Blog - Céad Míle Fáilte - Make it stand out Christ Church Cathedral https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/dcea88fa-20e9-47a4-8e60-58690412ef87/tempImageuMiWbK.jpg Blog - Céad Míle Fáilte - Make it stand out A covered bridge over a road is always cool, but an arched passageway connecting parts of a cathedral is even cooler. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a97a17ca-36bd-402e-8908-b4f5637eea64/tempImageVTXOSW.jpg Blog - Céad Míle Fáilte - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/15634b1e-2f97-40ce-b277-37e807308cd3/tempImagea3MpcJ.jpg Blog - Céad Míle Fáilte - Make it stand out St Audoen's Catholic Church https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8bf14964-58e0-4249-bbfc-92758d25213a/tempImageh2C2md.jpg Blog - Céad Míle Fáilte - Make it stand out John's Lane Catholic Church https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b4bc1a67-59ef-41f8-afbb-5c8523c47319/tempImageHOFMoA.jpg Blog - Céad Míle Fáilte - Make it stand out St Patrick’s Cathedral https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/441161e3-fa33-49ee-bfe8-a7be7bfee9f8/tempImagezNoJdq.jpg Blog - Céad Míle Fáilte - Make it stand out Amazing spires atop the buttresses and main cathedral walls. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1b95cf91-2b4d-4cc1-ba45-09a03704a044/tempImagerNS2h3.jpg Blog - Céad Míle Fáilte - Make it stand out The Police in Ireland https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c3bbe9b7-8aca-48c4-a5da-b8fb4af841f1/tempImageAJSSlt.jpg Blog - Céad Míle Fáilte - Make it stand out Fusilier's Arch at the entrance to St Stephen’s Green. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5189dc90-5d54-4a21-aeee-2acae753bd16/tempImageiRuGS7.jpg Blog - Céad Míle Fáilte - Make it stand out Blossoming cherry trees. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/44cfb572-aedb-44f8-96e8-0f300633b756/tempImageWgwxKG.jpg Blog - Céad Míle Fáilte - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/26214c81-700b-4d5e-93e1-e860abc56a31/tempImageSeyRTf.jpg Blog - Céad Míle Fáilte - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1dedbd36-a7d3-43ab-8c3b-84893fc13a4e/tempImagekeBt2O.jpg Blog - Céad Míle Fáilte - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/576daa6c-f493-4e98-a851-9bcda2c889f9/tempImaged7Jan3.jpg Blog - Céad Míle Fáilte - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/94823602-a104-433c-bbba-ee2422de966a/tempImageBeFr1g.jpg Blog - Céad Míle Fáilte - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b8f4b504-23b9-4ea2-9fb9-25f4871c213f/tempImage1pE9Lh.jpg Blog - Céad Míle Fáilte - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/007ad6ad-5f4f-4e0b-9a5d-ff6b2beadb4a/tempImageA6nSra.jpg Blog - Céad Míle Fáilte - Make it stand out The entrance to the Mecca of Stout. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3cb36aad-f237-4142-aeca-67a147fe11da/tempImageGKLj8r.jpg Blog - Céad Míle Fáilte - Make it stand out The original lease to Arthur Guinness in 1759 at £45 per year for 9,000 years, encased in glass on the floor at the center of the building. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/59d3348f-2903-4cfe-ad3c-bcc5b0da978a/tempImageEDS4Cv.jpg Blog - Céad Míle Fáilte - Make it stand out Arthur Guinness’s signature from 1759 that still appears on all their labeling. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/458cd11a-1b22-467f-9b77-b82ed0824cd0/tempImageujNv0g.jpg Blog - Céad Míle Fáilte - Make it stand out The massive waterfall feature designed to emphasize the high value Guinness places on the quality of the water used in the production of their beer. In 1784, Arthur signed a 8,795-year lease where he agreed to pay an extra £10 annually to ensure a supply of water from the Wicklow Mountains. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/625d87b8-782a-4f37-af12-3d921b8f438d/tempImageTo5z3R.jpg Blog - Céad Míle Fáilte - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/742fc795-5e62-4498-9fb6-7d327e7780f3/tempImagetK7iBK.jpg Blog - Céad Míle Fáilte - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e5e62e8f-4d53-4dbe-bcf8-15c6e2d139ef/tempImageLiifar.jpg Blog - Céad Míle Fáilte - Make it stand out Our first taste. Later we learn to pour a proper pint and get to drink a real pint, not some baby sippy Guinness. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e848e184-d7dc-463e-b2b7-ed833dec8a7d/tempImageW2jRcn.jpg Blog - Céad Míle Fáilte - Make it stand out Arthur Guinness https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/eea57298-b48a-4eae-9b40-665626c63b63/tempImage0eSVY7.jpg Blog - Céad Míle Fáilte - Make it stand out The harp has been synonymous with Guinness since 1862, 46 years before a version of it became the official national emblem of the Republic of Ireland. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a2574492-304f-438c-b8f3-ce8505657f5e/tempImageomZHH4.jpg Blog - Céad Míle Fáilte - Make it stand out The Guinness harp is a depiction of a medieval Irish instrument known as the O'Neill or Brian Boru harp. Currently housed in Trinity College Dublin, the original was made around the 14th century, although the identity of the craftsman and their patron remain lost in the mists of time. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/48331275-6d3a-46e2-9229-801ea386cf59/tempImagelKQPpb.jpg Blog - Céad Míle Fáilte - Make it stand out The Downhill Harp (1702)—This famous instrument (above), with provision for 30 strings, was made by Cormac O Kelly of Ballynascreen. The box is cut from solid sally, with the lower portion curiously divided and inswept. It’s on display as part of the factory tour. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0350bcfb-0936-48f3-ae67-365a93c76f42/harpa-guinness.jpeg Blog - Céad Míle Fáilte - Make it stand out Guinness first adopted the image in 1862, so when the 1922 Irish Free State Government chose it as the symbol of the nation, they had to use a mirror image to avoid trademark issues. In honor of the now world-renown logo, Guinness named it's first lager Harp in 1960. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7b0ca295-43c9-4b6a-ac2f-29488e438362/l_irish-harp.jpg Blog - Céad Míle Fáilte - Make it stand out The national symbol for Ireland https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/27d9e78a-e3a6-45ef-951f-bd9b41966da2/tempImageisSvQK.jpg Blog - Céad Míle Fáilte - Make it stand out Amanda pours her own pint following the Guinness Two-Part Pour: Use a Guinness-branded glass with the harp logo. Aim the spout at the harp, at a 45° angle. Pull the spout toward you and pour until the glass is ¾ full (to the top of the harp logo). Let the beer surge, or cascade. According to Guinness, this process takes exactly 1 minute and 32.5 seconds. Top off the pint by pushing the tap handle forward. Serve the beer with the logo facing toward the drinker. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2efa10cf-409a-4101-b3b5-ed017c24ecab/tempImageML8YCz.jpg Blog - Céad Míle Fáilte - Make it stand out In 1959, Guinness was the first brewer to introduce nitrogen into beer. It takes 300 million tiny gas bubbles to achieve the super smooth mouthfeel and iconic creamy white head. It's also the secret behind Guinness Draught's “surge and settle,” the unique cascade of bubbles which every proper pint of Guinness must have. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ea2da966-ad36-400f-8737-f092332227af/tempImagenV6O0P.jpg Blog - Céad Míle Fáilte - Make it stand out All topped off. We are now genuine experts! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7a984ac7-7126-432d-8f8e-36aa48f2a64d/tempImageMQWfhI.jpg Blog - Céad Míle Fáilte - Make it stand out The Guinness mustache. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/985ca83d-1c1c-480b-9233-7c98aef5f5e0/tempImagejBtgkE.jpg Blog - Céad Míle Fáilte - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1c9de677-bcda-41e0-bc60-abb57f471fe5/tempImageABgGI0.jpg Blog - Céad Míle Fáilte - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/59a541ba-ccb5-4abb-80de-fdc6bad5636f/tempImageUhzIH7.jpg Blog - Céad Míle Fáilte - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/01b35de6-c6e9-470d-8215-04eccff680b5/tempImageodjziL.jpg Blog - Céad Míle Fáilte - Make it stand out Enjoying some of Guinness’s other offers in the Gravity Bar, sitting high above Dublin’s historic rooftops. Such an amazing view! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7e4df219-8fb0-4888-835d-e4d167588307/tempImageqA4gXT.jpg Blog - Céad Míle Fáilte - Make it stand out From the Gravity Bar, the Wicklow Mountains stand in the distance—the source of Guinness’s pure water. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/71c91f9f-b63f-42e9-b1d4-97eb7c016547/tempImage1zUTmo.jpg Blog - Céad Míle Fáilte - Make it stand out On Tuesday we visited the Trinity College Dublin campus. The Campanile was built in 1853 to the designs of the famous Belfast architect Sir Charles Lanyon. It stands nearly 100 feet tall and has become one of Dublin’s most iconic images. (The student believe if they ever walk under the monument they will be cursed and will fail all their exams.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e15e0f7c-5d2f-4376-8376-3eb6cf217b39/tempImageKWoLML.jpg Blog - Céad Míle Fáilte - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/bd7e4c7b-4b25-45c2-b42f-4bbbe0a71d2f/tempImagekZ5GW5.jpg Blog - Céad Míle Fáilte - Make it stand out Hey Big Bang Theory TV show lovers: in 1943, Erwin Schrödinger, the Nobel Prize-winning physicist, then Director of Theoretical Physics at the Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies (DIAS), gave three public lectures entitled “What is Life?” at Trinity College Dublin. It was in this building that he first revealed the thought experiment known as Schrödinger’s Cat. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6f7a44c3-8164-46c4-aec0-f17a4e09f5a3/tempImageY7afbb.jpg Blog - Céad Míle Fáilte - Make it stand out Following a campus tour, we visited the Book of Kells exhibition inside the Old Library. The Book of Kells is a lavishly decorated copy, in Latin, of the four gospels of the life of Christ. The Book of Kells has long been associated with St Colum Cille, who was born in 521 or 522 in Donegal into the ruling dynasty of the Un Neill (an Irish dynesty). He founded his principal monastery on the island of Iona, off the western coast of Scotland, in about 561. The Book of Kells probably dates from the early 9th century, and may have been begun on Iona, where we’ll be visiting in June. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b9346fcf-e47a-43ad-a445-7aaca58158b7/tempImage8uiB6g.jpg Blog - Céad Míle Fáilte - Make it stand out The absolutely amazing Long Room in the Old Library at Trinity College Dublin. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/27e43491-337d-47b1-b75e-1089d1c974f4/tempImageda70lC.jpg Blog - Céad Míle Fáilte - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3fc8968a-eb91-47f4-bd09-be08c879d263/tempImageHijv1K.jpg Blog - Céad Míle Fáilte - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4640d4ff-bd50-4911-b102-bf0bfb05df99/tempImageDSk9MT.jpg Blog - Céad Míle Fáilte - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/265aea00-4c24-430e-a310-c65bed7de795/tempImagejsnXS7.jpg Blog - Céad Míle Fáilte - Make it stand out Inside the Old Library is the original Brian Boru harp—the oldest surviving Irish harp. It is the model for the Guinness logo and the insignia of Ireland. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7755eabf-fdc2-43ed-b7a7-1e2e3f6be6c9/tempImage4q62gA.jpg Blog - Céad Míle Fáilte - Make it stand out Just walking through the mall…we really are in Catholic territory! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/68e65f5c-eac4-4e1c-be5d-c34f1590d7e3/tempImagebS0fGA.jpg Blog - Céad Míle Fáilte - Make it stand out The Spire of Dublin. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a7edf631-490a-42f2-9997-6fabcf998933/tempImagemD7Ihd.jpg Blog - Céad Míle Fáilte - Make it stand out The Temple Bar is a Dublin icon. Amanda read that while the bar may be crowded, filled with nothing but tourists, and overpriced, it was still not to be missed. The article was right. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/bfe9b4d5-20d2-44b4-a358-420cd35a0722/tempImageBaW08K.jpg Blog - Céad Míle Fáilte - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e568fd2b-a9c6-4fb1-b43d-39b2c4ece802/tempImage3WvD2a.jpg Blog - Céad Míle Fáilte - Make it stand out The walls inside the pub were covered in police and fire patches from across the USA. I found one of particular interest. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3d0fc048-1637-457d-a9cc-44ad92176c92/tempImageVgjVXP.jpg Blog - Céad Míle Fáilte - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/67d4c041-5a6c-480e-a9f3-8648bca90516/tempImagepear9m.jpg Blog - Céad Míle Fáilte - Make it stand out Enya (2nd down) and The Frames (3rd down). In honor of The Frames and our visit to Dublin, we re-watched the movie Once and enjoyed watching Glen Hansard (of The Frames) and Markéta Irglová (both previous members of the band The Swell Season) sing their amazing songs. It was also fun to watch the movie after having walked down the very streets where they filmed. Can anyone identify the bottom photo? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/cc1ce7de-89c8-42ec-90d6-01208795b1f7/tempImage3QBoiK.jpg Blog - Céad Míle Fáilte - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ee4a39aa-1962-4bd8-8920-bbffa3bb7135/tempImageUxWOo3.jpg Blog - Céad Míle Fáilte - Make it stand out Here are some snippets of the music from our time at Temple Bar: Temple Bar Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hr2Ig5FOuCE https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/dd07e3ac-00de-4259-acf0-627a1e7c7b4d/tempImageOyeSmf.jpg Blog - Céad Míle Fáilte - Make it stand out With beer in our bellies and music in our hearts, Tuesday was a wrap. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/fc04f013-a91d-49a9-9c4c-63f09833e9f0/tempImagefCaZk8.jpg Blog - Céad Míle Fáilte - Make it stand out On Wednesday morning (Apr 19) we stopped at the famous statue very near our apartment. Known as "the Liberator" for successfully campaigning for the right of Irish Catholics to become Members of Parliament, Daniel O'Connell is celebrated by the O'Connell Monument on the street which bears his name. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9ea82f2f-818a-4ecf-87d8-d508550bd117/tempImageYzazax.jpg Blog - Céad Míle Fáilte - Make it stand out Is Roads Policing the Garda’s version of a Highway Patrol? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/55f0daf9-ca83-4a2b-a0df-ca7a87b4012d/tempImage40hvMc.jpg Blog - Céad Míle Fáilte - Make it stand out We slowly found our way down to the original Jameson Distillery on Bow Street. Unlike Guinness who has remained in the same Dublin location, Jameson’s distillery activity has all moved to Midleton, Cork. Hopefully, we’ll get to tour that facility as well in a week or so. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4e77cc7f-1ab2-40af-b650-c0b6e4d4ca81/tempImage9XCDji.jpg Blog - Céad Míle Fáilte - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c28a8fbd-903e-45d7-8677-1739cdb53359/tempImageMuY3wX.jpg Blog - Céad Míle Fáilte - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1202aea9-e3cc-4d93-97b0-87f10dfe1d8d/tempImageq9GM8g.jpg Blog - Céad Míle Fáilte - Make it stand out We tasted Jameson Black Barrel (left), original (center), and Crested (right). Crested in made in smaller batches and is not in wide distribution, so you cannot buy it in the States. We’ll bring home a bottle! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f2c671f0-0368-48cd-8600-c20720a1437c/tempImage7UAJLI.jpg Blog - Céad Míle Fáilte - Make it stand out Here’s a Jameson Original on the rocks for you Grandpa Clint! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/bc968864-d0be-4215-91cd-d853d65eed96/tempImageOeAjSq.jpg Blog - Céad Míle Fáilte - Make it stand out Now that’s a chandelier! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b092c101-44f8-47d8-b577-126dc58cc60b/tempImageetCpaU.jpg Blog - Céad Míle Fáilte - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8231e081-3b9c-4c26-b093-0dd902a354df/tempImageqRVzyN.jpg Blog - Céad Míle Fáilte - Make it stand out Without Fear https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c45041bb-5144-4724-b8f5-c6b16fc3121d/tempImagefehDB6.jpg Blog - Céad Míle Fáilte - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4709b179-ae7b-4698-8a79-7d4d741ae21e/tempImage1fkvbD.jpg Blog - Céad Míle Fáilte - Make it stand out Saw this on the menu and had to try one before we left. The Choc Orange: Jameson Original, dark chocolate liqueur, house marmalade syrup, & chocolate shavings. Delicious! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/dc2c3339-4304-4bef-ab2a-5f340cb1774a/tempImagegptWeR.jpg Blog - Céad Míle Fáilte - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f2022e3b-e784-4d92-95f5-612a24e0fe80/tempImagedvNMpP.jpg Blog - Céad Míle Fáilte - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3b8e7f02-85e4-4274-a70b-8e332a0640f7/tempImagevWZGb9.jpg Blog - Céad Míle Fáilte - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/863fafd6-3508-4ae3-8143-1952f9d4eede/tempImageHd0Mc5.jpg Blog - Céad Míle Fáilte - Make it stand out I may have been a little “off my game” after all the whiskey, because I willingly walked into this store and bought myself a pair of “work trousers.” Ever since we arrived in the UK (and now in Ireland) I’ve been seeing workers wearing these pants (they say trousers) with tons of pockets. They are made by a Swedish company called Snickers Workwear and I’ve never seen anything like them in the USA. While I was buying mine, we heard another American come in looking for the pants, saying he had never seen them in the US either! Hilarious. It’s going to catch on and I can say I was out in front of the trend! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/72767333-98ee-4606-9c20-88d64c6e35cd/tempImagefml46a.jpg Blog - Céad Míle Fáilte - Make it stand out The Millennium Bridge in Dublin…not exactly on par with London’s version. I wonder who built their’s first https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/282aac2b-c25e-4b78-8336-1a4eba1eb269/tempImageZTGoNu.jpg Blog - Céad Míle Fáilte - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7f297e5e-6f7e-4d32-a285-b7d7e0de7f63/tempImageeKWa2v.jpg Blog - Céad Míle Fáilte - Make it stand out A monument placed by the government of Canada on North Walk. It reads, “In memory of the victims of the Great Famine, and for their descendants who have done so much to build Canada.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5c2648e6-bdf7-43b5-9e7b-d8d6149b7cb5/tempImagedocs3o.jpg Blog - Céad Míle Fáilte - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/52dc980e-e711-4757-b410-7e379ad2e692/tempImage0dI0Tm.jpg Blog - Céad Míle Fáilte - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/307755a6-62ff-4462-b447-7f2bc47d18e5/tempImagep0I9jX.jpg Blog - Céad Míle Fáilte - Make it stand out Samuel Beckett Bridge (aka the harp bridge). The unusual building on the left is the The Convention Centre Dublin, probably shaped like a cask if I had to guess. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/32526a79-5d12-4f19-a92b-5ab028083674/tempImageVoixPS.jpg Blog - Céad Míle Fáilte - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f3062ccd-04ff-4927-b05c-9594c61b7160/tempImagez9NuU8.jpg Blog - Céad Míle Fáilte - Make it stand out Looking through the bridge toward Port Dublin. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a2f84f87-86a2-451a-8a04-d669533055e5/tempImageEaft4e.jpg Blog - Céad Míle Fáilte - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ed37a5d5-eaf3-4932-9056-8e88036dba98/tempImageJUiN5J.jpg Blog - Céad Míle Fáilte - Make it stand out Thank you Dublin; it has been a blast! Tomorrow we head for Limerick. Here is a quick video of our Dublin apartment: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RTp9vo_H6hM https://www.overthehillandacrossthepond.com/blog/tenbury-wells monthly 0.5 2023-11-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/fe91f8cd-0b33-472f-b914-9ed3354dc093/tempImage5hwizV.jpg Blog - Tenbury Wells - Make it stand out This is a dream property! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/186bc81e-08b1-44ae-bd7e-f4ba045de466/tempImagekehNYp.jpg Blog - Tenbury Wells - Make it stand out Entrance to our studio, decked out with a flying duck weather vain. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b156065e-daa0-481c-8a05-433168ab87c6/tempImageubasjb.jpg Blog - Tenbury Wells - Make it stand out The Coach House and the owner’s two homes beyond. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/63a51ffc-313c-40f0-a2bb-d06e9db1b359/tempImage4Hv7Pu.jpg Blog - Tenbury Wells - Make it stand out The old coach house doors under our studio apartment, along with our zippy hybrid Hyundai Ionic. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0b54012d-0bdc-43f3-a219-8e18593ade32/tempImageoypBTX.jpg Blog - Tenbury Wells - Make it stand out Walking the creekside trail near the house. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/31df794e-3d04-4176-94cd-eb806c48bd0c/tempImageNLLGtu.jpg Blog - Tenbury Wells - Make it stand out Young siblings basking in the sun. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/bd870248-7789-4d48-952d-4cc62b204efe/tempImageuha66q.jpg Blog - Tenbury Wells - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6c1609cb-14c0-4268-af9b-4ec70ad277e6/tempImage7NQ6MG.jpg Blog - Tenbury Wells - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/69a4943f-ec8c-498c-8d78-a668713894bf/tempImageDKa39i.jpg Blog - Tenbury Wells - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e4d05d20-c8aa-492e-ba47-46cabafb162b/tempImagetQIBFC.jpg Blog - Tenbury Wells - Make it stand out Pond complete with duck house in the back garden. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0f05a67f-a630-4bdc-8506-4274033407af/tempImageLmB654.jpg Blog - Tenbury Wells - Make it stand out Tree swing https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/08cac802-320f-434e-97e6-3444a1cbafd8/tempImageir1oy2.jpg Blog - Tenbury Wells - Make it stand out The owner lives in the house on the right, which is a genuine 16th century Tudor manor house—amazing! We don’t know any background on the brick house built beside it. They have their own ha-ha wall, which is pretty cool. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/976d59f1-8b92-494d-8375-4ee27b99914d/tempImage5IA81j.jpg Blog - Tenbury Wells - Make it stand out The home’s original drawing well. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0949b9db-c0f8-4740-a713-2d7b49b3ed0b/tempImagedCKbLJ.jpg Blog - Tenbury Wells - Make it stand out How fairytaleland is this garden cottage, complete with small couch and wood-burning fireplace? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/43df57e2-06ac-4c8f-aeba-630e43478d95/tempImagemDuQSy.jpg Blog - Tenbury Wells - Make it stand out Or how about this summer room with outdoor oven? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/69521094-661f-4a85-bb06-8591309138f6/tempImageZUXWXx.jpg Blog - Tenbury Wells - Make it stand out Mr Cool https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e21ecf3a-a3d8-49be-9d3c-da4ea145cd91/tempImagepgYtGL.jpg Blog - Tenbury Wells - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f6abb602-1825-4bdd-b19a-6a59d9463ee6/tempImagea1ZL9k.jpg Blog - Tenbury Wells - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3a9f62b7-77d2-42de-b43f-d05c5cabe75f/tempImage4xg7Ly.jpg Blog - Tenbury Wells - Make it stand out We didn’t ask the owner to confirm, but Pearl French guinea fowl such as this gal here are often purchased and allowed to roam free on property because they do a great job of pest control—including keeping tick, mouse, small rat, and snake populations under control. They are also known to amuse themselves for hours staring at their own reflections. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/14ce28e6-a1ac-4eac-a87c-52d6134139b5/tempImageIssHNy.jpg Blog - Tenbury Wells - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/12fdfcbb-7f13-4f54-813a-673170bb5a43/tempImageVUXAe2.jpg Blog - Tenbury Wells - Make it stand out Here is a video tour of the Coach House: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oqOrCDsIf8A https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/846db5ff-bab1-4c14-8130-7d407d323e7d/tempImageJeawoc.jpg Blog - Tenbury Wells - Make it stand out The Coach House was certainly our most idyllic stay thus far on our trip, and a wonderful respite. ☘️ And Now We Journey to Ireland https://www.overthehillandacrossthepond.com/blog/harvingt monthly 0.5 2023-11-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a75ac16d-41c6-46be-9ccb-b6b44947e910/tempImagepJXNNe.jpg Blog - Worcester & Harvington - Make it stand out The Gate House. There was an earlier medieval house at Charlecote Park, but the present house was built in 1558 by Thomas Lucy and his bride Joyce Acton, a Worcestershire heiress. They married when he was 14 and she aged 12. The house has been home to the Lucy family for nine centuries, including its present-day residents. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/476518bf-5be5-4324-a40d-dcf5e8b97bfb/tempImagezkvAaN.jpg Blog - Worcester & Harvington - Make it stand out The Tudor (1485 and 1603) Great Hall, which includes a bust of William Shakespeare, a reference to the legend that as a young man he was caught poaching in Charlecote Park. The story is improbable, but there is evidence in two plays that Shakespeare knew Sir Thomas and had little liking for him, mocking him as the character Justice Shallow. Belief that Charlecote’s Shakespearian links would attract visitors motivated the National Trust to acquire the property in 1945. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/11b28acc-48b4-40c2-998d-52c3ddff8be6/tempImageeAPGZ3.jpg Blog - Worcester & Harvington - Make it stand out The Great Hall ceiling planks are in fact plaster made to look like wood. The red is the Tudor Rose. Not sure about the white roses; they are not the White Rose of York and definitely not the Red Rose of Lancaster. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9b163972-e004-43da-b805-c41b707c1688/tempImagesHpOrW.jpg Blog - Worcester & Harvington - Make it stand out Imported Italian marble tiles containing fossils. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/03a09f6e-e89e-4587-9add-960163f7c2ea/tempImagekj5IzF.jpg Blog - Worcester & Harvington - Make it stand out Just a few of the many elaborate carvings on this wooden buffet table in the dining room, all in celebration of food in all its bounty. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/864da2fa-2e00-44ea-9e7a-75327446a692/tempImageFJi1dg.jpg Blog - Worcester & Harvington - Make it stand out Many of the “Downstairs” bells. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/78f9eb35-5a25-4d2d-aad1-94aebe119ba8/tempImagetG2oq0.jpg Blog - Worcester & Harvington - Make it stand out Think your annual salary is insufficient? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/783cd2ea-56d6-4c97-97eb-d2a764244b45/tempImage7Y9iFz.jpg Blog - Worcester & Harvington - Make it stand out Charlecote Park has a well-preserved Victorian laundry (sorry, no pictures of the huge laundry vats…only hanging clothes ). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5e28e1e3-d64e-418d-ae27-1f271dcd0b91/tempImagex6Odq6.jpg Blog - Worcester & Harvington - Make it stand out The brewhouse, next to the laundry. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f1925b8d-5b00-4f3b-a396-6aaf745f2475/tempImageMHgSyZ.jpg Blog - Worcester & Harvington - Make it stand out More of the amazing brewhouse interior. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/32709472-14b9-42f9-86c9-d9193c99ed0b/tempImagejyAMeS.jpg Blog - Worcester & Harvington - Make it stand out The grounds include an informally landscaped parkland nestled between two rivers. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3313c4d4-e3d0-4e38-8d6a-53019e892514/tempImage20t9Hw.jpg Blog - Worcester & Harvington - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ad678276-1283-4474-a0f2-ef03ba28d7bf/tempImageWj263T.jpg Blog - Worcester & Harvington - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/601fe5d0-7b92-4a43-a8fb-273c46fbc122/tempImageNqYBWI.jpg Blog - Worcester & Harvington - Make it stand out The parkland has many free roaming deer and sheep. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a4d526ba-26ec-42a0-b7ae-1cddfe8245fa/tempImage8XLQDy.jpg Blog - Worcester & Harvington - Make it stand out On Thursday (Apr 13), we bid farewell to Twine Cottage in Chipping Campden. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e6a4b2e5-c635-46cc-9d64-a2c4a0ba5bd8/tempImagez60AqM.jpg Blog - Worcester & Harvington - Make it stand out A beautiful, warm, sunny day! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9bace44c-1cb9-4537-b95f-6323f8eb1dba/tempImage0nFHxL.jpg Blog - Worcester & Harvington - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c40617e2-d109-4c46-86ac-21a84283b693/tempImage9pn0C0.jpg Blog - Worcester & Harvington - Make it stand out As we leave the beautiful Cotswolds with all its gorgeous thatched cottages, the first half of our journey through England is nearing its ends. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/21e4424f-ded2-440e-9854-53a02037fe39/tempImage8VG2bP.jpg Blog - Worcester & Harvington - Make it stand out You would think that by now we’d be burned out on cathedrals, which is quite frankly what we fully expected today, but once you enter—you simply cannot resist the silent majesty of these structures. They were built in devotion to God and the fervency of the builders is evident from the smallest detail up through the sheer magnitude of the space. It captivates you every time! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5bb5446c-1d48-498c-8e6e-5964f51e21ea/tempImageE2dqWl.jpg Blog - Worcester & Harvington - Make it stand out The Great West Window. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c94428d0-e107-45a0-aac5-9ab5c7382a81/tempImageJIHWNe.jpg Blog - Worcester & Harvington - Make it stand out At the west end of the South Aisle is probably the largest baptismal font we’ve ever seen. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c21691a0-4baf-4d87-a678-9b4aa3f3f873/tempImageLLLZyL.jpg Blog - Worcester & Harvington - Make it stand out The climbing spire, I imagine, represents the soul of the baptized ascending to heaven. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/232b5735-7390-418c-9613-a5201e62e9c9/tempImagevRzU82.jpg Blog - Worcester & Harvington - Make it stand out The actual font is behind articulating doors. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/de6e88b6-949c-4bf0-8819-bbca8b3a00f2/tempImagefR7Smx.jpg Blog - Worcester & Harvington - Make it stand out Such detail. Not sure who’s face this is, but little doubt it was someone specific. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6fb34ede-2c3b-4d2d-885a-94807cf81313/tempImagecZyy2z.jpg Blog - Worcester & Harvington - Make it stand out Columns often appear to be held up on the backs of carved figures. The faces on such “lesser” carvings are sometimes those of the builders. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/962fa020-e198-4886-bb90-42816ba0722a/tempImagevGRkQT.jpg Blog - Worcester & Harvington - Make it stand out Worcester Cathedral has been described as possibly the most interesting of all England’s cathedrals, especially architecturally. The first cathedral was founded in 680. Saint Oswald built a later cathedral in 983, and established a monastery attached to it. Saint Wulfstan began the present building in 1084. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1a9a1cfe-92f2-4243-a365-48a46b163cf6/tempImage4JJFZL.jpg Blog - Worcester & Harvington - Make it stand out The very unusual ceiling of the Nave, with individual bricks clearly discernible. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6d0d62e1-ec2a-4877-98da-26d8e3ff66b7/tempImageF2Mh8W.jpg Blog - Worcester & Harvington - Make it stand out Off the North Aisle is the Jesus Chapel. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/84ff8a4d-18b8-4932-990d-9e0f4e8ee1b2/tempImageYQMeyh.jpg Blog - Worcester & Harvington - Make it stand out I’m always impressed when artists can accurately depict flowing fabric. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/abfe9c10-5064-4250-a8d3-7d172953f1e0/tempImage75UBUW.jpg Blog - Worcester & Harvington - Make it stand out You can see emotion on the face of Jesus’ disciple behind him and the image actually uses perspective. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/334a072e-265d-4e92-8f9f-737b81bdec9c/tempImageIr2zJx.jpg Blog - Worcester & Harvington - Make it stand out The detailed stone and wood screen between the Nave and Presbytery Choir. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/76a18a02-1c31-42a4-8d9a-44a31abbcacf/tempImagehsNKX1.jpg Blog - Worcester & Harvington - Make it stand out The massive organ fills the South Transept. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/76c8c57d-2959-4d67-9216-efdf5520fadf/tempImage1b3PWS.jpg Blog - Worcester & Harvington - Make it stand out In the distance is the brick ceiling on the Nave. The ceiling over the Presbytery Choir changes to these hand-painted frescos. Note also the gorgeous organ pipes topped with golden angels. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/dc883386-5a5d-4171-94a2-e9aef3021d78/tempImagedNh0ie.jpg Blog - Worcester & Harvington - Make it stand out A gorgeous wooden carving of Moses and the Ten Commandments in the Presbytery Choir. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4837e1a5-b7c8-4967-83a1-be24dc75b59d/tempImageBL4vLP.jpg Blog - Worcester & Harvington - Make it stand out Its hard to imagine how you achieve such symmetry while painting by hand. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/80ddec36-b144-4992-a38d-deb6291a19e0/tempImage7BoQ6j.jpg Blog - Worcester & Harvington - Make it stand out Vault detail. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/17ba8a5e-b58e-4b5c-ba76-373774d6f29d/tempImageK6tGlS.jpg Blog - Worcester & Harvington - Make it stand out The High Altar and the Great East Window beyond. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/837a4611-b6c4-4dfa-ad11-d618a0a2a2f5/tempImageIbf8Ua.jpg Blog - Worcester & Harvington - Make it stand out The ceiling above the High Altar. It would probably take someone who knew what they were talking about hours to explain the the symbolism of this ceiling section. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/11f4ac74-11ff-4e85-ba48-70f66d541487/tempImagei1KgTU.jpg Blog - Worcester & Harvington - Make it stand out The reverse of the High Alter, as seen from The Lady Chapel at the far east end of the cathedral. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d7d26a3f-f888-4faa-a2e3-8a0699f2c111/tempImageOkKLQt.jpg Blog - Worcester & Harvington - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d37e3eae-60bd-4733-91a1-45dc802f2141/tempImage1PFLzB.jpg Blog - Worcester & Harvington - Make it stand out The Great East Window above The Lady Chapel is more than simply the stunning stained glass you expect at the east end of a Christian cathedral; at Worcester, the architecture surrounding the windows is equally dazzling. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d9cef855-ce02-4333-8c51-f0b595de49e2/tempImageXyWHo4.jpg Blog - Worcester & Harvington - Make it stand out Worcester Cathedral’s most famous (infamous?) resident is undoubtedly King John. The tomb of King John rests rather prominently in the Presbytery Choir, his recumbent effigy facing the High Alter. John reined from 1199 until his death in 1216. His continuous demands for money and his failed invasion in Normandy in 1209 contributed to the English nobles uniting against him. As part of the negotiations to avert civil war, John agreed to the provisions contained in Magna Carta, which was signed at Runnymede on June 15, 1215. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/437a03c8-9019-4dda-8169-faad2d026a1e/tempImageBp5XLv.jpg Blog - Worcester & Harvington - Make it stand out The legend of Robin Hood rose out of the chaos of the reign of King John of England and John’s persistent raising of taxes. Upon the death of Henry II in 1189, his third son, Richard who would be known as the Lionheart, awarded lands to his brother John (who became king upon Richard’s death), including those of Sherwood Forest. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/28c23be2-bc9a-4154-9a3b-4953c529d4f4/7a7e04df03425cfd-600x338.jpg Blog - Worcester & Harvington - Make it stand out Disney chose to depict King John as a crybaby who can't handle criticism, with a tendency to suck his thumb when stressed. His wore an oversized ceremonial robe and his crown was too big for his head. Perhaps the movie was an insightful satire of the insecurity and cowardice that drives the ruthless. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/db044c85-f371-4961-b548-79a14b6955a9/tempImageFNEfxl.jpg Blog - Worcester & Harvington - Make it stand out King John is not the only famous resident however. Arthur, Prince of Wales, was the eldest son of Henry VII and Elizabeth of York. At the age of just 15 he was married to Catherine of Aragon and the young pair were sent to Ludlow Castle to learn the life of court as part of their training to rule. Less than 5 months after their marriage, Arthur died in 1502. Had Arthur lived he would have succeeded his father as King of England. Instead, his younger brother Henry, ascended to the throne in 1509—and we all know the changes that took place in England and in the church during Henry VIll's reign! Imagine how vastly different England might have looked if Arthur had ascended to the throne instead of Henry. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/71927126-353a-41c4-bf15-86da6b665915/tempImage4Fd5SU.jpg Blog - Worcester & Harvington - Make it stand out Arthur's tomb is enclosed by a chantry chapel built by masons from Westminster Abbey, where they were working on a chapel for King Henry VII at the time of Arthur’s sudden death. In this chantry, priests offered Mass for the repose of Prince Arthur's soul. When Queen Elizabeth I, Arthur's niece, visited Worcester in 1575, she viewed the tomb of King John and the chapel and tomb of her Uncle. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2abf7e04-74e4-426d-ac68-865c9a791f09/tempImageZh8nyE.jpg Blog - Worcester & Harvington - Make it stand out As part of the reformation, when the Church in England separated from the Catholic church in Rome, the figures above the small altar were defaced during the reign of Edward VI (1547-1553), son of Henry VIll and Jane Seymour. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1c6cdda5-22f4-41d8-8228-4e4aa10a766c/tempImageis8cDW.jpg Blog - Worcester & Harvington - Make it stand out Interesting choice of gift from his brother and nephew. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c6105132-6876-46d6-9d6f-5813db03c99f/tempImageFmMGPh.jpg Blog - Worcester & Harvington - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5c7db453-c45e-48ef-bdf2-e05235d9df47/tempImage7w5JSc.jpg Blog - Worcester & Harvington - Make it stand out Chapel in the crypt. St Wulfstan's Crypt was begun in 1084. There is evidence that some Saxon material from an earlier building was reused. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/01f52918-c0b1-44fa-8b5d-129dbb81afed/tempImagelcEnXo.jpg Blog - Worcester & Harvington - Make it stand out Alpha and Omega https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3cc9c0da-3574-4d0e-b827-3e519424ee07/tempImageKxkjHd.jpg Blog - Worcester & Harvington - Make it stand out The amazingly ornate pulpit. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/27e2fc7d-f38d-440e-a3e9-43e9dbf7ff87/tempImageQO1zWf.jpg Blog - Worcester & Harvington - Make it stand out Such artistry and craftsmanship! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1f739cc0-efd1-4b43-8a9c-67ffe2fb9eec/tempImageHIBXsg.jpg Blog - Worcester & Harvington - Make it stand out The detail is simply wonderful. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b0503f35-2cd3-43db-8465-9f83c9300b01/tempImageIuvMCr.jpg Blog - Worcester & Harvington - Make it stand out Carved angels and winged beasts surround Mary and the Christ child in one vault of the Cloister ceiling. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/fed03c9e-5005-4391-9f8f-56c29c00547c/tempImaget4q56K.jpg Blog - Worcester & Harvington - Make it stand out Worcester Cathedral boasts a 12th century Chapter House, thought to be the first round Chapter House in the world. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4c2168cc-3361-46e3-857d-da5b1590065e/tempImagePlrwuZ.jpg Blog - Worcester & Harvington - Make it stand out Harvington Hall reveals in a profound way how English Catholics lived in terror during the second half of Elizabeth I's reign. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/006fe43b-7c63-4185-9667-24725e20fecd/tempImageGm46KL.jpg Blog - Worcester & Harvington - Make it stand out The bridge over the moat, leading to the gatehouse. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b7bd2440-da05-4b1f-85d3-8bc075e76a8f/tempImagexZsa1S.jpg Blog - Worcester & Harvington - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/578b4e99-3887-4384-a3f2-952b06600a85/tempImage8ysfGC.jpg Blog - Worcester & Harvington - Make it stand out The inner courtyard. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/77a30402-d85b-4385-9acf-9c8547be678f/tempImage8CsW1G.jpg Blog - Worcester & Harvington - Make it stand out The old malt house. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9b4245a2-6baf-4901-8ecd-07558c5dae6f/tempImageUlmYQ8.jpg Blog - Worcester & Harvington - Make it stand out Inside the kitchen is the original well. When built it was outside; however, as the building grew, the well eventually found itself inside the kitchen’s walls…rather fortuitous really. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5e1c8b79-d5ae-4e6e-a67d-eba29b71b7ce/tempImageyZA1X6.jpg Blog - Worcester & Harvington - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/fd0b573d-328f-4097-b9e9-e3c00fa97f91/tempImage4MWO6P.jpg Blog - Worcester & Harvington - Make it stand out The bread oven. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1b92e2e8-6121-4e61-872c-305d3188d460/tempImageOOaou9.jpg Blog - Worcester & Harvington - Make it stand out This was a privy we saw on the tour and not the actual one covering the hide; however, it allows you to imagine the floorboards in front of the seat that would have been removed to lower the priest into the hide above the bread oven (below). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/56739d13-a770-4783-be70-aecc2b507156/tempImageH5Mmh3.jpg Blog - Worcester & Harvington - Make it stand out The inside of the hide. Here’s a video tour of the bread oven hide: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4D8pSSdWUKE https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4c483498-4289-4958-806a-880db0cc710e/tempImageflvyNT.jpg Blog - Worcester & Harvington - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b46f55c5-8eb0-4930-aa71-95c6ca6652cb/tempImagerStIKN.jpg Blog - Worcester & Harvington - Make it stand out Withdrawing Room—The door to the left of the fireplace opens to a passage over the gatehouse leading to the North Wing. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/796584d8-5215-4bd2-bce3-3dfd9406c88b/tempImaged0zWlP.jpg Blog - Worcester & Harvington - Make it stand out A common meeting room, it was also positioned strategically at the front of the house where the owners could remain on high alert to anyone approaching the house. One thing Recusant Catholics needed was time before they heard the demand, “Let us in, in the name of the Queen!” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2609dd54-c797-4e07-906e-95b308c36ea3/tempImageqS6z0z.jpg Blog - Worcester & Harvington - Make it stand out Living in a moated house, the Withdrawing Room had the best vantage of the only way into the house.. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4973f510-a402-4cbc-8bbf-c37e600a41be/tempImaget9fKC7.jpg Blog - Worcester & Harvington - Make it stand out Opening the door to the left of the fireplace reveals a modern trapdoor in the floor, covering a hiding place made in the thickness of the stonework. This commonly found, simple type of priest hide is believed to be early in their construction. This makes the survival of its original hide ladder (below) particularly rare, especially as it is one of only three surviving examples in the country. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/cdcb2346-a15d-4282-a791-7c318d915950/tempImagearj4CJ.jpg Blog - Worcester & Harvington - Make it stand out The surviving original ladder. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d38f3da0-158f-4899-9179-b6e395caa68c/tempImagexRZyD4.jpg Blog - Worcester & Harvington - Make it stand out Looking through the floorboards to reveal the hide. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/26504b75-8faa-4230-b970-48e35b59687e/tempImageufLb6N.jpg Blog - Worcester & Harvington - Make it stand out Inside the hide. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/88089a83-946f-48d3-bece-37aeed082437/tempImage06MqhZ.jpg Blog - Worcester & Harvington - Make it stand out This is a far more sophisticated hide then the first two and was believed to have been built by Nicholas Owen. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a38daaa3-6e0d-4496-b4fc-943d72372a0a/tempImagezQdfzt.jpg Blog - Worcester & Harvington - Make it stand out This shelf would have in fact appeared as a cabinet with doors. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/82e9b4e6-82c3-4f9b-a386-98a454a37e39/tempImageTRjN1w.jpg Blog - Worcester & Harvington - Make it stand out Only by climbing inside the cupboard and pressing on what appeared to be a beam could you reveal the entrance. Even if a priest hunter had become curious enough to climb inside the cupboard and inspect the interior, there was a latch that could be secured from inside the hide, so the beam would have not budged. Remember a priest hunter would have only had a single candle by which to search. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/dd80f6bd-8189-4540-8904-1dfa1cb66112/tempImagevrHMEt.jpg Blog - Worcester & Harvington - Make it stand out Our volunteer climbs out of the hide. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8b365372-6c29-438b-b101-a6ebea1e610a/tempImagecsNPaO.jpg Blog - Worcester & Harvington - Make it stand out Inside the hide looking toward the opening. Here’s a video tour of the library hide: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JKVgNr3Keyg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/439f8fbb-dea1-43c7-b9ef-939ee551eae0/tempImageBups94.jpg Blog - Worcester & Harvington - Make it stand out What appeared to be a bedroom, actually served as a secret Chapel from around 1590 until the Georgian Chapel in the garden was opened in 1793. The walls are decorated with a design of vines, lilies, and pomegranates painted during the second half of the 17th century. A common chest of drawers would have been set in the corner across from the bed. Under the chest of drawers, two floorboards concealed a "secret corner" or "vestment hide" which would have been used for hide vestments, altar linen, and other ceremonial adornments. During Mass, the chest of drawers was covered with linens to covert it into an altar. There is evidence of hinge and bolt markings in the room’s door frame, suggesting there was a way into the roof space at this point—should a priest need to disappear suddenly. Being on the top floor, the time taken to reach the Chapel would help facilitate a disappearance. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/693fcc3f-c74c-444e-a666-0ea4cefcad33/tempImage6krBp4.jpg Blog - Worcester & Harvington - Make it stand out Our guide uses a more modern device to open the vestment hide that would have been hidden under the chest of drawers. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3e79fe0f-aad4-47bb-aa47-b0cd22c36dbf/tempImagecOMcvz.jpg Blog - Worcester & Harvington - Make it stand out The vestment hide. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3bbe7f18-cf54-4354-b759-4e7051ea0f56/tempImageandCfA.jpg Blog - Worcester & Harvington - Make it stand out Some recovered items: A 17th century wooden rosary found under a floorboard. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ca33dd2f-2dcd-4823-945f-e44e1c208eb4/tempImageulwwms.jpg Blog - Worcester & Harvington - Make it stand out At casual glance, this appears to be an ordinary bottle. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/31b09239-20e2-452a-91ee-b2bbba4d63b9/tempImagex9xRaT.jpg Blog - Worcester & Harvington - Make it stand out Once opened, there is a small Catholic altar. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c2dafc59-3d30-4f52-9311-844c71443ac9/tempImageuBYrJN.jpg Blog - Worcester & Harvington - Make it stand out Catholics were not permitted to celebrate Mass, but they were permitted to reflect on their beliefs and pray. The Small Chapel was at the top of the stairs and the first room priest hunters would encounter as they came upstairs. No doubt the room was used as a chapel; however, it had the added value of being a massive distraction (See what I did there? Mass…massive. Never mind! ). Seeing the obvious chapel, the hunters may have concluded this was all there was to see. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0da0ca53-fa45-442d-9b59-bb426b3f0698/tempImageZGw4Gh.jpg Blog - Worcester & Harvington - Make it stand out The night before Jesus Christ was crucified, he prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane. Luke, a physician, recorded that Jesus’ sweat was like drops of blood: “And being in agony, he prayed more earnestly. Then his sweat became like great drops of blood falling down to the ground.” The chapel’s walls are painted to depict The Passion. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/979761d5-d6e7-4844-933e-bd7bad9c5f12/tempImageInmNsJ.jpg Blog - Worcester & Harvington - Make it stand out inside this bedroom is one fireplace the owners never used for its apparent purpose. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a8951640-02ba-4d2e-8d9f-3c5525e9e171/tempImage62Okbi.jpg Blog - Worcester & Harvington - Make it stand out Rather than a chimney, it was actually an escape hatch into the attic space (which is, of course, lighted for purposes of the tour). The attic space contains several hides, but even if you made it into the attic, the entrance to the hide was still further obscured. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/db6c3d4f-4790-4a87-93d0-245ae25a0462/tempImagepeamN8.jpg Blog - Worcester & Harvington - Make it stand out The ceiling in this bedroom was raised to appear more grand inside, but this was also Owen’s clever design to conceal a massive hide above the room. Note the windows and the closed off windows. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a985e035-47a5-44a3-8d7c-3f1c3de532a6/tempImage6lrQDP.jpg Blog - Worcester & Harvington - Make it stand out Priest hunters would compare outside vs inside measurements to reveal possible inconsistencies. The room alteration is obvious from the Interior and exterior, but the modification was intentionally misleading to conceal the attic room. Because the closed windows are still visible inside the room, you would not see them when searching the attic. The winding attic was difficult to navigate and any priest hunter would encounter a wall as expected, all the while missing the fact that there was access above their heads into large spaces above the bedroom. Owen’s hides were genius! Here’s a video tour of the attic hide: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BSO0m5Hucr0 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f6156160-d82a-43fe-b970-518357f74246/tempImage2EiHYJ.jpg Blog - Worcester & Harvington - Make it stand out This is the staircase that Nicholas Owen worked on during the day, while concealing his secret work to build hides. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d82979d3-99cd-4c56-a094-86087cb6142c/tempImagem85gMf.jpg Blog - Worcester & Harvington - Make it stand out The design of the staircase was also intentionally done to create the apparent “need” for these few extra stairs. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6a1ad3e6-beb2-4927-a622-6076cf5ddd5a/tempImageXld0bJ.jpg Blog - Worcester & Harvington - Make it stand out Lifting the stairs revealed an incredibly ingenious hide that was virtually impossible to detect by searching for apparent structural voids. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/da3930aa-ef47-4dc2-bfc9-faa35cda1bb9/tempImage6Anzmi.jpg Blog - Worcester & Harvington - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9ac2ae39-02a2-4ba3-8e29-a97fa9127ca4/tempImage9TDZKJ.jpg Blog - Worcester & Harvington - Make it stand out The front of the hide contained some treasure designed to distract the finder from an additional hiding space that laid behind the back wall. The size of this hide is simply amazing. Here’s a video tour of the stairway hide: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_iGrauHFPO8 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5185a281-efe4-4d52-b727-a96d9a6482a4/tempImagewL3jzN.jpg Blog - Worcester & Harvington - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.overthehillandacrossthepond.com/blog/mano monthly 0.5 2023-11-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d57d1b60-d873-4770-8e08-cda654fd3a61/tempImage6MwVje.jpg Blog - Spring at Four Manors - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/bc5f450c-5968-4489-9988-ab45bb5a101a/tempImageDTx7mq.jpg Blog - Spring at Four Manors - Make it stand out Did you just find your head tilting left? Our photographer had a real eye for the level horizon. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8e7e570d-c3fd-4ec6-8b24-7d05a5cec1c7/tempImageQEnYQH.jpg Blog - Spring at Four Manors - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0a0e6631-6ca6-4d8b-8adb-0ed1bf124c46/tempImageloF5aS.jpg Blog - Spring at Four Manors - Make it stand out The crowning glory of Hanbury Hall is the magnificent painted staircase by Sir James Thornhill. The paintings were the main reason the National Trust acquired the property, as it made Hanbury Hall stand out among other grand houses in the area. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/01f811fc-6bbc-4c93-81db-eff693903034/tempImage5v69wo.jpg Blog - Spring at Four Manors - Make it stand out Sir James Thornhill is also the painter responsible for: https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d1fdf83e-fc5f-4bac-8f6b-5ae917ae829b/Greenwich.jpg Blog - Spring at Four Manors - Make it stand out The Painted Hall at the Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d96a2a5c-6a51-49d4-a913-9ff8f4f12c6e/St+Pauls.jpg Blog - Spring at Four Manors - Make it stand out The dome of St Paul’s Cathedral in London… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0028f73a-3471-487c-82ea-af5b25f2fbd5/Chatsworth.jpg Blog - Spring at Four Manors - Make it stand out The Sabine bedroom at Chatsworth House in the Peak District… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/61d6056c-25d9-4862-a14c-9c2222ff9398/Blenheim.jpg Blog - Spring at Four Manors - Make it stand out The ceiling of the Great Hall in Blenheim Palace, and… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9c3aa3e3-6f77-4ac0-9838-6845f0e56d80/Wimpole.jpg Blog - Spring at Four Manors - Make it stand out The chapel at Wimpole Hall in Cambridgeshire (among others). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2fe40497-93f9-4b79-a58f-12ebad298fc5/tempImageoM7gl9.jpg Blog - Spring at Four Manors - Make it stand out While the painting on the stairway is ostensibly about Achilles (from where we get the expression Achilles’ heel), it holds a less obvious political commentary in support of Vernon’s Whig party. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/12eeef57-6be2-46a2-980d-020f42f07f3f/tempImage2yBJyi.jpg Blog - Spring at Four Manors - Make it stand out The woman in green and gold is painted with the face of Queen Anne and the woman standing next to her has the face of Abigail Hill (the Tory), who is pointing toward Achilles in the center of the painting. (Queen Anne became pregnant 17 times, but only one child lived, William. Unfortunately he died aged 11. The boy behind the woman in the painting is allegedly an 11-year-old William.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c32d01dc-ceb6-4e0f-85cf-98cd2367df85/tempImageAs9FXr.jpg Blog - Spring at Four Manors - Make it stand out Based on ancient legend, Achilles' mother, knowing that her son would die if he fought in the Trojan War, disguised him as a woman and entrusted him to King Lycomedes' household, where he lived among the king's daughters. For this reason, it is common to see Achilles depicted as a woman. However, in this case, her face is that of Sarah Churchill, The Duchess of Marlbourgh. As a strong Whig supporter, Thomas Vernon wanted to show the Whig Sarah as the powerful warrior and the Tory Abigail Hill sidelined with Queen Anne. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/bfe4ca2d-1fb4-4cba-bbb2-af41d589767c/tempImagef9t6jO.jpg Blog - Spring at Four Manors - Make it stand out Also, the figure between the wall and the ceiling is holding a pamphlet bearing the face of Dr Henry Sacheverell. As a strong advocate for the union of Church and State, Sacheverell strongly agitated the Whig government. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/93c5e8eb-17d1-4bda-9009-4ce483e2cb4e/tempImageGdkw4R.jpg Blog - Spring at Four Manors - Make it stand out Here Sacheverell’s pamphlet is about to be set alight by The Furies, showing Thomas Vernon's dislike of the man. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3e6703dd-9783-404f-88da-6b42661e7f68/tempImagee7ceLx.jpg Blog - Spring at Four Manors - Make it stand out Finally, Thomas Vernon also held quite a grudge against his housekeeper Sarah Steele. Look closely at the angel at the far left and the section of white beyond his hand. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/dd89b133-29f0-4101-a094-6e71d6274ebc/tempImagezt2AX8.jpg Blog - Spring at Four Manors - Make it stand out Hidden there is the unflattering caricature of Hanbury's housekeeper Sarah Steele. She must have really upset him! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/cb1c4ec9-2a9c-4915-9287-8e1a6766fdc9/tempImagesMikKj.jpg Blog - Spring at Four Manors - Make it stand out Long before the days of electricity, lighting a candle could be risky business in the middle of the night. This little hole in the shutter allows just enough moonlight into the bedroom for those late night trips to the toilet. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/aa1f6716-2b4c-45b0-8d9c-8824b98734f1/tempImagemlsx26.jpg Blog - Spring at Four Manors - Make it stand out A mounting block, horse block, carriage stone, or in Scots a loupin'-on stane is an assistance for mounting and dismounting a horse. Mounting blocks were especially useful for women riding sidesaddle or pillion, that is “riding double,” allowing a horse to be mounted without a loss of modesty. They were also used to assist ladies and men into and out of carts—which is probably the primary use here at the manor’s front door. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/95e9d351-293e-4688-bd65-600a2b98d095/tempImageJfvDAY.jpg Blog - Spring at Four Manors - Make it stand out Amanda stands in the middle of the manor’s wonderful sunken parterre. (A parterre is part of a formal garden constructed on level ground, consisting of symmetrical patterns, made up by plant beds, low hedges or colored gravels, which are separated and connected by paths. Typically, they are the part of the garden nearest the house.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/04ffe75b-65cc-426b-b0fa-17adfd00ac6f/tempImageZY59m2.jpg Blog - Spring at Four Manors - Make it stand out The parterre’s ribbon border was an explosion of bright color—hyacinths and other bulbs. As we entered the garden, the sweet scent of the hyacinths was unmistakable. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3b51e44b-30ec-4b73-8103-d3eae35944b0/tempImageSvrLPa.jpg Blog - Spring at Four Manors - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7ff6c997-fefa-42b5-806d-1db1f6e458bc/tempImagenVX07j.jpg Blog - Spring at Four Manors - Make it stand out Happy Easter! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a01ce28c-8b34-432b-9de0-324940fc74db/tempImage9ygbc4.jpg Blog - Spring at Four Manors - Make it stand out I absolutely love the many glorious cypress trees found on so many of these huge English estates. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/be4bc737-b9ab-458c-a61f-67291a076ae9/tempImage3usr2N.jpg Blog - Spring at Four Manors - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7de06bc1-e48a-41e1-a175-74971d1ffbb0/tempImagem7o7vR.jpg Blog - Spring at Four Manors - Make it stand out A ha-ha, also known as a sunk fence, blind fence, ditch and fence, deer wall, or foss, is a recessed landscape design element that creates a vertical barrier—keeping livestock away from the house—while preserving an uninterrupted view of the landscape from the house. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/210ed076-3f71-47cc-bc81-07b408c4ee7a/tempImagerWZ3KK.jpg Blog - Spring at Four Manors - Make it stand out Afterward we took a turn about the estate’s parklands. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/54f871a0-142a-4a14-8712-15e331f0716c/tempImageGvHU80.jpg Blog - Spring at Four Manors - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/93c598c2-2e29-4c2f-bd03-85cb5f7a2270/tempImageCmWyJE.jpg Blog - Spring at Four Manors - Make it stand out We stopped at Tesco on the way home…guess who else enjoyed the visit to Hanbury Hall today? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/569b5581-ae15-4daf-8a3c-4e776f444e0f/tempImage7BwJDf.jpg Blog - Spring at Four Manors - Make it stand out Of the houses we have visited lately, this was one of our favorites. Dwelling spaces here have been built, removed, and altered for over 1,000 years. The result is a crazy amalgam that is fascinating to walk through. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/eed802c7-4f13-4e69-80fa-899a51a0ad4f/tempImagei8Y9nn.jpg Blog - Spring at Four Manors - Make it stand out There may not be freakin’ sharks with freakin’ lasers on their heads, but the house does have this amazing moat! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/13e0cb68-9be1-4e2f-9955-dd70300ae3bd/tempImagePuld1y.jpg Blog - Spring at Four Manors - Make it stand out Such ambiance—there are echoes of everything from Anglo-Saxon and Norman, to Plantagenet and Tudor, to Stuart and Georgian! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/fa63374f-5bb9-4f28-aa89-5d0529d66b74/tempImagexsNaOm.jpg Blog - Spring at Four Manors - Make it stand out The original entrance was via a drawbridge! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5e772541-5b44-475d-9ab2-b8f9de44cfaa/tempImageugv07g.jpg Blog - Spring at Four Manors - Make it stand out The inner courtyard. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1df8d605-c122-4d0a-9020-79f914c7d88b/tempImageQouoMZ.jpg Blog - Spring at Four Manors - Make it stand out An angel carved into to a wooden wall beam. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ff900ad9-522b-42a2-a31b-c33bed0d964e/tempImagexMAlfv.jpg Blog - Spring at Four Manors - Make it stand out A narwhal tusk given to then-owner William de Ferrers, possibly in 1233, by King Philip IlI of France, as his family crest included a unicorn horn. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2edb4d1e-dbd2-4e9d-be87-3ec7b9994dd6/tempImagef5uy6Y.jpg Blog - Spring at Four Manors - Make it stand out A massive, ornate marble fireplace currently in the Great Hall on the ground floor. Impressively, the fireplace previously graced a room upstairs. In the 1530s it was fashionable to have the servants downstairs and the impressive spaces on the second floor. The fireplace was therefore initially installed upstairs. By the 1570s, the fashion was to have the private family spaces secluded upstairs and to greet guests in grand, ground floor spaces. And so the fireplace was “simply” moved downstairs! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b5ae75b1-3aaf-4e74-af61-67bcfc78c24f/tempImageX9m9vO.jpg Blog - Spring at Four Manors - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/da42fd05-b486-4d5d-9a1b-e74c39df4aae/tempImagexaC6KN.jpg Blog - Spring at Four Manors - Make it stand out The wood carvings on the fireplace are gorgeously detailed. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/75bb9b94-c5f3-4f33-9bee-25fc10b16ecf/tempImageo3Kclm.jpg Blog - Spring at Four Manors - Make it stand out A very Tudor staircase. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/24baba9f-493e-4d9d-956d-bf312915b9f8/tempImageFMx1Su.jpg Blog - Spring at Four Manors - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/78217ae1-da49-4988-80e2-12e0a9acdd6b/tempImagerqIBvV.jpg Blog - Spring at Four Manors - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7d5ac7a3-268c-49c3-848f-fad220163260/tempImagepSbqSe.jpg Blog - Spring at Four Manors - Make it stand out People were so much shorter back in the day. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1d64bb93-ddee-4440-8fcb-e5fe1a4ea03c/tempImagev4MGXJ.jpg Blog - Spring at Four Manors - Make it stand out The Parlour had a matching set of these leaded, mullioned windows at either end of the room. When you see how dark these old houses were, you can appreciate how amazing a room would be with such large windows on either side of the room. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9daaf223-124c-41d8-bb11-c0cc6e74cb76/tempImageLuwNnj.jpg Blog - Spring at Four Manors - Make it stand out Sisters Eleanor and Anne Vaux were renting the house and, as staunch Catholics, had several priest hides built. At the end of this hallway was the most elaborate priest hide. First, you have to imagine that the obvious section of separate floor on the right was then a stairway to the floor below, so there was only the narrow walkway to the left. At the end are doorways to bedrooms on the left and right. Where you now see the obvious trapdoor, imagine a “privy,” consisting of a bench with a hole cut for doing your business, a slanting “roof” over the privy, and a privacy curtain. It’s not hard to imagine the priest hunters not giving the privy a second look. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/acb4b0fd-cf93-46b3-885f-670cc51a3f8d/tempImage2SGnhu.jpg Blog - Spring at Four Manors - Make it stand out However, the privy seat could be opened, allowing the priests to be lowered into the bottom of the toilet. A very unpleasant prospect, until you consider the alternative was often being hanged, drawn, and quartered. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/07703de4-b78f-4897-a3db-dd4bea8a3d0f/tempImagevD6Uqo.jpg Blog - Spring at Four Manors - Make it stand out Today, the wall in the kitchen (below the privy) has been removed to reveal a view into the priest hide. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5f1a88bb-21f9-4584-9b4e-328890e959e3/tempImageXNfdrN.jpg Blog - Spring at Four Manors - Make it stand out Even if a priest hunter peered down into the privy, he would not have seen the secret side compartment (the ladder would obviously have been hidden inside the secret compartment). Ingenious. Disgusting. But ingenious. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ed1a932e-5b89-41de-b332-c157eefb80cb/tempImagewxwjiJ.jpg Blog - Spring at Four Manors - Make it stand out The interior of a second “priest hide” concealed behind an upper wall panel in the basement. There was another hide in the attic that was not open to the public for obvious reasons. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/fb05e494-6c03-4c3a-9101-7c42933248b1/tempImageLjZk35.jpg Blog - Spring at Four Manors - Make it stand out Once the rein of terror against Catholics ended, the family, who remained staunchly Catholic, took the bedroom to the right of the privy and converted it into this family chapel. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5eabf7fb-657c-49e1-adfe-9949c9127b0e/tempImage0BGTHR.jpg Blog - Spring at Four Manors - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3beb7c4e-e119-4381-91fb-97716d656bb5/tempImageoEzShy.jpg Blog - Spring at Four Manors - Make it stand out The necklace on this woman spells “D-E-A-R-E-S-T” in reverse: Topaz, Sapphire, Emerald, Ruby, Amethyst, Emerald, & Diamond. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/438c6a56-bc4f-41ce-989c-6c08c93b1a88/tempImage3fTlsw.jpg Blog - Spring at Four Manors - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d1916439-ea97-46b6-be02-24b4f8a6e5bf/tempImageeYeju9.jpg Blog - Spring at Four Manors - Make it stand out As if Baddesley Clinton wasn’t already one of the coolest places to visit—with a moat, a wonky blend of old architecture, and elaborate priest hides—add one more check into the “cool factor” list for this house. A former owner of Baddesley Clinton, Nicholas Brome, murdered two people during his life. Dispensation was sought from the Pope, and in 1496 he received a pardon; however, as a penance, he had to renovate the local church. Brome added the tower above (which cost £400…yeah, that was actually a lot), raised the church roof, and installed three new bells. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/81b35227-898f-48fb-bcb6-cab73471b02e/tempImageOw53ss.jpg Blog - Spring at Four Manors - Make it stand out However, Brome also directed that when he died he should be buried standing up in the entrance to the parish church, so that all who entered would tread over his head. His grave is still there today, under the doormat just inside the entrance to the church. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/064d7a36-de1e-4b72-8df1-0506675bcda3/tempImagez8com3.jpg Blog - Spring at Four Manors - Make it stand out The stone marking the place is quite stark, just giving his name and the year of his death. Such a crazy story, but there it is, right under your feet. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8e03437b-17e2-4984-9c0b-848e2d737960/tempImage8OvUDl.jpg Blog - Spring at Four Manors - Make it stand out Nothing of particular interest, just liked the shot. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4b1082b1-7705-4abd-b0c0-1fe2a5970df3/tempImageIEPnjQ.jpg Blog - Spring at Four Manors - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7cc489a1-c1ae-43e0-9dfc-e60893c01594/tempImagen0EeQ2.jpg Blog - Spring at Four Manors - Make it stand out Despite its appearance, this is a barn that was converted in recent years and was designed to display the large tapestry in a way that felt more authentic to the tapestry’s time. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/68c82bd0-164a-4178-8f24-112a84833349/tempImageq2TXBf.jpg Blog - Spring at Four Manors - Make it stand out One of the many wood carvings at the base of each rafter. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0361f645-7ebd-4fea-afb0-f570bbaff20b/tempImagew7E8e0.jpg Blog - Spring at Four Manors - Make it stand out This window was added to the barn to give it a much older aspect. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c595c5fb-ef11-45ca-bafb-7143cef5fcfb/tempImagegcogYk.jpg Blog - Spring at Four Manors - Make it stand out The Long Hall was created to display collection pieces. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f22f7551-0106-4594-895f-f9ff653d7a50/tempImage4Qgr7n.jpg Blog - Spring at Four Manors - Make it stand out This, Charles Paget Wade of Snowshill Manor, is how you display your collection! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/60565c8a-4db5-40b2-b68c-33b866309950/tempImageu3gfgf.jpg Blog - Spring at Four Manors - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d8af4f3c-7478-478e-add5-7dae24096757/tempImageccP8C9.jpg Blog - Spring at Four Manors - Make it stand out According to legend, the yew trees at Packwood represent the Sermon on the Mount and are over 350 years old. You walk up the center of the garden past the multitude of “figures” to reach the grand finale of Packwood’s formal garden: the spiral mount and its imposing Master Yew. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/518e99e0-c691-4e12-be0e-3a0ea603cfda/tempImage2PVBIM.jpg Blog - Spring at Four Manors - Make it stand out After following the spiral path up the mount—standing beside the Master Yew. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8a0924cd-371c-4e1b-8a7d-a69c2e2e23fd/tempImage8daF0s.jpg Blog - Spring at Four Manors - Make it stand out Never seen anything like these before! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e055ee02-173c-432d-a040-a941f0b08563/tempImagetOW8ve.jpg Blog - Spring at Four Manors - Make it stand out More gorgeous perfumed hyacinthus https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d3197c80-303c-48f7-b31d-ff29bd01bb45/tempImageUtRNIf.jpg Blog - Spring at Four Manors - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e06deadf-9d6c-4180-9393-2bf9d459d22b/tempImageXLLkZC.jpg Blog - Spring at Four Manors - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/05ccc62c-2008-4102-b909-f75bab0f0ca5/Guy+Fawkes.jpg Blog - Spring at Four Manors - Make it stand out Guy (Guido) Fawkes’s signature before and after his interrogation seems to show that he was indeed tortured; his writing hand seems to have been badly damaged. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e9e6b5e8-089a-43ce-9b6e-81a34c4c77c3/Guy+Fawkes+Mask.jpg Blog - Spring at Four Manors - Make it stand out Over 400 years later, Guy Fawkes’ image persists as a symbol of rebellion with protesters across the globe wearing masks of his stylised face. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e6a86dba-852a-4a9e-8343-e886c9e85573/tempImagepL007z.jpg Blog - Spring at Four Manors - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f55ec170-7a39-494f-863a-b185fbb64ced/tempImagePiTMCm.jpg Blog - Spring at Four Manors - Make it stand out Bess Throckmorton was rumored to carry around the embalmed head of Sir Walter Raleigh. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/11e2f340-fa91-4741-ae03-89b63e30db94/tempImageQgn1au.jpg Blog - Spring at Four Manors - Make it stand out The ceiling of the entrance hall. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7860bfdb-3f14-4fe1-a6f3-43cd1596a6bd/tempImage7K9ko8.jpg Blog - Spring at Four Manors - Make it stand out The second floor windows. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/71e911c9-a0fd-461c-b2bd-d4fe98414754/tempImagexJok4i.jpg Blog - Spring at Four Manors - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/fb69abda-6760-4382-af2b-374ae0455fb0/tempImage8NNNks.jpg Blog - Spring at Four Manors - Make it stand out The Throckmortons are staunch Catholics. They constructed a priest hide in the northeast turret in the late 16th century. It was squeezed below the floor level of the Tower Room and above the spiral staircase, which connected the ground and second floors. This priest hide cleverly comprises two compartments—one above another. The hope was that if the first/upper compartment was discovered by priest-hunters, then the second/lower might be overlooked. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8451a2b4-6ca8-4a1c-bb1c-0b49ad1b4369/tempImageAir2TW.jpg Blog - Spring at Four Manors - Make it stand out The upper lower companion was not discovered until 1910. When it was found, it contained a straw mattress, a rope ladder, a small piece of tapestry, and a folding altar made of leather. These may have been left here in October 1643, when Coughton was occupied by a Parliamentary garrison. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/28babc9c-a113-49cd-b358-13562df3712b/tempImageqDQrSs.jpg Blog - Spring at Four Manors - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c1498eba-196a-4af0-bd32-4a256eac3345/tempImage3ccTnx.jpg Blog - Spring at Four Manors - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0d8d9024-6767-463e-8096-e2d2f6811615/tempImageaVtIEo.jpg Blog - Spring at Four Manors - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/62349856-dc0f-4319-a435-e605affd125b/tempImagekafIDy.jpg Blog - Spring at Four Manors - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b8a3aff4-5eb8-4e0b-9343-0607cf38d10b/tempImage0nbVWx.jpg Blog - Spring at Four Manors - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/52701eb5-d9bf-4cb7-9e98-7097a6891195/tempImage6zjWqY.jpg Blog - Spring at Four Manors - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/827acdb5-fa46-41f2-aa1d-d4544372c63a/tempImageWdespG.jpg Blog - Spring at Four Manors - Make it stand out We find dimes in groceries stores and despite the fact that we find them as single dimes and in an absence of other coins, still you may say, we found them in a grocery store. The American dime in London was such an outlier and now this one—a random dime just sitting on the crushed stone path in front of Amanda’s feet! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1f11af67-fe5b-4095-a137-4d3fc1bd0acb/tempImageRd8a66.jpg Blog - Spring at Four Manors - Make it stand out Keith is still hanging out with us. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1b2678cd-6e5a-465d-a5cc-84e5a1076569/tempImage7zbciC.jpg Blog - Spring at Four Manors - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/367258d2-e881-4ec6-8bfd-aca500831ccb/tempImage1AWccO.jpg Blog - Spring at Four Manors - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d00a0d7c-32de-4abb-be6f-59fafb691be5/tempImagewIqQ4G.jpg Blog - Spring at Four Manors - Make it stand out There was a longstanding Protestant church on the Houghton property (of course). However, this Catholic church was built by the Throckmorton family in the 1850s once the practice of the faith was made legal. It is still owned and used bу the family today—Catholics through and through! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a9349d03-eaf3-4151-b70d-76ae2255e81f/tempImageXedKPU.jpg Blog - Spring at Four Manors - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/35d78a09-dd5b-416d-b01e-d1d058d64b6a/tempImagevv5GKY.jpg Blog - Spring at Four Manors - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.overthehillandacrossthepond.com/blog/twine-amp-hidcote monthly 0.5 2023-11-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d0fb48dd-d98a-4cc9-b36f-dfe56c7009b0/tempImageDL5q1G.jpg Blog - Twine & Two Gardens - Make it stand out One of the greatest frustrations of every vacationer is the inability to adequately capture majesty when you see it! If, as Joseph Cornell said that “Beauty should be shared for it enhances our joys,” then perhaps this is why we (collectively as vacationers) futility try to capture beauty when we see it—in the hopes that sharing it will enhance the joy we experience. Whether it transmits through this image or not, this tree gave me pause, its expansive shape and shade indelible. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3e4a556a-d7ed-402d-9102-d124ec89fb3c/tempImageAqJJbH.jpg Blog - Twine & Two Gardens - Make it stand out White flowers—striking amidst the green. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/edcf4406-22e3-41cd-84c6-a713df3de6e6/tempImageDOntHB.jpg Blog - Twine & Two Gardens - Make it stand out As thought the flowers were not beautiful enough, this butterfly landed and lent its colors too. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2b87bc8e-c485-42a8-b2a3-443eaf475749/tempImagekZFxXV.jpg Blog - Twine & Two Gardens - Make it stand out Tall box hedges with sculpted topiary yew birds frame the steps down to the Bathing Pool. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/17038097-0f8b-4269-a3ed-79e874259f7f/tempImagecLffIZ.jpg Blog - Twine & Two Gardens - Make it stand out A striking aspect of actually noticing spring unfold is the realization that gardens may be at their “peak” in summer, but seeing the garden in summer means you miss these incredible yellow flowers…and the sheer brilliance of the flowering magnolia tree (below). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e5609056-d019-43c4-a9a2-ad913e6ce6a6/tempImagePmdUQk.jpg Blog - Twine & Two Gardens - Make it stand out They may look fake from a distance, but the yellow flowers are real! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a2bc4009-39f5-43c6-b0a7-28caae0e97bb/tempImageuJuMLw.jpg Blog - Twine & Two Gardens - Make it stand out It’s difficult to do this tree justice as an image. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/181e9847-ed35-4c7b-9ad6-9606441f198b/tempImagelBF5ga.jpg Blog - Twine & Two Gardens - Make it stand out Every nook and cranny of the Hidcote Manor garden is beautiful in its own right, but the magnificent pink flowers of this giant magnolia tree simply beckon from every corner of the garden. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/570301d8-a94a-4294-b49e-a0a5956ba5de/tempImage1Q063e.jpg Blog - Twine & Two Gardens - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1a7d1433-aa44-49e3-9b80-bd463eeda1ce/tempImage6MloTq.jpg Blog - Twine & Two Gardens - Make it stand out The gigantic flowering tree is a sight to behold! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4af4dc07-a145-4798-8c0d-0e60fd6a84db/tempImagexW2yV2.jpg Blog - Twine & Two Gardens - Make it stand out On Friday we made the short drive to Snowshill Manor. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4f1b2c5e-01aa-46d5-bcce-912a413eb9d9/tempImageQvZFMX.jpg Blog - Twine & Two Gardens - Make it stand out In 1919, after service in France during World War I, Wade purchased the estate at Snowshill. He restored the manor house and then used it to house his collection, choosing to live in a small cottage in the garden. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f92c9ffb-9d8a-4af4-8ac0-880bac23f3f5/tempImagetS5xGw.jpg Blog - Twine & Two Gardens - Make it stand out The construction of the manor house itself was beautiful. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/98fac98a-5283-4028-aafd-02d72b5cb6af/tempImage3syzkQ.jpg Blog - Twine & Two Gardens - Make it stand out The real reasons to visit Snowshill are the outdoor spaces and the views of the surrounding countryside. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/998f30a9-2dab-4f7a-ab83-82a0fe362f93/tempImage1yoPsT.jpg Blog - Twine & Two Gardens - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/58db669b-f983-493c-bef0-4db8f5979f11/tempImage9jJRu7.jpg Blog - Twine & Two Gardens - Make it stand out A Green Man genuinely surrounded by green. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/13852841-ea0b-4d5c-8351-6e737465e942/tempImageRMt2AI.jpg Blog - Twine & Two Gardens - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/13524050-a305-4ed6-811e-c2af4c47e604/tempImageHPa9rU.jpg Blog - Twine & Two Gardens - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/333643c2-15ad-4500-ac34-bc7f9491a3d5/tempImageUC5zEL.jpg Blog - Twine & Two Gardens - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/17182c73-f7f4-45e3-b5eb-b13d44205f35/tempImagerLSZtJ.jpg Blog - Twine & Two Gardens - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4ef29936-854b-4b5f-a0ce-3b17edfe5e76/tempImageOk41TH.jpg Blog - Twine & Two Gardens - Make it stand out Is it just us or does this flower look like a demogorgon from Stranger Things? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c9881259-b1ce-4745-a62b-8d67675e4b5a/tempImagefrlwH1.jpg Blog - Twine & Two Gardens - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6a9d00d4-09d0-42fd-b37e-0eb9d3d8c17f/tempImageDwVfJj.jpg Blog - Twine & Two Gardens - Make it stand out To clear our minds from all the clutter at Snowshill Manor, we made the short drive to The Mount Inn in the village of Stanton. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d2dd8a77-021b-4280-be1b-4a5b509d8163/tempImage3t3hYA.jpg Blog - Twine & Two Gardens - Make it stand out To whet our appetite, we watched this kitty chow down on a mouse as we walked up to the pub. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ed70c1f3-824d-4338-822c-a82437c95b1b/tempImageh9n5SA.jpg Blog - Twine & Two Gardens - Make it stand out Ah, a couple Donnington 1843 Craft Lagers to wash down the mouse flavor. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d95c5299-7527-4674-8f6e-e3a8090f16c2/tempImageAJu0gK.jpg Blog - Twine & Two Gardens - Make it stand out Donnington Brewery is a local Cotswold’s brewery based in Stow-on-the-Wold. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3890ef92-1524-4e5d-9217-6b6179151952/tempImagerfNH29.jpg Blog - Twine & Two Gardens - Make it stand out What a view! What a day! The Cotswold’s Way passes over Stanton’s High Street, so we used the Inn as a launching point to walk a mile or so more of the Cotswold’s Way. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5d6754df-06b9-471b-afc5-6052a3f00dda/tempImageupfWGl.jpg Blog - Twine & Two Gardens - Make it stand out We often see dogs who have found a stick and proudly carry it around for all to admire. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/db542fb9-3a5f-4066-b4e6-c453589b6148/tempImageLunxMy.jpg Blog - Twine & Two Gardens - Make it stand out As we followed the Cotswold’s Way through Stanton, we encountered four thatched cottages proudly adorned with finials. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ef567e2d-83c2-4019-9591-601d7b0bdb72/tempImagetXNGiS.jpg Blog - Twine & Two Gardens - Make it stand out On thatched cottages, straw animal finials are either seen as silly adornments or the crowning glory of a roof. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/72b1c5b5-a325-4a41-b5a5-2c8698355ff5/tempImagexAAO6M.jpg Blog - Twine & Two Gardens - Make it stand out Two for one https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/eb97c8cd-0a0f-47f9-b7e2-067ecde3f168/tempImagepW1wgc.jpg Blog - Twine & Two Gardens - Make it stand out Bookends https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c05169b7-111f-45c8-9e34-05bf758dc3ce/tempImageJTBzUs.jpg Blog - Twine & Two Gardens - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1a8c5beb-6485-430d-9ea0-964983d2e02f/tempImage8IJaWP.jpg Blog - Twine & Two Gardens - Make it stand out As the Way leaves the High Street and enters fields again, we encounter this very friendly horse. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/27782054-036e-4074-8e7e-feb8d2da5d97/tempImage4l3BC3.jpg Blog - Twine & Two Gardens - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/80d61b47-e86c-4396-8da4-aa85bb3099bf/tempImageG5BKC2.jpg Blog - Twine & Two Gardens - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/47666cc1-2946-41f6-b014-a20ccaa89ff3/tempImagetqzwL5.jpg Blog - Twine & Two Gardens - Make it stand out The beautiful Jacobean Stanway House is only open in June, July, & August, but it’s on the Cotswold’s Way, so we used it as a turn around point for our walk. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/bff0f9bb-1001-4829-ad7f-941eb554dc1f/tempImage3iQmeZ.jpg Blog - Twine & Two Gardens - Make it stand out Besides the wonderful manor house, the property also boasts a restored and fully-operational watermill. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/cfc8b94b-025a-4d57-b952-69ff9ce882fe/tempImagexxmc38.jpg Blog - Twine & Two Gardens - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e62c2aa0-7e74-470a-b99f-6bb9fb812757/img-0033-1_orig.jpg Blog - Twine & Two Gardens - Make it stand out When the house is open there is a gravity-fed fountain that rises to over 300 feet from the center of this pool, making it the tallest fountain in Britain. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6345dd34-51f0-4fdc-9c46-e0b1d9313adb/tempImagebZrVQH.jpg Blog - Twine & Two Gardens - Make it stand out Still, so beautiful https://www.overthehillandacrossthepond.com/blog/a-hint-of-spring monthly 0.5 2023-11-03 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/acfd0715-a605-41ec-a508-c93f2c4d5dee/tempImageL2VK5z.jpg Blog - A Hint of Spring - Make it stand out The Cotswold Way travels over 102 miles between Chipping Campden and Bath. At one point we had envisioned incorporating the entire trail into our itinerary, but for a variety of reasons, decided against it. However, since we are staying at the trail’s northern terminus in Chipping Campden, we settled for walking a small portion today. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1252f44b-903a-4324-9c3a-a85e04aefcce/tempImage1g0Ae3.jpg Blog - A Hint of Spring - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b87903e3-188e-4fd1-bdb4-cd89ee3dee2c/tempImage4bvP1b.jpg Blog - A Hint of Spring - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b5c16504-eba9-428f-bd5c-ea17afa1bcf6/tempImage05UA06.jpg Blog - A Hint of Spring - Make it stand out This is the ancient Kitsgate Stone. Although very little seems to be know about it, it’s position and the hole through it suggest it may have been a “moot stone,” marking where ancient meetings were held. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7bf3cc5a-d76f-43f2-9e24-df8943f98f12/tempImagesfTCrX.jpg Blog - A Hint of Spring - Make it stand out Throughout the UK, the public has right of access to certain areas of land under the Countryside and Rights of Way (CROW) Act of 2000. This right is commonly known as the “right to roam” or “freedom to roam.” Because the public is frequently walking over otherwise private lands, and those lands often support livestock, people must climb over stiles or go through gates that are intended to control the movement of livestock. Interestingly, because they are for the benefit of the landowner and their livestock and not the public, the stiles and gates must be maintained by the property owner and not the government. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f739c512-2a67-4864-ba48-1b1241784612/tempImageC4QOWJ.jpg Blog - A Hint of Spring - Make it stand out Does anyone else see Teletubbies or perhaps the Windows XP wallpaper? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/515842ca-deb1-4bbf-a715-4b987df3ad73/tempImagem5kBWR.jpg Blog - A Hint of Spring - Make it stand out Counting sheep https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a0dbd43e-89a0-4f81-8ead-aef64716cb79/tempImageD85ghF.jpg Blog - A Hint of Spring - Make it stand out Broadway Tower, our destination, comes into view. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4caa4484-a4cc-4c59-a315-5dae593b687c/tempImageVyMe18.jpg Blog - A Hint of Spring - Make it stand out 4, 5, 6… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1fcbebd0-60f7-4ca3-9c5f-2f0c21448b4c/tempImage1kkkqA.jpg Blog - A Hint of Spring - Make it stand out Broadway Tower is an iconic landmark on top of a beautiful Cotswolds escarpment know as Beacon Hill, the second highest point in the Cotswolds. The hill was a natural place from which to send long-distance signals and was used for this purpose long before the tower was built, including warning of the arrival of the Spanish Armada in May 1588. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e51499d1-b026-4b3a-9152-5adda1e2b012/tempImageaDL16z.jpg Blog - A Hint of Spring - Make it stand out Broadway Tower was the brainchild of the great 18th century landscape designer Capability Brown. His vision was carried out for George William 6th Earl of Coventry with the help of renowned architect James Wyatt and completed in 1798. The location for the Tower was wisely chosen, a dramatic outlook on a pre-medieval trading route atop beacon hill. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/996e6981-55c5-47f6-9a70-bd3b8947abff/tempImaget1EmYh.jpg Blog - A Hint of Spring - Make it stand out James Wyatt designed his “Saxon Tower” as an eccentric amalgamation of architectural components ranging from turrets, battlements, gargoyles, and balconies. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5b0657a7-07b8-4bd9-9c1d-c6bfc9e28bb3/tempImageqVZeWF.jpg Blog - A Hint of Spring - Make it stand out April 2023 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c9d46611-dff1-449c-acee-ff3d2a07144e/IMG_0889.JPG Blog - A Hint of Spring - Make it stand out June 2015 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/853c7a4b-6d2e-4162-94d3-6eec53000e0f/tempImageBFvtfm.jpg Blog - A Hint of Spring - Make it stand out Oh Tea! We enjoyed the gorgeous afternoon outdoors with tea and a snack from the Morris and Brown café—so named after William Morris and Capability Brown. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/bd238d4d-5838-461c-8262-eeef5cdfc615/tempImage4bLbKa.jpg Blog - A Hint of Spring - Make it stand out Afterwards we headed back for home. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/213ce951-b300-4d2c-a0a4-6e44186588c7/tempImageqFvuHE.jpg Blog - A Hint of Spring - Make it stand out Chipping Campden comes back into view. Round trip we walked 8.14 miles. We may have only walked 4 of the 102 miles on the Cotswolds Way, but at least we can say we’ve walked some of the famous path. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0cc13d0d-480a-4d80-8f44-6a2109972e22/tempImagegcFkYm.jpg Blog - A Hint of Spring - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/987de22d-a253-4c78-9c0e-fc7a397d2707/tempImagehwmML3.jpg Blog - A Hint of Spring - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3fbac204-1fc8-4dad-84e8-72477b00c802/tempImagevAsq2U.jpg Blog - A Hint of Spring - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6028a00e-333e-4fbc-9398-0983f9082411/tempImagepMZrLi.jpg Blog - A Hint of Spring - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0039777a-6d61-46c2-b83d-48466042dffd/tempImagenEiyU8.jpg Blog - A Hint of Spring - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e4849a2e-fd4a-4d93-bce1-bfb45a0263c6/tempImagem3QpPe.jpg Blog - A Hint of Spring - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f6022c39-45fa-401a-b90d-98564085d9f0/tempImageG8wITe.jpg Blog - A Hint of Spring - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4d4e6489-4902-4c36-80db-0c1376ae4ae4/tempImage0T4WoT.jpg Blog - A Hint of Spring - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/285c7e41-3280-457a-9393-f637cd75cd24/tempImagesIfPni.jpg Blog - A Hint of Spring - Make it stand out Welcome, Spring! https://www.overthehillandacrossthepond.com/blog/g monthly 0.5 2023-11-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a2ee04fe-2e5d-48bb-bccd-a407380b24dc/tempImageWYHhvQ.jpg Blog - Ghosts of You - Make it stand out It was especially difficult to drive through the night in a drenching rain and return to the cottage we had shared and face the stairs they once climbed to their room—knowing they were gone. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b48650a0-7495-418b-8033-ac96493a3130/tempImageZ5V0cf.jpg Blog - Ghosts of You - Make it stand out With a full day left in our Bourton-on-the-Water cottage, we attempted to distract ourselves by visiting The Model Village. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/cf43cc87-c592-47a0-8459-a5be5b841027/tempImageV3Z4kc.jpg Blog - Ghosts of You - Make it stand out The Model Village in Bourton-on-the-Water represents the town in 1/9th scale, accurately reflecting life as it was in the 1930s. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/801b4bf4-af68-409e-a0df-2c9990d87d37/tempImageQajYeG.jpg Blog - Ghosts of You - Make it stand out Despite the impressive creation, both of us were too preoccupied to really appreciate our visit. In fact, after so many months of winter, I was more impressed by the sight of leaves and flowers retuning to the trees. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/36e0100f-9df0-446d-b555-d3c5603221e3/tempImage7YZDo8.jpg Blog - Ghosts of You - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3301d05b-0467-471c-a68b-c48657295b4c/tempImageGYnGmn.jpg Blog - Ghosts of You - Make it stand out Before we left our cottage, we did want to include a photo of the cupboard under the stairs—so very British, so very Harry Potter. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6ade6f7a-8030-48a8-b5af-53d29e068f8a/tempImage7qh4Tc.jpg Blog - Ghosts of You - Make it stand out That evening, as we headed out the door to get some dinner, we were greeted by this beautiful and encouraging sight. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4764dd47-0410-4f90-9416-b453cf8f0c89/tempImageiP8doD.jpg Blog - Ghosts of You - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/960cc544-e7ca-4894-b02c-f0a2cc902fcd/tempImageSQGkcE.jpg Blog - Ghosts of You - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a392ae8e-7a70-42a2-bd3f-ecc463dedd20/tempImageFDGcFj.jpg Blog - Ghosts of You - Make it stand out On this trip, as in life, we are learning that when things do not go as expected, often something unexpected and amazing is about to reveal itself—if you’re open. Upon arriving at the cathedral, a service was in progress and we were not allowed to enter; instead, they directed us around back to the cloisters. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/02d714f8-f63d-4920-a176-c1d2dd39d856/tempImageVpmw3x.jpg Blog - Ghosts of You - Make it stand out A cloister is a covered walk, usually in the shape of a square, commonly attached to the warm southern side of a cathedral. In the monastic tradition, the cloisters provided an architectural barrier from the outside world. While they are often beautifully designed, the fan vaulted ceilings at Gloucester are an architectural masterpiece. Unusually, these cloisters are also fully enclosed with stained glass windows. The visually dazzling hallways of the Gloucester cloisters are a popular filming location, seen in productions such as The Hollow Crown, Wolf Hall, Father Brown, Mary Queen of Scots, and The Spanish Princess. It also caught the eye of Harry Potter cinematographers, and this is where the grey of the past few days began to lift a bit—in the dawning realization that the cloister held more than expected, and adventure awaited in walking around, viewing YouTube clips, and identifying where scenes were filmed. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/acd613b7-e4ac-4386-8fde-6b93a5741447/tempImagerJ7Iz4.jpg Blog - Ghosts of You - Make it stand out This doorway was used as the entrance to the Gryffindor Common Room, shortly after Hermione, Ron, & Harry are sorted into their houses in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6c4a640d-8833-4f9c-9f16-2c11a175e034/tempImageIYncRb.jpg Blog - Ghosts of You - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/066b45f9-f7cb-421f-8785-d68c5538aa81/Screenshot+2023-04-02+at+9.40.01+AM.png Blog - Ghosts of You - Make it stand out “Caput Draconis” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e7e5e61a-83d0-49ba-8dcb-a946e93397f0/Screenshot+2023-04-02+at+9.39.39+AM.png Blog - Ghosts of You - Make it stand out Gryffindor first years led by Percy Weasley to their common room. This is the South Walk of the Cloister, where you’ll find the 20 niche-like spaces seen above. These are called “carrels,” and they would have originally housed desks at which monks could study. Here a movie clip of entering the Gryffindor Common Room: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lH4Es3OtMN4&t=5s https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/140af0f2-42b1-4de0-8113-e7ed79309378/tempImageWKxhYS.jpg Blog - Ghosts of You - Make it stand out In Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone, after Professor Quirrell exclaims there is a troll in the dungeon, Ron and Harry walk through this door before remembering the Hermione is still in the lavoratory. They then run back inside to warn her of the troll. Notice the little carved stone face on top of the pillar. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c342e4a7-2a5a-46c7-a41d-caed68bcc7b0/Screenshot+2023-04-02+at+9.41.56+AM.png Blog - Ghosts of You - Make it stand out After Ron and Harry re-enter the castle to find Heroine, they run down a corridor then hide behind the pillar below. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c7fa5fb6-f41e-4089-a584-bf980cf3c1aa/Screenshot+2023-04-02+at+9.42.46+AM.png Blog - Ghosts of You - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/09587a57-7f97-44d2-bcbf-823232ca558a/tempImage5Gz42O.jpg Blog - Ghosts of You - Make it stand out Notice the stained glass windows above and below. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/14d94c9a-9e56-4e8d-a989-9110b8337ad8/Screenshot+2023-04-02+at+9.43.06+AM.png Blog - Ghosts of You - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/59331476-bb0e-4912-ad01-535cb68005e8/tempImageeaSyGi.jpg Blog - Ghosts of You - Make it stand out The pillar Ron and Harry (and Amanda ) hide behind (at the far end of this image) is along the North Walk next to the “Lavatorium,” a place where monks once washed, using a local stream to bring water inside. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c7c5604c-6a2f-41d9-8ea6-955d87233b1a/tempImageEEoDO3.jpg Blog - Ghosts of You - Make it stand out Ron and Harry saw the troll’s shadow cast on the far wall as he approached from the left. This the North Walk, adjacent to the Lavatorium (to the left), looking toward the West Walk. Here is a movie clip of the troll scene: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=72Czofd1MHc&t=1s https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/12d1ecaa-68d2-40a6-b1da-4c6f2dbde3e9/tempImageqZolSj.jpg Blog - Ghosts of You - Make it stand out In Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, Ron, Hermione, and Harry enter the East Walk from the door on the left after Harry hears the basilisk speaking. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/308a9e96-5835-4ca6-a255-447b7497c183/Screenshot+2023-04-02+at+4.23.47+PM.png Blog - Ghosts of You - Make it stand out Surprisingly, the cathedral staff allowed them to flood the floor with water for this scene. Harry is hard to make out in the dark image, but the wall details at the left are unmistakable in both of the above images. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8a194a15-1fee-406e-b490-5facf8a55c54/tempImage0bbeGW.jpg Blog - Ghosts of You - Make it stand out As the three walk across the flooded floor, they see a line of spiders crawling from the floor up and out a window. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9afb0f5b-9d4c-4e0c-8adf-7f300413d802/Screenshot+2023-04-02+at+9.45.40+AM.png Blog - Ghosts of You - Make it stand out “I don’t like spiders”! You can just make out where the rectangular plaque was removed. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/68f8ad56-a51b-4801-894b-1b87ff4118b9/Screenshot+2023-04-02+at+9.46.28+AM.png Blog - Ghosts of You - Make it stand out Shortly after seeing the spiders, the three see this written on the walls. The Cathedral may have let the director run water over the stone floors, but writing in blood on the walls was a step too far. In this case, they build a mock-up of the cloister walls for this portion of the film. Here’s one more movie clip: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bjNHWwelxN4 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/51b7b770-e76e-4dce-8f91-55e0128638b3/tempImage4aNB96.jpg Blog - Ghosts of You - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/014fc263-5705-43cb-81e5-58c788a33a7f/tempImageSd3IiT.jpg Blog - Ghosts of You - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c844350b-853c-4210-8877-3d3c01c2e061/Screenshot+2023-04-02+at+9.49.03+AM.png Blog - Ghosts of You - Make it stand out They really take the full opportunity to highlight the beautiful cloisters in the short clip: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WTIAvx4Xhzw https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c084f307-e340-4eab-9acd-c5cabda222f2/tempImagepDcO2h.jpg Blog - Ghosts of You - Make it stand out The Nave of Gloucester Cathedral has a very different feel when compared to other cathedrals we visited such as St Paul’s, Canterbury, and Salisbury. That is largely because the Nave was originally part of a Norman Abbey and it has hardly changed in 900 years! The pillars are an older design—Romanesque: round, and inelegant when compared to the relatively “newer” cathedral designs. You many also notice that some of the pillars have a reddish-brown color at the bottom. This is thought to be the result of a serious fire in 1122, which caused the original roof to come crashing down; the vault we see today dates from 1242. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/664e7b6d-5d3b-4173-8bc0-b6f3c8e76396/tempImageaUS2y2.jpg Blog - Ghosts of You - Make it stand out The detail of large cathedral windows is always fascinating. Installed in 1859 the current West Window of Gloucester Cathedral depicts traditional Bible stories. Across the bottom of the window are three water-themed incidents from the Old Testament: Noah with his family and animals leaving the ark after the flood, the Israelites after passing safely across the Red Sea, and Naaman washing in the Jordan to rid himself of leprosy. Above are nativity scenes, and above the nativity scenes are the Presentation of Christ by his parents in the temple, the Baptism of Jesus by John the Baptist, and John the Baptist preaching by the River Jordan. Depicted above are three Christian baptisms from the Acts of the Apostles are: Paul, Cornelius, and the jailer of Philippi. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/bc3e662c-185e-4477-93db-10b97d1f4867/tempImagep5cJVe.jpg Blog - Ghosts of You - Make it stand out Gloucester Cathedral’s famous organ is one of the most significant cathedral organs in the world. It was originally constructed in 1666 and is the only complete 17th century cathedral organ case surviving in the UK. The pipes displayed on the front of the case still sound to this day. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1505cc2b-c66b-4177-85db-1bef32116bc4/tempImageEtkfsL.jpg Blog - Ghosts of You - Make it stand out The organ sits atop the Quire screen and is designed to play both to the Nave in the west and the Quire to the east. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e583a9b8-b07d-48e2-9478-06b44e347573/tempImageeRVMDe.jpg Blog - Ghosts of You - Make it stand out The view of the magnificant organ from the Quire from the east part of the cathedral. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b09c1dba-e3a9-4875-a349-72c6234f4f0c/tempImaget6Drmz.jpg Blog - Ghosts of You - Make it stand out Above the Quire, the impressive Clerestory windows and vault with its 400 bosses and orchestra of heavenly angels. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/396ccbdb-a436-4c3e-9faf-3583894b1966/tempImageRVBXil.jpg Blog - Ghosts of You - Make it stand out The South Transept is the earliest surviving example of English Perpendicular architecture. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8719685a-5db3-4f61-839c-6af49437ed8f/tempImagewDv0X9.jpg Blog - Ghosts of You - Make it stand out The high alter and exceptionally ornate altar screen. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b4d3d8fd-d84d-48e7-a4af-aa42f89719c8/tempImage7evX2N.jpg Blog - Ghosts of You - Make it stand out The Great East Window above the high altar is the size of a tennis court! At the time of its installation in the 1350s, it was the largest window in the world and it continues to be one of the greatest landmarks of European medieval stained glass today. (Note for later the slightly darkened section across the second row of windows.) The Great East Window was created as part of the reconstruction of the Quire following the burial of King Edward II in September 1327. The colorful glass was painstakingly designed to reflect the hierarchical nature of medieval society as well as the Church’s interpretation of the Divine Order. Its centerpiece is the Blessed Virgin Mary and the Lord Jesus Christ in majesty, flanked by 12 apostles. To keep it safe during World War II, the Great East Window was dismantled and stored in the Crypt. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/61d45ca2-b50a-4764-a963-c5efe5a74bbe/tempImageiODFwo.jpg Blog - Ghosts of You - Make it stand out In a timely tribute for Easter, the St Thomas Chapel of the South Aisle. Thomas Denny created these stained-glass windows in 1992 to mark the Cathedral's 900th anniversary, inspired by the theme of “praise.” The central window shows St Thomas kneeling before Jesus Christ, who has risen from the dead. The side windows are based on Psalm 148, which sings of all creation praising God. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b958b2b7-b504-4b20-9874-152de72db1a5/tempImage8Q9bUa.jpg Blog - Ghosts of You - Make it stand out The Lady Chapel at the far east end of the Cathedral (behind the high altar). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f5cc996f-c6b4-4026-98ab-7b94a6c63d21/tempImageAgUEK3.jpg Blog - Ghosts of You - Make it stand out The remains of Edward II lie here. He was an unpopular king who is thought to have been brutally murdered in 1327. Edward's son, Edward Ill, commissioned this tomb around 1330. It spurred on the rebuilding of the East End in a revolutionary new style—the “Perpendicular Gothic.” In 1540 King Henry VIIl dissolved the Abbey and seized all its treasures. But he did not intend to see the building entirely destroyed, as happened to over 800 other monastic buildings in England—because the body of his ancestor King Edward Il was buried here. In 1541 he created the new Diocese of Gloucester in his new Church of England, and this building became its Cathedral. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7e1b12d2-af30-4e52-ab99-b7bd6510555e/tempImageRAr3mN.jpg Blog - Ghosts of You - Make it stand out Just one more way that Gloucester Cathedral is unique from other cathedrals: to the right is the back of the high altar. To the left is the massive Great East Window, which would typically be the end of the cathedral; instead, the Lady Chapel extends the cathedral significantly to the east (left). Behind the Great East Window is a narrow passageway (the dark section behind the window mentioned above) that connects the north triforium (from where I am taking this picture) to the south triforium (where Amanda is standing on the other side). They cleverly allow light to pass in front of the passageway so there is only a slight shadow seen through the Great East Window. The passageway is a whispering gallery. Despite the distance, Amanda and I could talk in a normal voice through the passageway and hear each other perfectly. Pretty amazing. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8af316f8-9a8a-40f8-bcd8-d0774a6e4f82/tempImageOE1lFe.jpg Blog - Ghosts of You - Make it stand out Beatrix Potter was told by her cousin the true story concerning the mysterious completion of a waistcoat at the shop of John Prichard, a tailor in Gloucester. Intrigued by the tale, Beatrix Potter set about creating her own version of the story (involving mice and a cat—of course). She set the tailor’s home in this building on College Court, just outside Gloucester Cathedral. Below is the illustration from the book depicting the tailor’s home and the passageway on College Court. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ed3e138e-c4e1-4375-b32d-016ad3f1731a/tempImagecwJ1xv.jpg Blog - Ghosts of You - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a6a77178-3b52-4cf0-88a0-27ad8410c6fe/tempImagehD1ZUb.jpg Blog - Ghosts of You - Make it stand out The inside of the “tailor’s home” is a magical little shop depicting the creation of the book and life-size imaginings of the illustrations (above). It was a heartwarming way to wrap up our unexpectedly amazing visit to Gloucester. Now, groceries, and then it’s off to Chipping Campden for two weeks! https://www.overthehillandacrossthepond.com/blog/a-great-time-was-had-by monthly 0.5 2023-11-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5100c904-1b72-4d51-9978-7b9183834804/tempImageOR3vDI.jpg Blog - A Great Time Was Had By All - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/fc103656-8918-4d97-be92-402055853adc/tempImagenZwBl9.jpg Blog - A Great Time Was Had By All - Make it stand out Blenheim Palace is a masterpiece of Baroque architecture. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7bd432d9-c147-4921-bd42-fc88dedbee95/tempImageNtcVCN.jpg Blog - A Great Time Was Had By All - Make it stand out Perched atop the entrance to the palace is Britannia, the national personification of Britain as a helmeted female warrior holding a trident and shield. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/88d85291-7445-449f-8dfd-53a147880894/tempImageBiSWt5.jpg Blog - A Great Time Was Had By All - Make it stand out Upon entering the Great Hall, you are treated to this amazing painted ceiling depicting the Duke of Marlborough kneeling to Britannia, proffering a plan of the Battle of Blenheim. The allegorical painting is by Sir James Thornhill, who also painted the dome at St Paul's Cathedral in London. The entrance door is the original, made in 1715, reputedly of oak from the Park. The defensive lock (it only locks on one side) was fitted by the 6th Duke in the 1840s and is said to be copied from a lock on the city gates of Warsaw. The key, known as the Coronet Key, weighs 3.5 pounds. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/541fda98-dedf-4163-b2ee-78333303658a/tempImageRUQVBL.jpg Blog - A Great Time Was Had By All - Make it stand out Queen Anne's throne and stool, for her coronation 1702. A giltwood throne chair, the back, arm pads and seats covered in early crimson fringed cut-velvet, the top rail carved with the supporters of England amongst foliage centred by a cartouche and flanked by sceptres, with the cypher of Queen Anne surmounted by a crown. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ce2a1542-2fd4-49d4-80a0-3e6aa6f040c5/tempImageOuWLhR.jpg Blog - A Great Time Was Had By All - Make it stand out At the beginning of November 1874, Lord and Lady Randolph received an invitation for the St Andrew's Ball at Blenheim Palace. Lady Randolph was pregnant with their first child having married only 7 months before in Paris. The Churchills gratefully accepted and packed for a long weekend of riding, shooting, and of course the party on the night of 28th in the Palace Library. Their first son, Winston Leonard Spencer Churchill, made an unexpected arrival in the above room at Blenheim Palace on November 30, 1874. Before his cousin the 9th Duke had a son, Winston was, until his early 20s, in line to inherit the title and the Palace. History might have been very different if Winston Churchill had become the 10th Duke of Marlborough. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0aed018e-a56d-41d9-a6ec-37ac019a4e71/tempImageHipJN3.jpg Blog - A Great Time Was Had By All - Make it stand out The Palace is filled with State Rooms that seem intent on battling one another in their grander. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/41c8eb37-9a2c-4643-b1fd-34340564d278/tempImage9DmsJN.jpg Blog - A Great Time Was Had By All - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7868a34d-63be-4d6d-9f3d-1a8e1431c012/tempImageErkChz.jpg Blog - A Great Time Was Had By All - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b1f8d9df-8fae-4fd0-9d4b-9c933e0764d0/tempImageL12pul.jpg Blog - A Great Time Was Had By All - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ffb70081-032a-4930-ae1c-888fdabcd8b6/tempImage6EmnLW.jpg Blog - A Great Time Was Had By All - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3f4e998d-30e0-44f8-8dce-26c91e20fdbf/tempImage9GI1s8.jpg Blog - A Great Time Was Had By All - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4d86524b-ac41-4e32-91a2-5fa3235c7f70/tempImagesfDLfa.jpg Blog - A Great Time Was Had By All - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/933143a6-416d-4756-bf11-7b006038e73e/tempImageDEZcrz.jpg Blog - A Great Time Was Had By All - Make it stand out These dresses on display in The Green Writing Room were used in the Bridgerton Netflix series. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a2ff5a70-c32e-4cd8-9b80-d7d069b2b0c6/tempImageG6GWZW.jpg Blog - A Great Time Was Had By All - Make it stand out The Triumph of the Duke of Marlborough ceiling painting in the Grand Salon. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1a51f71a-b741-4874-8784-7a4cbe751b16/tempImages6doUg.jpg Blog - A Great Time Was Had By All - Make it stand out Interpretation of Queen Victoria's Coronation Robes from the Victoria TV series. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/80af5e37-7887-450e-a872-986848a1fdbe/tempImageWJzxCU.jpg Blog - A Great Time Was Had By All - Make it stand out Interpretations of Elizabeth Il's coronation dress, anointing gown, and supertunica—all created by award winning costume designer Michele Clapton and worn by Claire Foy in the Netflix series The Crown. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c9409fde-d245-4802-a06a-8945590c68dc/tempImage0Rbjut.jpg Blog - A Great Time Was Had By All - Make it stand out The amazing detail of the coronation dress. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c5dadb42-1468-484e-922b-05682582ce4b/tempImageMto9nE.jpg Blog - A Great Time Was Had By All - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1a24f16c-472d-4e60-9141-e5b378de207f/tempImageZSaMXJ.jpg Blog - A Great Time Was Had By All - Make it stand out Just one portion of the ornate ceiling of the Long Library. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/77e00de2-57c5-410e-9a27-adb7a07d40c7/tempImageJQpiFU.jpg Blog - A Great Time Was Had By All - Make it stand out Queen Amanda (Amanda Regina). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8cae32a7-cf5a-4f7b-84b3-87241cd9e110/tempImageJj3bBL.jpg Blog - A Great Time Was Had By All - Make it stand out Queen Deborah (Deborah Regina) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6294ca78-2309-4bbe-81be-939840d7bde2/tempImageTreUSu.jpg Blog - A Great Time Was Had By All - Make it stand out King Stephen in his Burger King crown (Stephen Rex)…who was a real king of England BTW…just sayin’! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5f55c910-9ee8-496a-90bd-5534c54b4391/tempImageZtJqCm.jpg Blog - A Great Time Was Had By All - Make it stand out At the far end of the Long Library sits an ornate organ below a grand ceiling. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/fa25b62b-95dd-4c4f-aee3-8784e38310dd/tempImageyCUPFi.jpg Blog - A Great Time Was Had By All - Make it stand out Winston entered the Royal Military College at Sandhurst and became a cavalry officer in the 4th Queen's Own Hussars but almost from the beginning his mind was set on following his father into politics. To do this he needed fame and fortune. Upon graduating and keen for action, he used his mother's influence to get himself posted to as many dangerous places as possible and then wrote about his experiences. He was shot at in Cuba in the War of Independence, fought on the Afghan border, survived a cavalry charge in the Sudan, and became a POW in South Africa. His vivid accounts of his capture and escape from the Boers were dramatized in the British press and when he arrived back a war hero, his status and reputation were cemented. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d1dbe712-d956-4e0a-91f3-af1b8c838a0a/tempImageZDDaC5.jpg Blog - A Great Time Was Had By All - Make it stand out A diamond encrusted green malachtite cigar case with a presentation plaque to “Winston Churchill from the People of the Belgian Congo” on the interior together with four cigars presented to Winston by the King of Yugoslavia. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/65d45d74-0533-425c-9d39-3422e115f0e0/tempImage4XTVNZ.jpg Blog - A Great Time Was Had By All - Make it stand out Winston Churchill's Despatch Box (that’s how they spell it) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/20403a6d-5d81-468d-9361-c42d3e8b3aec/tempImageXxyABi.jpg Blog - A Great Time Was Had By All - Make it stand out As mentioned, there are interesting parallels between the Battle of Blenheim and the Second World War. Winston acknowledged he learned a great deal from studying the successes of his ancestor, the 1st Duke of Marlborough. Winston was fond of expressions such as, “The longer you can look back, the farther you can look forward,” and “Study history, study history.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/85a53681-ac2b-43cb-9b8c-f28434be0589/tempImagebSKa6S.jpg Blog - A Great Time Was Had By All - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/40b632a2-7a5f-4db0-a170-cd309475223b/tempImageJuBGW4.jpg Blog - A Great Time Was Had By All - Make it stand out The Winston breakfast table. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/07c60ec8-3384-430b-b744-4a2c75301e4b/tempImageONELej.jpg Blog - A Great Time Was Had By All - Make it stand out As Debbie pointed out, the chapel at the Palace is completely devoid of Christian iconography. Given the shameless self-adoration repeated throughout the Palace, is it truly surprising that the family lacks the humility necessary to recognize an authority greater than themselves? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5eedb405-622b-4eae-be03-05ceff203d96/tempImagec0D5pB.jpg Blog - A Great Time Was Had By All - Make it stand out The 2,000+ acre estate was designed by none other than Capability Brown, so the outside is every bit as spectacular as the Palace’s interior. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7aef9fa1-4664-4af8-af2a-5c15d0f30171/tempImageDLtiVz.jpg Blog - A Great Time Was Had By All - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e8ac627f-64d1-42aa-a93c-c9e0b4591c0f/tempImagejQibGM.jpg Blog - A Great Time Was Had By All - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/86d1fd8c-64bf-4705-a6df-0ac405521272/tempImagetCt66J.jpg Blog - A Great Time Was Had By All - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1580e652-c598-47c3-8f14-a459a62301d9/tempImageMWTuxW.jpg Blog - A Great Time Was Had By All - Make it stand out Sir Winston Churchill once said, "My most brilliant achievement was to persuade my wife to marry me..." and he did that here in the Temple of Diana on August 11, 1908. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/458f3e30-08fb-4f0e-9d82-963ec5be5719/tempImageq5X7av.jpg Blog - A Great Time Was Had By All - Make it stand out During a visit to his cousin the 9th Duke, Winston and his beloved, Clementine Hozier, were caught in a downpour while out for a walk in the gardens and took shelter in this temple, where he asked for Clementine's hand in marriage. They were married little more than a month later, on September 12, 1908, at St Margaret's Church in Westminster. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1abb01b4-3b87-43dc-8dc2-6932d8730187/tempImagenO43EX.jpg Blog - A Great Time Was Had By All - Make it stand out Nathan took this great shot of the Grand Cascade. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c6d3b278-2d8a-471c-be81-2361ccdfa315/tempImageGf98BK.jpg Blog - A Great Time Was Had By All - Make it stand out The Grand Bridge was built by renowned architect and playwright Sir John Vanbrugh in 1708. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/aa563b9d-8cb8-42fc-9118-b6057388e953/tempImage1yDY7i.jpg Blog - A Great Time Was Had By All - Make it stand out Blenheim Palace's beautiful grounds were perfect for the scene showing Snape's worst memory from Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. The tree featured in J.K. Rowling's book was a beech tree, but in the film this magnificent Cedar of Lebanon played the part, where Harry accesses Snape's memory and sees a teenage Severus with Lilly being humiliated by Harry's father James. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/35218a0e-c48a-42c3-bef1-f7e2c21432a6/snape-and-lily-always.jpg Blog - A Great Time Was Had By All - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/96e7baf1-30c1-4e2e-9644-379118cd64ad/tempImaged6b4VI.jpg Blog - A Great Time Was Had By All - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1502f89d-85d2-4f37-a903-c2312f323e35/tempImagem2oP22.jpg Blog - A Great Time Was Had By All - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c123655b-564c-4724-97e9-285b9f47d06b/tempImageNf0GcS.jpg Blog - A Great Time Was Had By All - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c34a39cd-65d5-4644-bd1b-55abd9667742/tempImagecYwpax.jpg Blog - A Great Time Was Had By All - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/696488a2-5c9b-4ced-be5f-7fb99e487452/tempImageM3DuoT.jpg Blog - A Great Time Was Had By All - Make it stand out After dinner we were walking to take a picture in front of the Castle when Amanda spotted a single dime on the ground. Keith was wishing Debbie and Nathan congratulations on a successful visit and a safe flight home. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1a4ca79c-d59e-4d8c-9a29-a9481c629b6a/tempImageYZcAaH.jpg Blog - A Great Time Was Had By All - Make it stand out In front of the Henry VIII gate. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/de409b38-37fb-4bea-8a1f-cbe67ef288ff/tempImage4Ca9S3.jpg Blog - A Great Time Was Had By All - Make it stand out At least they were able to say they saw Windsor Castle. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8360253b-5c9a-46ca-99cd-0eb107b77643/Screenshot+2023-03-30+at+11.26.12+AM.png Blog - A Great Time Was Had By All - Make it stand out Debbie and Nathan spent the night at a hotel near the airport, so they had easy access to Heathrow for their flight in the morning. Back at our cottage in Bourton-on-the-Water, we watched their Airbus A350 depart Heathrow on Thursday morning. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/36995fa2-c078-41ea-8be6-6e4343dfc5aa/Screenshot+2023-03-30+at+7.43.07+PM.png Blog - A Great Time Was Had By All - Make it stand out As we post this at 8 pm in England, Debbie and Nathan are nearing the end of their long journey home. It was a tearful goodbye after having so much fun together! Thanks for making the journey across the pond Debbie and Nathan. We absolutely loved your time in England! https://www.overthehillandacrossthepond.com/blog/shakes monthly 0.5 2023-11-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/bcc993db-e0b2-49aa-ad0d-54acc40f126b/tempImageOk8grH.jpg Blog - Shakespeare - Make it stand out Debbie and Nathan about to enter the house where William Shakespeare was born. He grew up here with his parents and siblings. He also spent the first five years of his marriage living here with his wife Anne Hathaway. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/07bf3ba8-b874-41a5-94b6-143be9e2cad6/tempImagezLrX30.jpg Blog - Shakespeare - Make it stand out William’s father John Shakespeare lived and worked in this house for fifty years. John was a glove maker. When he married Mary Arden she came to live with him and they had a total of eight children, William was the third to be born. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f768f5aa-d0f4-4fad-8fec-6ccc3512218c/tempImageFvWlI1.jpg Blog - Shakespeare - Make it stand out John and Mary Shakespeare were wealthy enough to own the largest house on Henley Street. In 1568 John became the Mayor of Stratford, which was the highest elective office in the town. On Sunday, dressed in his fine red robes, he would have been escorted to Holy Trinity Church to attend mass. It was because of his father’s status as Mayor that William was privileged enough to have attended the local grammar school to begin his education. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e656acb2-d7d6-4282-a15c-8092fc38ca5d/tempImagehI2ujU.jpg Blog - Shakespeare - Make it stand out John Shakespeare died in 1601 and as the eldest surviving child, William inherited the house. He leased part of the property and it became an inn called the Maidenhead (and later the Swan and Maidenhead). The inn remained until 1847. When William died he left the house to his eldest daughter Susanna, and when she died she left it to her only child, Elizabeth. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/91569cba-bbe7-4e65-a511-dd04cba724b9/IMG_4945+Edit.jpg Blog - Shakespeare - Make it stand out Debbie, Nathan, & the Bard. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/585996ad-9fab-486c-90f4-7d6b53341dc5/tempImageepHOoC.jpg Blog - Shakespeare - Make it stand out William with his birthplace home in the background. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e8d3c6fe-cc92-4150-820d-8f6f4f93bd16/tempImageoKTAHJ.jpg Blog - Shakespeare - Make it stand out Just a small sample of the amazing Tudor architecture found throughout Stratford-upon-Avon. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2f6747fa-7c03-4597-a2ad-de2588b18944/tempImageT4WAuu.jpg Blog - Shakespeare - Make it stand out Check out this one, especially the back. Crazy! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/fbee7ddb-6126-45ec-b72f-74ab7c954e0a/Halls+Croft.jpg Blog - Shakespeare - Make it stand out On the way to the church where William was baptized and buried, we passed this building. Partly founded on Shakespeare’s success, his daughter Susanna and her husband, physician John Hall, lived in Hall’s Croft. The inside of the house is as old and quirky as it looks on the outside, and the walled garden is beautiful. Unfortunately, the museum was closed so we had to settle for the street view only. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/42738f6e-514c-479e-96b7-11a3a8d1cd2a/tempImagetvqUfW.jpg Blog - Shakespeare - Make it stand out Holy Trinity is the church where William Shakespeare was baptized, where he worshipped, and where he is buried. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f222a4b4-0e99-40d9-b4a8-604ed6da75a5/tempImages0dLD9.jpg Blog - Shakespeare - Make it stand out The beautiful stained glass window above the chancel (the part of a church near the altar). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/79b17524-0d84-482b-80f3-f46262d9b9f5/tempImageehtj1W.jpg Blog - Shakespeare - Make it stand out On the closure of the College by Henry VIII, the tithe income privileges were sold off. The duty of employing a priest and looking after went with the privileges. A share in them was purchased in 1605 for £440 ($2 million in today’s money) by the son of a local glove maker, one William Shakespeare. This, and not his ability as a poet and playwright, gave him the right of burial in the chancel. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/65af9fd4-8c9b-44b2-a6f9-8e22b16b8ba3/tempImageEKug3l.jpg Blog - Shakespeare - Make it stand out Until the 1790s there stood a charnel house to the south of the chancel. Here the bones of those dug up to make room for new graves were laid to rest. Shakespeare obviously didn't like this idea and had a curse put on his grave slab—not at all uncommon at the time. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/355e2f8a-cca7-4e44-a1e9-85dae8037439/tempImageaCHGGl.jpg Blog - Shakespeare - Make it stand out The right of burial was inherited by Shakespeare's family. His wife, Ann Hathaway, daughter Suzanna, son-in-law Dr John Hall, and Thomas Nash (first husband of Shakespeare's Grand-daughter Elizabeth) are buried in the chancel alongside him. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2086e9ec-12db-4d5f-80d2-a7d6b69ade57/tempImageDy3OyD.jpg Blog - Shakespeare - Make it stand out It has to be said that William Shakespeare probably didn't do a very good job of looking after the chancel. A few years after his death it was reported to be in ruinous condition. However, he has more than made up for it since. The contributions of hundreds of visitors allow for the upkeep and maintenance of the church. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1e3e2132-bd51-4733-b0c3-9cc04fa2c321/tempImageKP0NKa.jpg Blog - Shakespeare - Make it stand out No records of births and deaths were made in those days. We do, however, have records of his baptism and of his burial—both of which took place in Holy Trinity Church. On the left, a copy of the record of William’s baptism on April 26, 1564, in Latin “Gulielimus, filius Johannes Shakspeare.” On the right his burial on April 25, 1616, as “Will Shakspeare, Gent.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/43753627-e813-49fc-961b-96e3a168bd06/tempImageGrh1YH.jpg Blog - Shakespeare - Make it stand out This medieval font was in all probability the font where William Shakespeare was baptized. It was removed from the church and found in the garden of the parish clerk where is was being used as a water cistern. In 1861, it was purchased and restored to the church. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8e632d40-c730-4e68-919e-7c97804e1d89/tempImageXBsatg.jpg Blog - Shakespeare - Make it stand out This new font is a replica of the medieval original, which was beyond repair. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e45cf4b4-333c-4852-be3b-c58fd81eea97/tempImageWdTtwP.jpg Blog - Shakespeare - Make it stand out The organ is truly something to behold! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3a3b66e7-33d9-417b-8ef9-72336feb1ccc/tempImageEVFjzt.jpg Blog - Shakespeare - Make it stand out From the center of town, we walked about a mile to visit Anne Hathaway's Cottage, the family home of Anne Hathaway, William Shakespeare’s wife-to-be. It is here that Anne was born and raised and where the young Shakespeare would have visited her during the early part of their relationship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5e420005-1613-4fad-954a-5a4cebf0b946/tempImageiHHeXI.jpg Blog - Shakespeare - Make it stand out Inside the cottage is this chair, known as Shakespeare's Courting Chair. It was said that William and Anne sat on the chair during their courtship. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/73ee8113-064e-4f28-a196-f1749d3fcea4/tempImageOFydsW.jpg Blog - Shakespeare - Make it stand out After leaving Anne Hathaway's Cottage, we walked to the nearby The Bell pub and had linner. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2f441353-9b2f-45bb-8467-1e3dd6337f66/tempImage1ZUisg.jpg Blog - Shakespeare - Make it stand out In Stow-on-the-Wold Debbie and Nathan took the obligatory photo with a red telephone kiosk. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/334cc21d-2c0f-4f2e-ac36-7bc160712a30/tempImageHXWX0e.jpg Blog - Shakespeare - Make it stand out In the city center, near this cross, Sir Jacob Ashley surrendered to Parliamentary forces following defeat at the Battle of Stow. Some 200 Royalists were slaughtered in the square and 1,500 imprisoned in the church overnight. This was the final battle of the first English Civil War (1642-1646) leading to the end of the Royalist occupation of Oxford. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2376b940-e06f-4ee8-add2-ced1bfda5ebc/tempImage0Jlmx6.jpg Blog - Shakespeare - Make it stand out This memorial to the Battle of Stow is at St Edward’s Church, with an insignia representing the Royalists (left) and the Parliamentarians (right). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a2f2a5b0-794e-4acb-a714-2281e41fc1c3/tempImageBAOalJ.jpg Blog - Shakespeare - Make it stand out At St Edward’s Church is this mystical doorway flanked by ancient yew trees and an old oil lamp. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/35858b83-d750-4e82-8bd0-d8f874ecf812/tempImageY6HBHW.jpg Blog - Shakespeare - Make it stand out It’s a famous spot to have your photo taken. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/87d47678-0c1b-4914-94df-17b3ceb3c396/tempImagetFhUdV.jpg Blog - Shakespeare - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5d61f4a4-3898-4a55-8b30-a40f1f862bc0/tempImageWhVAgw.jpg Blog - Shakespeare - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5d28e488-7540-4162-bcde-973f38761229/tempImageU12dOo.jpg Blog - Shakespeare - Make it stand out Absolutely amazing spot! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a1eb8e7a-bc3f-4404-b35e-60ca680bc68b/tempImagegNOTwP.jpg Blog - Shakespeare - Make it stand out The original penal stocks still stand on the green. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5e1350b1-3ce1-4e04-81ea-7391834d7c45/tempImagesy8lCv.jpg Blog - Shakespeare - Make it stand out This is claimed to be the oldest pub in England with timbers carbon dated to the 10th century, so we had to stop for a pint! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e37779f5-2e8f-4cbf-a5cb-c3fe6d081ee3/tempImagehY797T.jpg Blog - Shakespeare - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/13e44330-8b0f-4888-bea9-8a1d02c54a06/tempImageOF6toy.jpg Blog - Shakespeare - Make it stand out The Old Mill with a working water wheel. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/43c756b9-cd6f-47e5-9489-c8ec6b88ad12/tempImage1Y1YDV.jpg Blog - Shakespeare - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/61d4437c-dceb-4cf9-b4ff-54b11c04f1e3/tempImagemR8zD8.jpg Blog - Shakespeare - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/032838d2-5d8a-4a91-88bf-2c639370fe57/tempImageq7IsBJ.jpg Blog - Shakespeare - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/bc4e67da-6a4e-4ca7-a674-c1abe5ca5e8a/tempImagex8dsXv.jpg Blog - Shakespeare - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8847b5ad-a2d0-4df2-ab59-0ac8a393b09a/tempImage7BfaVC.jpg Blog - Shakespeare - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d951ae90-7aef-40fa-af00-a3eee294ceb2/tempImagelyFdze.jpg Blog - Shakespeare - Make it stand out A great couple of days in the Cotswolds! https://www.overthehillandacrossthepond.com/blog/burton-on- monthly 0.5 2023-11-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1ee92003-1626-4712-9b5f-a38ad0e73ed6/tempImageaCq2Of.jpg Blog - Bourton-on-the-Water - Make it stand out The rain lifted…time to start our tour. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ad3780e6-7c52-4cc3-af8a-ce4644972b93/tempImageC1mdMn.jpg Blog - Bourton-on-the-Water - Make it stand out Debbie and Amanda are joined at the window by Lady Anne Herbert, the Queen's sister—who held the distinction of having served in every household of the prior five queens of Henry VIII. She was Queen Katherine’s First Lady of the Privy Chamber and Groom of the Stool. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a01fe220-4f48-45f7-bcf2-471850f22208/tempImageuGPKZA.jpg Blog - Bourton-on-the-Water - Make it stand out The Queens Walk—The remains of a 16th century covered walkway from the private apartments to the chapel, where Katherine, Lady Jane Grey, and her household would have walked to their daily prayers. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/854b3e2a-6ba5-445d-af69-94ce13ac8eee/tempImageeejOPQ.jpg Blog - Bourton-on-the-Water - Make it stand out Amanda and Debbie join Katherine Parr and Lady Jane Grey on the Queen’s Walk. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0334c297-429f-4d26-803f-73572dbb5ec9/tempImageu0mn9p.jpg Blog - Bourton-on-the-Water - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/14267bec-eab9-430f-a772-91ecd9a60a93/tempImageuFHPc8.jpg Blog - Bourton-on-the-Water - Make it stand out In 1782, a group of lady sightseers noticed an alabaster panel in the ruined chapel, and persuaded the tenant farmer to dig under the wall to which it was attached. The farmer soon uncovered a lead coffin with the inscription “Here lyeth Quene Kateryn, Wife to King Henry VIII.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/80019a0b-221a-4f42-8ece-5093c83f7768/tempImageLBR1R8.jpg Blog - Bourton-on-the-Water - Make it stand out When the lid was opened, instead of finding old bones, to everyone's amazement, what they saw instead was Katherine's corpse, "entire and uncorrupted,” the flesh still white and moist. Somehow, the body had been preserved by the lead coffin. Over the next 35 years, the coffin was opened several more times to corroborate the story, but the exposure apparently caused the body to start decaying. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3e98a1ed-a3ab-483f-a354-e292e7febeab/tempImageDztM5w.jpg Blog - Bourton-on-the-Water - Make it stand out Eventually, Katherine's remains were sealed up in the Chandos family vault. When the chapel was restored in the 19th century, and rededicated as St Mary's Church, the coffin was moved for a last time and placed in the church, beneath this fine marble effigy. Sadly, her body had by then been reduced to just "a little brown dust.” Sudeley remains the only private home where a Queen of England lies buried. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/bc7a6e44-e18e-431e-9e9a-24505306c771/tempImageCjpdnL.jpg Blog - Bourton-on-the-Water - Make it stand out The Becket Window—This window in the chapel depicts the murder of Thomas Becket in Canterbury Cathedral in 1170. Ralph de Sudeley owned the castle during this time and it was believed that William, his younger brother (who took his mother's name of de Tracy), was one of the four knights responsible for Becket's death. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/fe18dde8-18b2-4f0c-bc41-3d2c38e4c1fa/tempImageleCQZs.jpg Blog - Bourton-on-the-Water - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8fc749ba-f001-446c-9760-086601d035c6/tempImage13AfbF.jpg Blog - Bourton-on-the-Water - Make it stand out A statue of Queen Elizabeth I who, in 1592, visited Sudeley Castle for the third time, staying there with the 3rd Lord Chandos during her summer progress to celebrate the anniversary of the defeat of the Spanish Armada in 1588. The three day celebrations have been described as one of the longest parties in history. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5a24d74f-53de-4b81-a801-0a448cc8802d/tempImagekmXNBA.jpg Blog - Bourton-on-the-Water - Make it stand out Stephen, often referred to as Stephen of Blois (Normandy/France), was King of England from 1135 until his death in 1154. Walls were found in this location which were believed to be the original fortifications destroyed by King Stephen in the First Civil War (1139-1154). After seizing the Sudeley manor house, King Stephen had it fortified as a royal garrison. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/dfb6373b-3c69-46b7-b336-0c8a12de99b8/tempImageQgFRTV.jpg Blog - Bourton-on-the-Water - Make it stand out Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn visited the castle in July 1535. The King met with Thomas Cromwell at nearby Winchcombe Abbey to plan the dissolution of the monasteries (which, with a certain irony, included Sudeley). What remains are the structures that withstood Cromwell’s “slighting” a hundred years later. The bottom floor was a greeting room and the upstairs a grand banqueting hall (see image below). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/43db88fe-55ef-49a2-9414-beceb0d42e30/tempImageLbPT4Q.jpg Blog - Bourton-on-the-Water - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8cb9d153-3b36-44ae-add1-5460ca598c11/tempImageRFB6Fy.jpg Blog - Bourton-on-the-Water - Make it stand out In the midst of the Civil War in 1599, Oliver Cromwell and his Parliamentary troops attacked the castle. While the buildings have been restored over the years, a battle wound still remains 424 years later, in the shape of a cannon ball hole in the side of Octagon Tower. It was during this same war that Charles I took refuge at Sudeley. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/71b854e7-4dfc-473f-b81e-846dc7a0befb/tempImageXIRRch.jpg Blog - Bourton-on-the-Water - Make it stand out English children are taught to remember the six wives of Henry VIII by the rhyme: Divorced, beheaded, died…divorced, beheaded, survived. During this visit to Sudeley, Amanda realized we have now visited the tombs of all six wives: 1 Katherine of Aragon—Peterborough Cathedral (2009) 2 Anne Boleyn—Chapel Royal, Tower of London (2009, 2015, & 2023) 3 Jane Seymour—St George’s Chapel, Windsor Castle (beside Henry VIII and Charles I) (2023) 4 Anne of Cleves—Westminster Abbey, near the High Altar (2009 & 2023) 5 Katherine Howard—Chapel Royal, Tower of London (beside her disgraced cousin, Anne Boleyn) (2009, 2015, & 2023) 6 Katherine Parr—St Mary’s Church, Sudeley Castle (2015 & 2023) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3122a4fe-e43a-4d31-ae27-1cc035000ad8/tempImagegOthKZ.jpg Blog - Bourton-on-the-Water - Make it stand out Part of Sudeley’s collection—Bed dressed with Aubusson bed hangings. These were bought from the Strawberry Hill sale in 1842 and date from the time of Louis XV. It is believed that these had been used on Marie Antoinette's bed! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/799a01c9-abbb-4eab-a27c-b79cf15ed3cf/tempImageFpssz4.jpg Blog - Bourton-on-the-Water - Make it stand out The old Arlington Mill https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0c3afc89-add4-417b-9711-aaad19214a3c/tempImageJTUda2.jpg Blog - Bourton-on-the-Water - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/254b0e4a-00c8-480d-811a-0f8e5f0b41f7/tempImageR3CUvo.jpg Blog - Bourton-on-the-Water - Make it stand out One of the most iconic addresses in the UK—Arlington Row. (It’s beautiful, but will look better in a month or so once everything blooms again.) These beautiful cottages were built in the 1380s as a monastic wool storehouse. As there were two mills in the parish in the middle ages, the area became very prosperous from trading. The storehouse was later converted into weavers’ cottages in the 17th century. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f92af5ee-fa48-4389-bac5-9c1a791816ec/tempImageNgP24N.jpg Blog - Bourton-on-the-Water - Make it stand out The cottages are on Awkward Hill road. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2e68d373-a2a8-41ca-a508-08763795dac0/tempImage3ITpwk.jpg Blog - Bourton-on-the-Water - Make it stand out After the cloth had been made, it would be transferred over to the nearby Arlington Mill for degreasing. Then, the pieces would be left to hang out to dry on “Rack Isle” in between the cottages and the mill, along the River Coln. Rack Isle is now the expanse of boggy meadow seen behind us and has become an important wildlife habitat. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/62862dd5-fe06-41fa-853c-772d2487c238/tempImagew3MFAn.jpg Blog - Bourton-on-the-Water - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f54047b7-9453-40ac-83cc-dd3e80bd2b3f/tempImagemiTirA.jpg Blog - Bourton-on-the-Water - Make it stand out Hellebores placed graveside in the St Mary Church cemetery in Bibery. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2093524b-12dc-4e07-b9e5-0f64eb2922bb/tempImage4fqEih.jpg Blog - Bourton-on-the-Water - Make it stand out St Mary Church https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7e42e657-3439-46f2-8083-c4a281db3354/tempImageRIaR2I.jpg Blog - Bourton-on-the-Water - Make it stand out Hope springs eternal https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ecd94309-8110-4e5b-a1f1-bf281f252de9/tempImagem8Hb4f.jpg Blog - Bourton-on-the-Water - Make it stand out Debbie and Nathan on a bridge over the River Coln. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8f191211-e7f8-4ec7-ab66-9e6167e74e58/tempImagelgjpNN.jpg Blog - Bourton-on-the-Water - Make it stand out Simply beautiful! https://www.overthehillandacrossthepond.com/blog/london-amp monthly 0.5 2023-11-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c7c48162-1561-4f31-85cc-cc2dc3507c81/tempImageu96GUN.jpg Blog - London, the Henge, & a Bath - Make it stand out We began Tuesday at Westminster Abbey. Here are Debbie and Nathan inside with the Great West Door behind. This is the Abbey’s ceremonial entrance. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7c6822ed-81ec-4a82-b18a-c04382114e2f/tempImagenOniWv.jpg Blog - London, the Henge, & a Bath - Make it stand out The Quire—The original medieval quire stalls were replaced in the 18th century and again by the present ones in 1848. The black and white marble floor dates from 1677. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1b8a7625-93b4-4550-98ed-a038180e3804/tempImagedCexzt.jpg Blog - London, the Henge, & a Bath - Make it stand out The tomb of Lady Elizabeth & Joseph Nightingale in St Michael's Chapel, off the north transept. Elizabeth died in 1731 and the tomb depicts a skeleton of Death emerging from his prison to aim his deadly dart at the dying figure of Elizabeth above. She is held up by her husband who, in horror, tries to ward off the stroke of death. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/23b7f901-1d17-479e-afb6-72e564809f62/tempImageZhFTJw.jpg Blog - London, the Henge, & a Bath - Make it stand out The Lady Chapel was begun in 1503 and constructed at the expense of Henry VII. It is the last great masterpiece of English medieval architecture. The outstanding feature of the chapel is the spectacular fan-vaulted roof with its carved pendants. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/fa8c2382-092c-4307-910c-31e359bcae60/tempImagevHqbD8.jpg Blog - London, the Henge, & a Bath - Make it stand out Mary Queen of Scots became a threat to her cousin Elizabeth I and was ultimately executed at Fotheringhay Castle in 1587. She was first buried in Peterborough Cathedral with great solemnity by Elizabeth's orders, but when her son James I became king, he ordered her remains be brought to Westminster Abbey in 1612. His Royal Warrant ordering the re-burial hangs near the tomb. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8da2a61e-d92c-42db-beaa-75f4f86dece6/tempImagei1lmo2.jpg Blog - London, the Henge, & a Bath - Make it stand out The Royal Air Force (RAF) Chapel—At the eastern end of the magnificent Lady Chapel built by King Henry VII is dedicated to the men of the RAF who died in the Battle of Britain between July and October 1940. A Service of Thanksgiving for the victory gained in the Battle of Britain has been held annually in September in the Abbey since 1944 (except in 2022 due to the death of Queen Elizabeth II). The victory in the air over the German Luftwaffe was the major factor in forcing Hitler to postpone and eventually abandon his invasion of Britain. The stained glass window contains the badges of the fighter squadrons that took part in the Battle. In four panels are shown visions which symbolize the Redemption. In one a squadron leader kneels before the Virgin Mary and the Christ Child. Below this she is represented in her sorrow with the dead Christ across her knees (a symbol of the sacrifice of the mothers and widows of those who died in the conflict). On the opposite side a panel shows a sergeant pilot kneeling before the Crucifixion (a symbol of the sacrifice of the pilot himself). Lastly, above this, is the Resurrection seen by a pilot officer (representing the pilots' triumph). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/bd335469-bbe7-4b82-874f-a15d348b24b6/tempImage9k4I1Y.jpg Blog - London, the Henge, & a Bath - Make it stand out From around 200 AD, the shape of London was defined by one single structure: the massive city wall that stretched for two miles around the ancient City of London. Located in the garden to the east of Tower Hill stands one of the highest remaining fragments of the old city wall. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/654e2fe0-d23d-4d8c-9fb8-8ed2c0e0f7a2/tempImagezWZpa3.jpg Blog - London, the Henge, & a Bath - Make it stand out What is interesting about this section of the wall is that the Roman sections are clearly visible from the base of the wall, up to about 13 feet high. The rest of the stonework is of medieval origins, and rises today to a height of around 32 feet. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/98a96a10-b601-4ff6-94b3-2f184b4ecb3d/tempImageSvRSV0.jpg Blog - London, the Henge, & a Bath - Make it stand out During our Beef Eater tour with the White Tower to the left and Tower Bridge in the background. It is said that the Kingdom and the Tower of London will fall if the six resident ravens ever leave this fortress. The names of the current Tower ravens are Jubilee, Harris, Poppy, Georgie, Edgar, and Branwen. They are currently being kept in isolation for their own safety due to the recent avian flu outbreak. One of their enclosures is visible on the lawn. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0cc552e4-24e8-47eb-acf8-76517842dc2c/tempImagexia5m4.jpg Blog - London, the Henge, & a Bath - Make it stand out The Shard (aka The Salt Cellar) rises above the Tower’s old royal residences. One of the rooms immediately left of the Shard was where King George III and his advisors strategized about how to manage the American colonies and how to defeat forces under George Washington's command. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/41e3d2e7-8296-4521-bdb3-fb098b1da2cb/tempImagelFHAa2.jpg Blog - London, the Henge, & a Bath - Make it stand out The doorway leading to where the bodies of the “Princes in the Tower” were discovered in the White Tower in 1674. After King Edward IV died in 1674, his 12- and 9-year-old sons were brought to the Tower by their paternal uncle and all-powerful regent, the Duke of Gloucester. Before the eldest son could be crowned, he and his brother were declared illegitimate and Gloucester ascended the throne as Richard III. It is unclear what happened to the boys after the last recorded sighting of them in the Tower. It is generally assumed that they were murdered—the common hypothesis that they were killed by Richard in order to secure the throne. Their deaths may have occurred sometime in 1483, but apart from their disappearance, the evidence is purely circumstantial. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0f59d4bf-9261-4495-b2c3-1c6ad9f39061/tempImage3SO8Ag.jpg Blog - London, the Henge, & a Bath - Make it stand out London City Hall (aka The Armadillo) from the Tower. (Nathan loved all the nicknames for the London buildings!) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c6324ff0-6e92-49d7-9000-41fae8aef4ce/tempImageCOCSZW.jpg Blog - London, the Henge, & a Bath - Make it stand out Fireplace in the king’s old residence. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f62c2f89-9a38-4eaa-87ff-ad19b9cdfb87/tempImage4SzwJ6.jpg Blog - London, the Henge, & a Bath - Make it stand out The White Tower https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1ddce3b0-0be5-4b22-b02a-01bb9ede35be/tempImagezRVTSL.jpg Blog - London, the Henge, & a Bath - Make it stand out Tower Bridge from the south wall of the Tower of London. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/22b72b38-8fb0-4428-ab25-0da3b0571bff/tempImageGj9WE5.jpg Blog - London, the Henge, & a Bath - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9f20fc8e-6ecc-4f23-bd42-c97e407fd6cf/tempImage5CcGH5.jpg Blog - London, the Henge, & a Bath - Make it stand out On Tower Bridge with the Tower of London in the background at the right—and more of Nathan’s favorite modern buildings with their affectionate nicknames: The Gherkin (right), The Cheese Grater (center front), Helter-Skelter (center back), and The Walkie Talkie (left). Not shown: The Can of Ham. You can just Google it or click here to see some of the buildings with nicknames. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/dd01362a-a801-4e2e-8bea-a9b3b1421a81/tempImage7rYzO9.jpg Blog - London, the Henge, & a Bath - Make it stand out Piccadilly Circus and the Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain, popularly known as Eros, with the winged statue of Anteros. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c2608711-6770-4592-a56c-e0eb3456b2a6/tempImageuT6roO.jpg Blog - London, the Henge, & a Bath - Make it stand out After Piccadilly Circus, it was off the James J Fox Cigar Merchant—where Winston Churchill purchased his cigars—to buy some Cubans. This shop began trading fine tobacco in St James's Street in 1787. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a3245098-571e-4075-b78f-1beadc62475e/tempImageguVi3N.jpg Blog - London, the Henge, & a Bath - Make it stand out So many choices inside the large walk-in humidor. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9954b9c1-1f8b-49ff-b982-77e2208fce3d/tempImagesaV3Yc.jpg Blog - London, the Henge, & a Bath - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/dbb332c6-4c15-4a6d-9c80-c6b32f35ab70/tempImage6L74c0.jpg Blog - London, the Henge, & a Bath - Make it stand out In the basement is a museum to Winston Churchill, which includes the famous Winston Churchill Chair (they let you sit in it!). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9027ace6-7928-4fd4-8f07-8aa7f5de4873/tempImagen1ekif.jpg Blog - London, the Henge, & a Bath - Make it stand out Don’t know what this is, but it looked pretty cool. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/67b71d81-b22a-4399-b124-b9920a2d59e5/tempImageODHgNk.jpg Blog - London, the Henge, & a Bath - Make it stand out Cuban cigars in hand, we enjoyed dinner Tuesday night at the amazing Lamb and Flag in Covent Garden, which brought back fond memories of our time with Will! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/10c5f1ea-3b24-47e9-b96f-dc4db425cc84/IMG_0720-preview.JPG Blog - London, the Henge, & a Bath - Make it stand out During our 2021 trip to Iceland I slept in the upper bunk and kept poking my head out of the vent each night to see if aurora borealis was visible. I always did this late at night in the dark, so one night Amanda decided to take a picture to see what I looked like. We both found the picture super funny and assigned the description: “Oh, the silent majesty of a winter's morn; the clean, cool chill of the Icelandic air; and an asshole in his bunkbed, searching for aurora borealis.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c7739365-6207-48ad-99ec-3f5ffcd00a46/tempImage0wH4WH.jpg Blog - London, the Henge, & a Bath - Make it stand out And now, Amanda and I slept in this bunk bed in Notting Hill, and so the quote changes once again, “Oh, the silent majesty of a spring's morn; the clean, cool chill of the English air; and an asshole in his bunkbed, grinning like a moron.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1e3a39f4-fcb2-4a2a-a849-7810b7d86c81/tempImage4A4lEK.jpg Blog - London, the Henge, & a Bath - Make it stand out After spending Monday and Tuesday nights in this flat in Notting Hill, on Wednesday morning we left our apartment, took the Tube to Heathrow, and rented a car. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f269e2c1-d052-42bf-b516-a55923c4071b/tempImageqld1dP.jpg Blog - London, the Henge, & a Bath - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/40f93d7c-c731-4b35-9441-482f8dab0d19/tempImagefK3KRf.jpg Blog - London, the Henge, & a Bath - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/20f062e3-caf6-4411-8279-4def919b9ad2/tempImage69OOAi.jpg Blog - London, the Henge, & a Bath - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c9308b27-c0e9-4a2c-bae9-5b4f510628fa/tempImage9QiHjI.jpg Blog - London, the Henge, & a Bath - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5962069d-cdc2-46a5-bb69-52a2c0823160/tempImageOIwnku.jpg Blog - London, the Henge, & a Bath - Make it stand out After settling in, Amanda and I headed off to Sainbury’s to do some quick shopping. Guess what Amanda found on our way out of the store? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3af458d5-31c7-457d-9654-edef355f6a3d/tempImagew1v5u0.jpg Blog - London, the Henge, & a Bath - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e74431c7-4e36-4d71-9aa2-55a644d5b295/tempImagep7fIWU.jpg Blog - London, the Henge, & a Bath - Make it stand out After turning in our shopping cart, we walked a few feet back toward the apartment when Amanda found another coin. This looked just like the British coin, but it ended up being Polish. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/879a95d9-251b-43f3-9ce2-ce119f52584b/tempImageMPeCPB.jpg Blog - London, the Henge, & a Bath - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/48a0782d-c6f2-4d5d-8e07-7f85232b3d63/tempImage9oT631.jpg Blog - London, the Henge, & a Bath - Make it stand out I was ordered to include this photo showing me defrosting the freezer in our Bath apartment. It was literally solid frost, which had gotten so bad it was forcing the door open. Apparently I am to be ashamed of myself for doing this while on holiday. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d637fc28-21f7-4abe-90a8-dfb627f23bc1/tempImagef7GJCW.jpg Blog - London, the Henge, & a Bath - Make it stand out You can’t visit Bath without at least stopping by Sally Lunn’s. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/690d8913-a12e-43a1-ac6a-7ec57e0a62ce/tempImagewHxP6I.jpg Blog - London, the Henge, & a Bath - Make it stand out In the museum under Sally Lunn’s, with ol’ Sally baking her buns. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7f76d034-e9d7-4dbb-b62b-9c238a605b23/tempImageYNyd4s.jpg Blog - London, the Henge, & a Bath - Make it stand out The Pultney weir and bridge. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b7b7e43c-9182-4812-98f5-a119ce54a823/tempImageBLJSoc.jpg Blog - London, the Henge, & a Bath - Make it stand out The Holburne Museum in Bath, famous for its use in shows like The Duchess and Bridgerton. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/bff82882-03fb-4a9d-843c-b1f9d120366e/tempImageBp5VYp.jpg Blog - London, the Henge, & a Bath - Make it stand out A scene from Bridgerton https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/af13f1c5-2b73-42f5-b615-c5f26c587a71/tempImageghaiW3.jpg Blog - London, the Henge, & a Bath - Make it stand out Jane Austen’s apartment at 4 Sydney Place. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e49a8bc0-e072-4b3c-a43b-d56682cf4c49/tempImageJ6Q3Xh.jpg Blog - London, the Henge, & a Bath - Make it stand out On Friday morning we had breakfast at the famous Great Pump Room. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3fddfff6-ffab-4134-a870-e67142aa7ef1/tempImageoJD9Rg.jpg Blog - London, the Henge, & a Bath - Make it stand out Completed in 1799, the Georgian Pump Room has been the social heart of Bath for more than two centuries, and boasts amongst its previous patrons Jane Austen and Charles Dickens. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6d292374-1316-41af-9a38-21d0517bd44e/tempImagebrXv9s.jpg Blog - London, the Henge, & a Bath - Make it stand out Nathan enjoyed his English breakfast tea and poached eggs with Scottish smoked salmon—all whilst listening to the resident pianist. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/94d495c0-2215-4a1f-8c5b-6d62d0e560e6/tempImageegfu9d.jpg Blog - London, the Henge, & a Bath - Make it stand out Indeed! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/dd53b343-3f1d-4f99-8f00-66ab21b076de/tempImageKDGcxr.jpg Blog - London, the Henge, & a Bath - Make it stand out Taking the Waters from the famous fountain! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/eec4dbce-bc3b-4463-91c7-36dec1c6e1b5/tempImage9awCyv.jpg Blog - London, the Henge, & a Bath - Make it stand out Debbie and Nathan touring the Roman Baths. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8d1cf217-5f68-487c-a4f0-0a92c778ed1a/tempImagexHhDbS.jpg Blog - London, the Henge, & a Bath - Make it stand out The incomparable Jane! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/58bf01b5-dd2a-4ed3-a108-2f2f549c537e/tempImage4Cdvt1.jpg Blog - London, the Henge, & a Bath - Make it stand out The Royal Crescent, and afterward we headed off to Thermae Spa. This was our final day in Bath and we truly enjoyed our time in this wonderful city. https://www.overthehillandacrossthepond.com/blog/debbie-amp-nathan-arrive monthly 0.5 2023-11-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4806ef6e-e206-4322-89cb-a94ecdb300bb/tempImageiEAhrT.jpg Blog - Debbie & Nathan Arrive - Make it stand out We were so happy to welcome Debbie and Nathan to London after their long trans-Atlantic flight. Here they are on the Jubilee Line train from Heathrow to Paddington station. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6c3f4f47-91ad-463c-9b11-d7cd4417b058/tempImagekdNSKw.jpg Blog - Debbie & Nathan Arrive - Make it stand out Since we transferred through Paddington, we figured we’d better stop and see the bear himself. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/149e3c2d-d342-4d7f-b9e4-4738214af910/tempImageJAVAt3.jpg Blog - Debbie & Nathan Arrive - Make it stand out After lunch at the Kensington Dishoom, it was off to Buckingham Palace. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e4c3f994-9570-4e51-af01-c6adf0919c41/tempImagehfUjej.jpg Blog - Debbie & Nathan Arrive - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0b76e58b-2d9f-4810-ac02-190080b2f3ae/tempImageXNEOqP.jpg Blog - Debbie & Nathan Arrive - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/55de418e-a753-4aed-be6b-defa571215e4/tempImageGVW6GC.jpg Blog - Debbie & Nathan Arrive - Make it stand out The Victoria Statue in front of Buckingham Palace. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/adeb1f64-4ff0-45db-bf49-10c70af6e74a/tempImageD2EkRn.jpg Blog - Debbie & Nathan Arrive - Make it stand out 10 Downing Street—home of Prime Minister Rishi Sunak. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/86af9264-3f69-487b-8bfb-db4baad3b764/tempImageCQlHh3.jpg Blog - Debbie & Nathan Arrive - Make it stand out The Palace of Westminster with its iconic clocktower. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b4f0b21b-cbf4-4003-8534-f28433dc231e/tempImagePmZ9qi.jpg Blog - Debbie & Nathan Arrive - Make it stand out The Palace of Westminster with its Victoria Tower, Central Lobby spire, and Big Ben. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0b6f0bd4-721c-42ad-b66a-0ccaf8b06ebb/tempImageED7x9z.jpg Blog - Debbie & Nathan Arrive - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/80c36da3-a815-469d-a28f-f04e8d9ef1f7/tempImageTy7wMo.jpg Blog - Debbie & Nathan Arrive - Make it stand out Victorian sturgeon lamppost on the south bank of the River Thames, Victoria Tower in the background. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/be07927c-c369-438a-9c05-27572b844f2b/tempImagevykeEa.jpg Blog - Debbie & Nathan Arrive - Make it stand out We stopped in a Starbucks and Amanda immediately spotted a single “dime” on the floor. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/dcc0c55b-9bf1-4b0f-9554-f840fb55125e/tempImageUx5t4s.jpg Blog - Debbie & Nathan Arrive - Make it stand out The temperature doesn’t seem too cold…this should be a fun night bus tour! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8a068245-c01a-4a1b-b25b-1ace349fc306/tempImagekxYdch.jpg Blog - Debbie & Nathan Arrive - Make it stand out Ummmm…I’m cold! (Regent Street) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/797be880-2f17-4bb5-90bb-bb3f985739e6/tempImageR5idSZ.jpg Blog - Debbie & Nathan Arrive - Make it stand out Piccadilly Circus https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e95283ad-cf9e-49bb-90fe-c29e39e218b2/tempImageYyKd1L.jpg Blog - Debbie & Nathan Arrive - Make it stand out The London Eye https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/92e2651f-f113-4557-877d-1951182336f1/tempImageQMCOQI.jpg Blog - Debbie & Nathan Arrive - Make it stand out Hey Steve, how long until we can move to somewhere warmer? I can’t feel my toes any more. (Tower Bridge) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/294be360-d977-4010-af61-8463a7e34241/tempImage0Mo3z8.jpg Blog - Debbie & Nathan Arrive - Make it stand out The Shard https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ff894fca-ef49-468e-abc1-b12553a8de74/tempImageMkhxgY.jpg Blog - Debbie & Nathan Arrive - Make it stand out Crossing the River Thames on Tower Bridge https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/74a62375-7fb2-4319-9ede-accb542e4748/tempImageqxd2mM.jpg Blog - Debbie & Nathan Arrive - Make it stand out Tower of London with the Shard in the background. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9e885ce4-4043-4f01-9311-771a480da2b4/tempImagehjAOv7.jpg Blog - Debbie & Nathan Arrive - Make it stand out Full circle to the London Eye. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/604b00e2-2f6b-4139-af23-cc8a6a0e868e/tempImageNV73is.jpg Blog - Debbie & Nathan Arrive - Make it stand out We’re staying in a flat in Notting Hill. After getting Debbie inside where it was warm, Amanda and I walked to the store to pick up a few items. As we were walking home, Keith struck again! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e728b480-e629-45b5-8fc8-ffd9007a8de1/tempImageDjq1oI.jpg Blog - Debbie & Nathan Arrive - Make it stand out It was a great first day. Now it’s time for some much needed sleep! Goodnight everyone! https://www.overthehillandacrossthepond.com/blog/title-here monthly 0.5 2023-11-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0c1a3472-db0c-4981-9b95-02eba576775c/tempImageQSuaYu.jpg Blog - Happy UK Mother’s Day - Make it stand out On our way to the horse, we diverted to see Adam’s Grave. The grave is almost certainly not the final resting place of anyone who went by the name Adam. Instead, it was aptly named after the first person believed to have walked the earth. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b6861370-0f1d-46b7-9d7a-4fd7f21645d5/tempImagezXcMyU.jpg Blog - Happy UK Mother’s Day - Make it stand out A tumulus is a mound of earth and stones raised over a grave or graves. Tumuli are also known as barrows, burial mounds, or kurgans, and may be found throughout much of the world. A cairn, which is a mound of stones built for various purposes, may also originally have been a tumulus. The Adam’s Grave chambered long barrow is from the Early Neolithic period, which began in the UK some time around 4,000 BC. Adam’s Grave was created perhaps around 3,600 BC. I find it difficult to wrap my mind around the fact that we were standing on a grave estimated to be roughly 5,623 years old! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/32ec9845-6148-4c1e-9b93-c02108b23526/tempImageqLzm7b.jpg Blog - Happy UK Mother’s Day - Make it stand out The material required to build the mound (in the background), including the chalk to finally cover it, was quarried from two massive ditches running on either side of it. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8615e684-ad37-4580-ae8a-fbd211c8d695/tempImageMPaACB.jpg Blog - Happy UK Mother’s Day - Make it stand out Looking back on Adam’s Grave. As with so many of the other chalkland monuments of this time, the long barrow was capped in chalk and would have gleamed white much as the local carved white horses do today. As Martin Green says in his book A Landscape Revealed, “Their original appearance must have been exceptionally striking. Cresting the hill their gleaming white form would have provided a clear statement to those who viewed them of the resident community’s rights to the land.” Not quite on the scale of the Great Pyramid of Giza, but, then again, quite impressive considering they pre-date Giza by a millennium. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1f093de1-9f36-4a52-98fd-c9b30167fa44/tempImagePab6c2.jpg Blog - Happy UK Mother’s Day - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6a3c2899-8c20-436a-ab2d-962c368c4918/tempImageD2cLqz.jpg Blog - Happy UK Mother’s Day - Make it stand out From directly above, the horse doesn’t look like much more than a pile of rocks; however, the view over the Vale of Pewsey is simply beautiful. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0be84f94-2616-4f8a-a139-43ea14e7a5cd/tempImageB3OAQl.jpg Blog - Happy UK Mother’s Day - Make it stand out The view of the horse from its namesake village of Alton Barnes. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/75970a7c-495d-4a91-804a-19a762803f9b/tempImagegzxokz.jpg Blog - Happy UK Mother’s Day - Make it stand out West Wood is a beautiful former ancient woodland site that becomes very popular in late spring when a fantastic display of bluebells will carpet the forest floor. The bluebells are already blanketing the floor, but sadly only their green shoots were showing. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/df7e62eb-e9f7-41bf-a809-16de578abe9a/tempImageCuRIHb.jpg Blog - Happy UK Mother’s Day - Make it stand out My lovely Rain Princess https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/cd73d8f2-ba05-4a9a-a178-dc80d545e201/Forest.jpeg Blog - Happy UK Mother’s Day - Make it stand out Soon this forest will look like this! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a74d8ec7-6498-45a9-b622-39bd7114b30a/tempImageqKmvaS.jpg Blog - Happy UK Mother’s Day - Make it stand out The long barrow was built in about 3,650 BC by an early farming community, people who had arrived from Continental Europe only a few generations before. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4e613356-42d7-4a64-b8c2-52954aa29783/tempImageOxvFEt.jpg Blog - Happy UK Mother’s Day - Make it stand out In the early Bronze Age (3,300 BC to 1,200 BC), three large stones were placed to block the entrance and finally seal off the chambers. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ed94c6ef-917d-4214-98e1-4c2237b9719d/tempImage2NkAo8.jpg Blog - Happy UK Mother’s Day - Make it stand out Today the opening is accessible and West Kennet is one of only a few long barrows you can enter. It boggles the mind to consider that you are entering a structure build approximately 5,673 years ago! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c57f5d01-b2ed-4eca-87fa-027165dcb181/tempImageKHSQup.jpg Blog - Happy UK Mother’s Day - Make it stand out For about 50 years, ancient peoples placed their dead into the different chambers, grouping them according to age, sex, and perhaps social or family group. As new people were placed in the chambers, older burials were disturbed and the bones re-arranged. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/97debd3d-0c59-476b-8190-aac75c620779/tempImageFGPKgg.jpg Blog - Happy UK Mother’s Day - Make it stand out Over the next 1,000 years people regularly returned to the long barrow, filling the chambers with earth, ash, chalk rubble, and sarsen stones. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8c258550-e87d-4207-b4ae-8f95ddd744a9/tempImage1EI9ro.jpg Blog - Happy UK Mother’s Day - Make it stand out Mixed with this material were pottery sherds, flint tools, and the bones of both humans and animals. Perhaps the barrow became a shrine to the ancestors or to the land itself. Much still remains a mystery. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9a1e8d69-a45a-4297-9720-16f20cfbb81d/tempImage2fepon.jpg Blog - Happy UK Mother’s Day - Make it stand out The back of the chamber has been blocked off due to damage to the remaining segments of the long barrow. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/fe613fcb-78b1-4a96-8ace-c66c29dce936/tempImagebcYqy6.jpg Blog - Happy UK Mother’s Day - Make it stand out As we leave the barrow and walk back to our car, one final selfie with Silbury Hill in the background. The showers may have been “scattered,” but they managed to find us all day. And now we’ve had just about enough wind, rain, and cold for one day—haven’t we? It’s time for a nice cuppa, a chocolate biscuit, and a toasty house! Ta ta for now! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c759313b-ec74-4ff7-874b-e487e6bef5ba/tempImagen8VwG8.jpg Blog - Happy UK Mother’s Day - Make it stand out Sláinte from our Guinness chairs at The Salutation Inn in The Gibb, Chippenham. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b3337acc-f566-4e8c-b476-197720ac1772/tempImageGfj0RE.jpg Blog - Happy UK Mother’s Day - Make it stand out We had a lovely 1.8 mile walk along pastoral lanes from our house to the pub. It’s always ideal to have a proper pint of Guinness on St Paddy’s Day! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3f5a0243-260f-4f98-ad64-13eb3d566af8/tempImagedhogeY.jpg Blog - Happy UK Mother’s Day - Make it stand out Saturday was our final day touring the area around Bath before Debbie and Nathan arrive in London on Monday morning. We decided to spend the day exploring the amazing Wye Valley Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). The Wye Valley resides in two countries, broken neatly in two by the peacefully meandering River Wye—the boundary between Wales to the west and England to the east. Church Cottage is in the village of Tutshill, Gloucestershire, England, at the southern edge of the Wye Valley. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3791c202-8223-4386-b43e-ab1bf51f606d/tempImagetA3qpa.jpg Blog - Happy UK Mother’s Day - Make it stand out Joanne Rowling, together with her parents and sister, moved to the house in 1974 when she was aged nine. The family lived here until in 1995 (when Joanne was 18). Rowling indirectly owns the home now with the intent of controlling its future. Features inside the house include an under-stairs cupboard, reportedly similar to the one in which Harry Potter was forced to live, and there is a trapdoor to a cellar, similar to the entrance to the Chamber of Secrets. Rowling’s family often visited the Forest of Dean (inside the Wye Valley AONB), so it is no surprise that, in her book, Hermione thought to disapparate to the Forest of Dean, a secluded place where Hermione went camping once with her family. Hagrid was also born in or near the Forest of Dean. This home is an often overlooked source of inspiration for her writing. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/27439e88-9d7b-4e4b-9f65-e2e0dbecda33/tempImageEIg3yO.jpg Blog - Happy UK Mother’s Day - Make it stand out It really is a lovely home! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9d066074-8fe1-439b-b18f-98297aabaa25/tempImageCOJ5rx.jpg Blog - Happy UK Mother’s Day - Make it stand out Geologists now know the landscape was formed when underground limestone caves were uplifted and exposed to erosion. The surface of Puzzlewood is covered with scowles—the remaining deep hollows and exposed rock of eroded caves. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d3f0f98b-4bbd-4dca-a7c9-3549932e872d/tempImageszyH3Q.jpg Blog - Happy UK Mother’s Day - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/495efa16-829c-47ca-896e-57d169d56112/tempImage5bCRc4.jpg Blog - Happy UK Mother’s Day - Make it stand out Given the unique setting, it is no wonder Puzzlewood was used to film The Secret Garden (2020), Star Wars: Episode VII - The Force Awakens (2015), Dr Who, and many others. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/24218960-1d60-40b4-abe6-6327435c1a64/tempImageHuLJ6y.jpg Blog - Happy UK Mother’s Day - Make it stand out I think I just saw an Ewok! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/242cbc90-5e89-4f49-a13f-b63c64428d89/tempImageoNR5YS.jpg Blog - Happy UK Mother’s Day - Make it stand out You may recall our visit to Wistman’s Wood in Dartmoor National Park and how they do not want you walking inside the forest because so many visitors will surely damage the fragile ecosystem within. We certainly recommend visiting Wistman’s, but a visit to Puzzlewood is very much like walking inside Wistman’s Wood…probably better! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0cdc4949-9684-4985-b2e6-c460db13e4b6/tempImagebnwroQ.jpg Blog - Happy UK Mother’s Day - Make it stand out Can you spot the elephant? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a44f0b11-1dce-428d-bfbe-ef1f0a38c2a1/tempImagetuOCTY.jpg Blog - Happy UK Mother’s Day - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/10cbcbc6-d225-45ed-8893-c47ac400b66b/tempImageAxanEt.jpg Blog - Happy UK Mother’s Day - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/28251391-9e55-4ca7-b47b-7cb96cf385b1/tempImageJsGHui.jpg Blog - Happy UK Mother’s Day - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/adcf1b2a-3c91-4c68-848e-f41b2a7de9c0/tempImageNybhqB.jpg Blog - Happy UK Mother’s Day - Make it stand out The fabled forests of Middle-earth that feature in JRR Tolkien's books The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings are said to be inspired by Puzzlewood. Tolkien was a frequent visitor to the Forest of Dean and worked here during the late 1920s. It’s not in the least bit difficult to imagine Gandalf the Grey, Saruman the White, elves, orcs, or dragons inhabiting this forest! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b57c2278-6021-402c-b1e4-bdbd59afdbe9/tempImageB79Mer.jpg Blog - Happy UK Mother’s Day - Make it stand out From here we watched lightning bolts streak out of the sky and listened as thunder rumbled from the storm cell visible in the distance, all while watching peregrine falcons gliding through the sky below us. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/80a8b038-86ce-49ee-85f4-f6286d2d6c55/tempImageLr3Nnh.jpg Blog - Happy UK Mother’s Day - Make it stand out The bend in the River Wye below required no visual effects to give it a striking appeal when Harry walks to the river’s edge on a frosty morning in the Deathly Hallows Part 1. It’s amazing that they were able to film such scenes in the actual location described in the book. Safe travels Debbie and Nathan—we look forward to welcoming you to London soon! https://www.overthehillandacrossthepond.com/blog/53 monthly 0.5 2023-11-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/171af34a-b7cf-4dac-8ab8-2fe47a901c01/tempImagew1Q0Qm.jpg Blog - 53 Years It’s Been - Make it stand out After working up an appetite hiking, it was time for an early afternoon mocha and cinnamon roll at my favorite spot in Bath. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/63a0e6be-54ea-4061-aeb1-f9b02d54364a/tempImageJhU8J2.jpg Blog - 53 Years It’s Been - Make it stand out The setting isn't too bad either with Bath Abbey behind me! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/52362cfc-c379-4d7b-ae61-d007868d0bbe/tempImageVplkmF.jpg Blog - 53 Years It’s Been - Make it stand out We swung in a Tesco Express where Keith left me a birthday dime! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/873dafe5-6af0-44bc-b1ba-3e30f216bc7d/tempImagewKcIRR.jpg Blog - 53 Years It’s Been - Make it stand out Happy March Birthday to you too Keith…and Thank You! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/69789fc5-463b-4ec9-a3ee-6f4de41386d4/tempImageNjrUVn.jpg Blog - 53 Years It’s Been - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c46fb45d-a6eb-4702-9b96-6b4e3604ddb1/The+Hurting+1.jpeg Blog - 53 Years It’s Been - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/57014741-3b95-4be4-bfb1-de602ea39499/tempImageiukYSp.jpg Blog - 53 Years It’s Been - Make it stand out I took this picture back in early January at the Round Pond in front of Kensington Palace in London where the cover photo for The Hurting album was taken. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7fcf0093-d2ad-4ab4-84fb-e4a254bd1216/tempImageceGBrn.jpg Blog - 53 Years It’s Been - Make it stand out Mad World was a smash hit from The Hurting album. Roland Orzabal and his girlfriend (later wife) Caroline were living above a pizza place on Barton Street, near the Theatre Royal in Bath when he wrote the song. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/958ff32a-ed26-4807-8c3d-ded17e551601/tempImageK39iNi.jpg Blog - 53 Years It’s Been - Make it stand out Orzabel was only 19 when he wrote Mad World. “I was looking out of the window and seeing these people go on their merry way to work and the whole rat race thing. Being an adolescent who’d never had any real responsibility other than at school, I was critical of [all that] so I wrote Mad World. Not that Bath is very mad—I should have called it ‘Bourgeois World!’ A song came on the radio, it was Girls On Film by Duran Duran, and it had this rhythm that I stole—not that theirs was original!” Though Mad World was perhaps a bit naïve as Roland suggested, their lyrics consistently demonstrated wisdom beyond their years. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/dc842fde-4157-4686-b3bd-9f066c770124/tempImagenwmrDf.jpg Blog - 53 Years It’s Been - Make it stand out Interestingly, there is currently a Pizza Express here at the end of Barton Street, with the Theatre Royal just to the left. Essentially, this is the birthplace of the first song I can remember having a real impact on me. All around me are familiar faces Worn out places, worn out faces Bright and early for the daily races Going nowhere, going nowhere… I find it hard to tell you I find it hard to take When people run in circles, it's a very, very Mad world, mad world https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8c7c2434-d723-4c13-9198-37f1b3efc7fb/tempImageuBLOJr.jpg Blog - 53 Years It’s Been - Make it stand out An amazing and very tasty dinner at Thaikhun in downtown Bath was the perfect end to a wonderful day spent with my very best friend in one of our favorite cities—what a day! Thank you for all your messages and, in one case, singing! You helped us celebrate and make the day extra special. https://www.overthehillandacrossthepond.com/blog/hiya monthly 0.5 2023-11-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/417e86c5-689d-4cda-9bb8-0f5acd714db4/tempImageGNWnCi.jpg Blog - Hiya! - Make it stand out Once over the bridge, we plunged headlong into the land of many consonants. Check out our Sat Nav screen. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f08b89f6-acc9-406a-bcfa-b180892348d3/tempImageEVK3ig.jpg Blog - Hiya! - Make it stand out We drove to the furthest locations first, which took us to Stella’s home in the fictional Welsh town of Pontyberry. In fact, Stella Lucy Morris, student nurse, lived in this pink house on Elm Street in Ferndale. In the show, Michael Matthew Jackson moves to the house next door to Stella after an acrimonious divorce has caused him to downsize his lifestyle. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/66991d92-746a-42b9-98af-2a034b0228c5/tempImageVMVkcv.jpg Blog - Hiya! - Make it stand out Directly across the street in the yellow house lived Stella’s Aunty Brenda. Marj and her husband Glen live with their donkey in the house on the right (remember, it’s a comedy). Here is a character list. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/56dce20c-b24d-4267-887b-527d5c9edfa4/tempImage1j4h18.jpg Blog - Hiya! - Make it stand out Why, there’s Marj and Glen’s donkey now! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f2d1bf73-9d3a-4b89-a4b2-d85c0577e35a/tempImageTc14Jh.jpg Blog - Hiya! - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c75df929-c6d5-4b51-8a93-6f46c00c51d8/tempImage5SGPQd.jpg Blog - Hiya! - Make it stand out Sadly, the bench were Stella so often sits and surveys the beautiful Valleys is on private property (not that we would have seen much more than low clods today). However, the small garden really is located just beyond the wall at the bottom of the street. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8c38e514-4161-4255-86d6-c353a6d6be65/aberfan_1_sm.jpg Blog - Hiya! - Make it stand out Image from October 1966 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a0842dba-2906-4a64-be5a-fb79ed9c2db0/tempImage5hjEzY.jpg Blog - Hiya! - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/01fd11d7-3582-4972-b70e-6642cc23b403/tempImagePOlhj7.jpg Blog - Hiya! - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1d2b0feb-94b2-46df-b1de-22579cc09f3b/tempImageoeXmDI.jpg Blog - Hiya! - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/60498f72-148c-451e-b320-9d4fe0a941b1/tempImagekF3M5p.jpg Blog - Hiya! - Make it stand out In May 1997, the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh planted a commemorative tree in the garden, to mark the 50th anniversary of the disaster. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/fbd7963e-2dd3-4b1f-820a-e6c047f3ca11/tempImager0uQLk.jpg Blog - Hiya! - Make it stand out The Prince Of Wales (now King Charles III) also planted this tree in commemoration. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7deac382-e3f6-40ed-9a74-64c8940ed364/tempImageeO4uIX.jpg Blog - Hiya! - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8cad5c67-52c7-431f-95a4-723bcf52751d/tempImagebb2Fw7.jpg Blog - Hiya! - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2eef80f1-b8fa-4bf5-8e50-3877ac7ede4d/tempImageWFQ3Lg.jpg Blog - Hiya! - Make it stand out A few blocks away is the Aberfan Cemetery. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1d8ea320-6acc-4af4-bb82-8158251d1542/tempImagessnsdw.jpg Blog - Hiya! - Make it stand out The cemetery is home to a memorial unique on its own, The Aberfan Disaster Cemetery, which marks the remains of the 144 people killed in the slide. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ba1cd784-e4c5-4ea8-a74e-b30099e9bdf3/tempImageyiDdHY.jpg Blog - Hiya! - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ec3197b8-0ca4-4e63-af7a-261af3a4cdea/tempImageoM6wCJ.jpg Blog - Hiya! - Make it stand out If the memorial built on the school site wasn’t somber enough, than reading the names of so many children, in this case brothers, who lost their lives in a moment of great sadness, will certainly get to you. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ba93d428-842e-4726-9c6f-1666814b2cc4/tempImageHHWfhv.jpg Blog - Hiya! - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/258477e7-3622-4472-b755-96500f101d2f/tempImageuIhWeJ.jpg Blog - Hiya! - Make it stand out Despite the passing of 57 years, the pain of loss is remarkably palpable. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/dc681d2a-c44e-43ab-996a-6931574261ca/tempImagec6wnRX.jpg Blog - Hiya! - Make it stand out Ours prayers go out to the families who are still living with the loss. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5f6920df-47b4-4978-b3cd-ce374865a8cc/tempImagetp06du.jpg Blog - Hiya! - Make it stand out The sign may say Sadies, but we all know that this is really Simpsons Funeral Services, known locally as Daddy’s. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/879e6ffb-f229-4cac-a4c2-44f41ebc1cbd/tempImageBNGJlp.jpg Blog - Hiya! - Make it stand out Daddy’s was run by his daughter Paula and Undertaker's Assistant Bobby. So great to see this building in person. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/53009c7f-82cc-4153-b28d-24c2152ea522/tempImageqIMJuf.jpg Blog - Hiya! - Make it stand out Pronounced just like it looks! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/acbf477b-61ae-4325-8026-a4ab755006e0/tempImagedezN2E.jpg Blog - Hiya! - Make it stand out Despite being set in Billericay (which is east of London), Smithy’s Local was actually filmed at the Colcot Arms in Barry. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/47dc5639-3053-48a7-a042-e9eed2cc18d8/tempImage2YoYdS.jpg Blog - Hiya! - Make it stand out After a drunken quiz night in the second episode, Smithy and the family go into the parking lot. Even seeing a stupid parking lot can be really fun to see in person when it has some meaning attached to it. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3a39f354-658e-4c02-89e1-4935aa748968/Pub.jpeg Blog - Hiya! - Make it stand out The wood porch is new, but the entrance is still very recognizable. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e4724bdc-fdbc-42fa-b4bc-2e2f0313b3db/tempImage1JMc4F.jpg Blog - Hiya! - Make it stand out Then it was just down the road to Trinity Street. Halfway down this steep hill of terraces, we found the homes of Gwen & Stacey, Uncle Bryn, and Gwen’s cheeky next door neighbor Doris O'Neil (such a funny character!). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f419d19c-a552-4931-af10-cd4403d928cb/tempImageGMC93s.jpg Blog - Hiya! - Make it stand out The flat where Stacey lived with her mother Gwen. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d55bacb8-9204-42fc-86f3-ccf006f8fe1a/tempImageyqVgr2.jpg Blog - Hiya! - Make it stand out Oi, give us a cwtch! (pronounced like “cutch” and rhymes with butch.) The meaning of the Welsh word cwtch is to cuddle/hug but has a much more affectionate connotations and loving undertones when you cwtch a loved one. It’s a unique Welsh term of endearment. Everyone needs a cwtch from their mum, deserves one after a hard-day’s work, and can’t wait to cwtch a newborn baby. Especially Neil the Baby. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/057c3239-1900-4887-a936-b5d712272f56/tempImageWn5EiD.jpg Blog - Hiya! - Make it stand out The flat is fairly easy to spot! I guess the older woman who lives there (and did so during the filming) will invite you in and talk all about the show. It was late and we weren’t sure what we’d be walking into, so we chickened out! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/bb87895a-3c4d-4ede-9b4d-90e6871b13de/tempImage0DajMX.jpg Blog - Hiya! - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5cfc8376-cac9-4b85-a93b-79eea479a252/tempImageGiVzsJ.jpg Blog - Hiya! - Make it stand out Doris’ flat on the left. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8292f484-dced-44ed-8ea2-7ab87ec62dcc/tempImageBVzHY1.jpg Blog - Hiya! - Make it stand out The house as seen from Bryn’s side of the street. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b9ebe51f-7eaa-4d1c-bcf6-e278aa7a2724/tempImageh0lDjK.jpg Blog - Hiya! - Make it stand out Looking across the street to Uncle Bryn’s flat (I’d have to watch the show again to remember which is his). This is where Uncle Bryn discovered the web and its “one golden rule” to begin every search with “w-w-w-dot.” To remember the rule, Bryn came up with several very clever pneumonics including “whisky with water” and “women wearing wings.” He also liked Gavin’s suggestion of “World Wide Web.” “I like it, like a spider. Hey, that’s the ticket, that’s brilliant, you’ve got it. First class, that is!” And we never did find out what happened on that fishing trip. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a729bd52-42a4-4ab4-a2e7-6c6bd78e071d/tempImageoNpAlP.jpg Blog - Hiya! - Make it stand out Looking down Trinity Street toward Barry Island. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0f8f3aba-85c3-4178-b56f-920f71304c8d/tempImageAxeY8j.jpg Blog - Hiya! - Make it stand out OK, so this was absolutely amazing! We pull up to the beachfront of Barry Island and are looking for a place to park when we see this bus stopped at the curb. And it’s not just any bus, it’s actually labeled Dave’s Coaches, just like from the show. (Somehow the Live setting got turned off, so I couldn’t fix Amanda’s closed eyes ) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5886b981-c711-4e1d-b461-9468bbd3cbde/tempImagedVZBxF.jpg Blog - Hiya! - Make it stand out I tell Amanda to jump out and take a photo before it drives away, but the owners walk up and invite us to go inside. Turns out this was the actual bus used in the filming and they still use it to give tours. “Thanks, Drive”! (What the Welsh typically say to a driver.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d490d3b1-0c17-40c5-b0b3-68a661242164/tempImageHxV4pm.jpg Blog - Hiya! - Make it stand out Tidy! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7aae15ab-c917-4cdf-af8f-0e601f4005fb/tempImage0DQ3dJ.jpg Blog - Hiya! - Make it stand out As soon as we were done taking pictures, they drove away. It was incrediblly good timing to have seen the bus! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c57add1c-c9c6-40ea-a4f8-294fb57676eb/tempImageOftQ39.jpg Blog - Hiya! - Make it stand out What's occurrin'? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/87dda6c8-a2cc-4232-954d-3ee6b91ab951/tempImageNJorAi.jpg Blog - Hiya! - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3b9a8a45-e3d2-42fe-b654-c204ee375f75/tempImage0UToCV.jpg Blog - Hiya! - Make it stand out Stacey has a job at Marco’s Café (building on the left) during Season 3. According to the “Whisky With Water,” during filming, the owner of Marco’s actually taught James Corden how to make a decent coffee and he even served the customers on one occasion—how fun would that would have been?! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a5b236f7-1ab0-462b-80f2-486f678aa5bf/tempImage1RGCcW.jpg Blog - Hiya! - Make it stand out As with Marco’s café, Nessa’s Slots was also closed (not exactly beach weather!). Funny side note: when Amanda ordered this proper lush tea, the person at the counter greeted her with the typical Welsh greeting of “Alri’” (pronounced “or-i.”), which means “Alright?”. Before Amanda could recall where she was, she responded with a typically Californian “Yeah” rather than the expected “Alri’.” A typical Welsh conversation may begin something like: Alri’ babes Alri’ Alri’ How’s it going Alri’? Ye, alri’? That’s lush that is. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f07feeb2-f1f0-4ca7-87c8-a2c77c8a49a4/tempImageiOTWSY.jpg Blog - Hiya! - Make it stand out To say they have embraced the show in Barry would be an understatement. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8eb69364-ffd1-4f17-83f7-ba85eca92ab8/tempImage8rKzJ9.jpg Blog - Hiya! - Make it stand out We both agreed it really would be a very nice beach when the weather warms up! Neil the Baby would have a crackin’ good time playing in the sand. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c1b4556a-9ad5-475c-af92-01742791f16d/tempImage8yyrkB.jpg Blog - Hiya! - Make it stand out In the show, Gavin's parents live in England. In reality, the filming location for Pam & Mick’s house is on a quiet street (Laburnum Way) in nearby Dinas Powys. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/785790f0-5d18-4d1a-8634-feb84dd69054/tempImageDyRVB2.jpg Blog - Hiya! - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/106236a3-a13b-4084-ba95-62cf27a191f5/tempImagekQRGVI.jpg Blog - Hiya! - Make it stand out As you can see, it was nearly proper dark by the time we arrived at Pam and Mick’s house. Overall it was a miserably cold and rainy day, but we had the best time visiting so many sites from Stella and Gavin & Stacey. Whether you’ve never heard of the the shows or love them as much as we do, we hope you had fun visiting South Wales. One final shout-out to Ruth Jones—you’re amazing and we love you! https://www.overthehillandacrossthepond.com/blog/pj9ad9awkpd3td6l7da25f52a254fp monthly 0.5 2023-11-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/384b517b-eb00-4bcd-8131-b999ab8b9878/tempImageOfQBoc.jpg Blog - Castle Combe - Make it stand out We arrived at our new place on Sunday. Monday was spent in Bath, as planned, while Amanda got her hair done. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/dd0e4cd8-280e-4ce3-88be-b84c74be8404/tempImage8ERdpe.jpg Blog - Castle Combe - Make it stand out The walk from the car park to the house is about 20 minutes, so we were fortunate to only encounter light rain. The previous day’s snow, the drizzle, and fog gave the walk an eerie appeal. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f08b0065-4dc6-4408-9d53-e8c019bffc3b/tempImagepDcIZ8.jpg Blog - Castle Combe - Make it stand out The rolling 270-acre parkland, with it’s many ancient trees, would be an absolutely amazing place to explore on foot during better weather conditions. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7ffa7a93-be1e-4d88-8d93-761bba858f53/tempImagezlx4DO.jpg Blog - Castle Combe - Make it stand out Dyrham Park was created in the 17th century by William Blathwayt, who made his fortune from British empire and invested that wealth in this estate, making Dyrham into one of the most notable stately homes of its age. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/beaba194-1698-43e2-8ccc-1fb9b138dddc/tempImagedGDP78.jpg Blog - Castle Combe - Make it stand out Given its status, we were surprised to have never heard about the house. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b736b18e-e127-4355-80e9-1103c775226b/tempImagefodMtM.jpg Blog - Castle Combe - Make it stand out The imposing Cedar Staircase, designed by William Talman in 1698 and completed after 1702. The treads are of Virginian walnut, the risers and balustrade of cedar from America. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4e48d0dd-fb78-4baf-9c52-1a528dfcccc1/tempImagelyu17D.jpg Blog - Castle Combe - Make it stand out Allegory of the Arts by Andrea Casili above the Virginian black walnut Old Staircase. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/47958e7b-fe0a-4cd3-af01-1c4274e3b5fc/tempImage7EEb8t.jpg Blog - Castle Combe - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/98f427dd-1c8c-4d55-a265-abe9cd628bdb/tempImageUAUled.jpg Blog - Castle Combe - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/75a71e68-ac3b-4bb2-9cbe-b4cbeec32835/tempImageXsBH1i.jpg Blog - Castle Combe - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/bae39bfe-fadd-4681-b023-5cf8dad3c903/tempImage5iIYen.jpg Blog - Castle Combe - Make it stand out The gardens https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/86c72a6d-4b40-4450-87c6-5291576e7ebe/tempImageaXeAQC.jpg Blog - Castle Combe - Make it stand out In the gift shop, these super cute little hedgehogs are designed to hang off the side of a potted plant. We are dying to find a hedgehog in the wild! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f45f6321-240a-43fd-9309-e4bc1f24aaac/tempImagey3yP5C.jpg Blog - Castle Combe - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4dca9344-3c4f-494b-aea7-bb377ae06c6a/tempImageGEeECV.jpg Blog - Castle Combe - Make it stand out After Dyrham Park, we did a big grocery trip at Sainsbury’s and you’ll never guess what Amanda found lying all by itself on the floor as we were walking out of the store. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0a2ef709-a375-4ee1-a8e5-1b25b75199b5/tempImagebL0txr.jpg Blog - Castle Combe - Make it stand out Afterward we had a chance to talk with Ed, have him sign our book, and take a picture. They say never meet your heroes, but Ed was a truly humble, articulate, and down-to-earth person. It was a privilege we will not soon forget! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c7519699-b66e-4298-8854-efc498995156/tempImageOcVOSf.jpg Blog - Castle Combe - Make it stand out If you search Cotswolds or Castle Combe, one of the first pictures you’ll see is some version of the photo above. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d245a36e-f46c-4174-a444-36a504041b1f/tempImagelHRpIi.jpg Blog - Castle Combe - Make it stand out A photo on the bridge is one of the most popular things to do in Castle Combe. It may be colder to visit in winter, but one advantage is getting to take a photograph in this tremendously popular spot with not another living soul in the background! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8e71ac7b-ebe9-47f4-8ff6-dcce113ed137/tempImages70HF1.jpg Blog - Castle Combe - Make it stand out What a garden! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/97ed174b-4974-428b-ad93-e558ee32cc58/tempImagen5TVtn.jpg Blog - Castle Combe - Make it stand out The Unicorn Lodge https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6310873c-442c-4988-b253-5ce0db2e744a/tempImage1bDqgt.jpg Blog - Castle Combe - Make it stand out Very unusual rain gutter. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/60da6eae-8a2f-4e5f-b69b-ba8e6c666bae/tempImageDEC3rK.jpg Blog - Castle Combe - Make it stand out Along with old timbers and leaded glass windows, rings for tying up animals are still found on buildings. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1d0fcb3e-d946-47f0-b922-1679f7306a82/tempImageVmynEK.jpg Blog - Castle Combe - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9f64c9d9-769d-4984-80c9-d3ff0378cf18/tempImage5WlAjp.jpg Blog - Castle Combe - Make it stand out In my latest installment of Those Crazy Brits—I absolutely love the sign on the table and then this one below that we saw while walking into the village. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9da4c038-cd89-4802-a995-a9c7a962a1d0/tempImageGPtnq8.jpg Blog - Castle Combe - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e4f1be2e-cf91-4b64-ae8b-e0d2af758466/tempImagejQS7AR.jpg Blog - Castle Combe - Make it stand out St Andrew’s Church https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a978df93-48ec-436a-a2a6-5a205bf3cebb/tempImage7GUyM8.jpg Blog - Castle Combe - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e9ab8471-e2c2-461e-a422-b143858fe0d1/tempImage8TYgTk.jpg Blog - Castle Combe - Make it stand out By Brook Weir https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c5176ca7-ed83-46d2-a988-0ea0f66f4e44/tempImagegLZL77.jpg Blog - Castle Combe - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6368f200-6c61-4299-bb84-6f6beaecdca4/tempImageZNQJC3.jpg Blog - Castle Combe - Make it stand out The Giant Sequoia on the lawn in front of the Manor House (the weir is in the background). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8d94e847-9b73-4ba3-b57c-7a12b005f2fb/tempImageCrJ0xc.jpg Blog - Castle Combe - Make it stand out Such a magnificent tree! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a31f0080-4950-4dad-97d9-ca91768a1621/tempImagexbPYl3.jpg Blog - Castle Combe - Make it stand out From here you can appreciate the “combe” (valley) part of Castle Combe. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3103a7a0-04ed-4c53-8e82-0a2925c306eb/tempImageAqxQvC.jpg Blog - Castle Combe - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/91df1e1e-2386-4122-84f8-369da9c16620/tempImagecWwL55.jpg Blog - Castle Combe - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/14763125-8364-43c1-be0d-7ab962307ab0/tempImageYKqiWx.jpg Blog - Castle Combe - Make it stand out Castle Combe’s medieval Market Cross. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/cd9e6173-cb50-4de8-bc61-62edcb7b2190/tempImageBr62Xu.jpg Blog - Castle Combe - Make it stand out The Dower House (yellow house to the right) was used as the doctor’s house in the movie Dr Dolittle (I thought this house pictured was far more beautiful). The village also featured in Stardust (2007) and The Wolfman (2010). https://www.overthehillandacrossthepond.com/blog/anowre-cornwall monthly 0.5 2023-11-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a1bdea2c-668c-414d-b7e0-ae21209dd846/tempImageiOn03I.jpg Blog - Anowre Cornwall - Make it stand out Entering the moor, you cross this small stream that passes under an old moss-covered stone wall. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/63eccc1d-27ad-417b-b018-6bbea98e4049/tempImageTk1BmN.jpg Blog - Anowre Cornwall - Make it stand out North Dartmoor is rugged, wild, and breathtaking. It is also littered with prehistoric stone circles, burial mounds, and settlements. Scorhill Circle is one of Devon’s biggest and most intact stone circles. Constructed in the Bronze Age (3300 BC to 1200 BC), it has 23 standing stones and 11 laid flat. We wanted to visit Scorhill without a hefty hike, thus the circuitous drive to the unmapped car park. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/12e2bffc-9bc8-4d1d-9254-e9a21d750d4c/tempImageD0f3ER.jpg Blog - Anowre Cornwall - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a16f09a0-d32a-404e-bdeb-1b03b0c1d21d/tempImageZOPIKY.jpg Blog - Anowre Cornwall - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/69cf0816-8c9c-47e5-a337-a6bd526fcc86/tempImageacBCGU.jpg Blog - Anowre Cornwall - Make it stand out Just down the hill from Scorhill Circle are two small rivers. The first is really more of a brook than a river, and thus its name Wallabrook. It is crossed using this amazing stone bridge. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/69d7e29c-f8b8-4d54-a604-54ad2212b9d1/tempImage7KmpQZ.jpg Blog - Anowre Cornwall - Make it stand out The second is the North Teign River, with this amazing stone bridge. In the evening, the sun would be setting directly behind us. As desolate as the moor often is, apparently on a Sunday around noon, it is literally teaming with youth. We encountered at least five groups of young people, each displaying a large team number, who were backpacking across the moor while learning to navigate by map and compass. They didn't appear to be Boy Scouts per se, but something like that, and it did bring about some nostalgia, along with tremendous pleasure in seeing young people not only outdoors, but actually learning old school skills. All that to say—we had someone to take our picture! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/39ec80a2-30a6-4b9e-b2ce-a7d084bc157b/tempImage0Teo1p.jpg Blog - Anowre Cornwall - Make it stand out The North Teign River After a quick mile and a half walk around the moor to break up our drive, it was back in the car. After negotiating with a ram who had escaped his field and seemed to be contemplating butting our car, we made it to our first big highway in weeks—the M5. Nettleton Our new home, Dovenby House, is about 30 minutes north of Bath. You can check it out on the map below, and we’ve also included this video tour of the house: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LXL0d3npLxs. Ta-ta for now! https://www.overthehillandacrossthepond.com/blog/golitha-falls monthly 0.5 2023-11-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/640397cd-4821-4e8e-822d-f0c8d03313cb/tempImageBkZPqH.jpg Blog - Golitha Falls - Make it stand out While on Google Earth researching a small stone circle to visit on Bodmin Moor, I happened to see a nearby coffee shop icon for Olive & Co Café. Serendipity strikes again! We had an amazing late breakfast here on Tuesday morning. The café sits overlooking the beautiful manmade Siblyback Lake. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/67d07fa1-97be-42a4-b570-2bdadc5d69a3/tempImage5H43Qm.jpg Blog - Golitha Falls - Make it stand out Their homemade cinnamon buns were some of the best we’ve ever enjoyed and the mocha was also very good. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/cf2912d3-61b4-4e2e-be61-1c63120dff1a/tempImageRzUJy3.jpg Blog - Golitha Falls - Make it stand out I had some trepidation over the inclusion of kimchi and beetroot ketchup in the breakfast burrito, but my fears were allayed after the first bite. They did an amazing job blending tastes and textures and I’m so happy I followed my gut and gave it a go! Absolutely delicious! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/854343a5-208c-4527-a7c4-05918780fd01/Screenshot+2023-02-28+at+7.24.48+PM.png Blog - Golitha Falls - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2aca7d5f-9fb4-428a-bfe3-d31cdb9f85bf/tempImageotITQQ.jpg Blog - Golitha Falls - Make it stand out The middle stone circle with a tin mine engine house at the back right and the upper stone circle at the back left. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/80b656b1-b39a-4aeb-8ba0-ad12146104bc/tempImagee1ZghX.jpg Blog - Golitha Falls - Make it stand out Amanda in the middle of the upper circle. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/740e47f9-477f-4aba-a09c-34bcacd214ec/tempImagekPa4uc.jpg Blog - Golitha Falls - Make it stand out On the way toward Stowe’s Hill, I encountered this very unusual cluster of wild moorland ponies and domesticated cattle. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/27d10cf1-77d8-44ac-91e6-2a63cd07360c/tempImagerCFpLV.jpg Blog - Golitha Falls - Make it stand out The Cheesewring is a granite tor on Stowe’s Hill. Somewhat surprisingly, it is a natural geological formation of granite slabs shaped by weathering. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/06175e52-25a9-455c-ab4b-eee9a19e706a/tempImagePYyO8f.jpg Blog - Golitha Falls - Make it stand out Its unusual name seems to have come from the cheese in cider-making. In this instance cheese has nothing to do with the dairy product, but the process in which apples are crushed to squeeze out the juice and then topped with a layer of straw and repeated several times over. Each layer is called a cheese, and it’s not difficult to see the similarities. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/11d48676-0c7b-44ca-b760-09925dc9b4bb/tempImagegkUpUe.jpg Blog - Golitha Falls - Make it stand out Below Stowe’s Hill is Cheesewring Quarry. Well known London landmarks such as Tower Bridge, Tate Britain, and the Albert Memorial all used in their construction granite from the Cheesewring Quarry. Quarried stone was even transported as far away as India and Singapore. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/62e6c7d3-760c-44fc-ad63-20cfa5b71873/tempImageKw1I9w.jpg Blog - Golitha Falls - Make it stand out From Stowe’s Hill, Bodmin Moor stretches out—a remote, heather-covered upland granite moorland, and one of Cornwall's designated Areas of Outstanding Natural Beauty (AONB). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/bbaaa897-86f8-42d7-a876-bb827df951d0/tempImageHnUnlc.jpg Blog - Golitha Falls - Make it stand out A lovely afternoon stroll along the sun dappled path to Golitha Falls, the peaceful River Fowley and various species of birds providing accompaniment. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9977287d-d516-4d4e-abef-c16ec3347dff/tempImageuUPVzM.jpg Blog - Golitha Falls - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/47bba7d2-0bad-4bf7-81e6-ad0ef7904b1c/tempImagessmNsB.jpg Blog - Golitha Falls - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7a303c7f-5eb5-4efa-b13f-ae1553db3b4d/tempImageOpW7oZ.jpg Blog - Golitha Falls - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/00cd2e92-137c-4599-8802-6b530df38461/tempImage5CNANK.jpg Blog - Golitha Falls - Make it stand out The path doesn’t take you right to the falls exactly, and we didn’t want to scramble our way there, so we just enjoyed the solitude and some time “forest bathing.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b37ebb1a-59cd-4f18-a74e-1573f06721b3/Golitha.jpeg Blog - Golitha Falls - Make it stand out We don’t want you to go away disappointed though (or to think we missed out on seeing some iconic waterfall), so here is an interwebs picture for your viewing pleasure. As you can see, Golitha only squeaks past the minimum qualifications to hold the title “waterfall.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/254ad3d0-1bc9-4cba-b17e-e36c4e843bb4/tempImagekJ9hki.jpg Blog - Golitha Falls - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/06653131-d49d-4cd3-8d9e-fe9960d9cb35/tempImage7OrX6d.jpg Blog - Golitha Falls - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8b0d02ae-709e-4cc1-8a93-2e804bb79413/tempImage68lNlN.jpg Blog - Golitha Falls - Make it stand out Nothing on the scale of divine mystery, but Dozmary Pool certainly was enchanting—another in a string of bucolic settings that made Bodmin Moor a truly special place to visit. https://www.overthehillandacrossthepond.com/blog/tintagel monthly 0.5 2023-11-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8f1cd86f-f095-42a0-bdf6-a80ee1f13186/tempImage56Bj77.jpg Blog - Legends of King Arthur - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/07ac5f5f-70ea-49b3-b71d-b6713c9d2a19/tempImageBMMFKi.jpg Blog - Legends of King Arthur - Make it stand out As shown in this model In the visitor’s center, there was once a stone bridge connecting the mainland and the island. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/53832e57-cb26-414e-9472-73c27bbb4794/tempImageXZECxH.jpg Blog - Legends of King Arthur - Make it stand out An imagining of how the large, high-status settlement would have looked in the 5th and 6th centuries AD, after the collapse of Roman rule. The headland was probably the seasonal home of a regional king, leader of a powerful kingdom called Dumnonia, which stretched across Cornwall and Devon and into Somerset. This important royal settlement may have inspired the legendary stories associated with this place. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/fd2d5660-ea8e-4482-8f50-8f0462bd2bc3/tempImageTWv9Dr.jpg Blog - Legends of King Arthur - Make it stand out Barras Nose is the name given the small headland immediately east of Tintagel Castle. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3f8ee863-5cee-4554-aa89-be5a085c8979/tempImageBktaWY.jpg Blog - Legends of King Arthur - Make it stand out It’s a place where one simply must sit and appreciate the magnificence of this planet we call home. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0b463fbf-e911-463d-84c1-5df876119d71/tempImageb6rWVt.jpg Blog - Legends of King Arthur - Make it stand out From Barras Nose, Tintagel looks surreal: wispy clouds, hilltop buildings, high-slung bridges, steep hillside walkways, luminous blue waters, caves, and even a waterfall! With or without Merlin, the place exudes magical wonderment. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/22a3826b-39c6-4e28-bb80-803540aaa8e1/tempImage7CI7Qo.jpg Blog - Legends of King Arthur - Make it stand out The new suspension bridge leading to the island. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/28991e86-6eed-48c9-afa0-b36c5c0f6a1b/webgetty.jpg Blog - Legends of King Arthur - Make it stand out A photo of the remains of the Great Hall when you first cross onto the island (Getty Images/Lonely Planet Images). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b7551f41-67f6-4713-833b-c25a6f284145/tempImageOcBUzp.jpg Blog - Legends of King Arthur - Make it stand out They may not speak of Arthur, but oh the stories these stones could tell! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5301fb95-784b-41d9-b66a-14d9b04657fc/tempImageBTv6xE.jpg Blog - Legends of King Arthur - Make it stand out A peak down through the remains of the Great Hall toward Tintagel Haven (aka Castle Cove) with its waterfall. Barras Nose is the headland in the distance. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f2c78de6-8c46-409a-9534-def2c0dd07eb/tempImageiKYXeb.jpg Blog - Legends of King Arthur - Make it stand out Homes with a view. Hopefully they had thick walls to protect against the relentless coastal winds! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2ca63830-edd8-4c71-a405-8cbc1bff8865/tempImageRiMS3V.jpg Blog - Legends of King Arthur - Make it stand out More early Dark Age settlements on top of the island. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0a494890-99ce-423a-b901-0884c9f211f3/tempImageV1l80O.jpg Blog - Legends of King Arthur - Make it stand out Gallos (meaning “power” in Cornish)—the life-sized bronze sculpture inspired by the legend of King Arthur and Tintagel's royal past—stands at the island’s peak. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4d939c71-9f86-4092-b4f5-499184ae0891/tempImagerLj48M.jpg Blog - Legends of King Arthur - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2478c3de-9d4e-4dee-817a-54c805497ec0/tempImageTs1yeo.jpg Blog - Legends of King Arthur - Make it stand out I dub thee “Sir Safety”! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4c3f62fa-91c2-4013-b96b-6399966bd445/tempImage11bLXd.jpg Blog - Legends of King Arthur - Make it stand out On our way down. Can you tell it’s windy on the top of the island? The suspension bridge to the right with the mainland portions of the castle visible. The building behind and to the left is the Camelot Castle Hotel, one of the most sought after destinations and places to stay in the Victorian and Edwardian world. More recently, the hotel was a filming location throughout the Doc Martin series. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/355991ce-4d79-46f7-8552-560308ab51db/tempImagehcpVoy.jpg Blog - Legends of King Arthur - Make it stand out Amanda stands on the “new” bridge, while the “old” stairs used for accessing the island are visible below. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7b2a661c-d373-4770-8950-f07dffc5c42b/tempImageeHpgnC.jpg Blog - Legends of King Arthur - Make it stand out Looking up at the island and suspension bridge from the cliffside stairs below. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/43c81528-9352-407e-82f9-7834305bcdc5/tempImagetbxeLB.jpg Blog - Legends of King Arthur - Make it stand out Looking through Merlin's Cave toward West Cove. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/be209d43-f9cb-4955-ae07-b39330c29a16/tempImageEiDsJP.jpg Blog - Legends of King Arthur - Make it stand out Looking through Merlin's Cave toward Tintagel Haven (aka Castle Cove). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e6db7591-8ce1-4077-a7a9-b49e90a01cc1/tempImageMB6ARH.jpg Blog - Legends of King Arthur - Make it stand out Tintagel Haven and its waterfall. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3d4e0777-a841-4a03-a6ef-f95ef9bc19fe/Ewebmerlin.jpg Blog - Legends of King Arthur - Make it stand out Peter Graham, a local craftsman, spent three months carving Merlin’s face directly into the rock outside Merlin's Cave. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7bd8b54a-9412-4613-a435-c91783db6594/tempImageGHDE1n.jpg Blog - Legends of King Arthur - Make it stand out After the steep hike up from the Castle, there is this wonderful little pasty shop, just begging you to step inside. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/bc434d2c-fb28-469a-8366-f31002c1c55b/tempImagedUcCZG.jpg Blog - Legends of King Arthur - Make it stand out Piping hot tea for two and an oven-warm pasty. Since arriving in Cornwall, every pasty shop we’ve visited has had at least one, if not more, vegan options. It should come as no surprise that a pasty from Cornwall is a real treat! It was so good, we bought another for take away. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1ce71ff9-55f3-4d21-9e5f-97e0f0b5404e/tempImageYr21MF.jpg Blog - Legends of King Arthur - Make it stand out For us, the Camelot Castle Hotel is best known from the very first Doc Martin episode where they conduct Dr Ellingham’s interview at the hotel. Pretty much just a photo op. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c460de55-6475-42a9-ad37-e3a9dd5b2cf3/tempImageWBK9G1.jpg Blog - Legends of King Arthur - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6f3f4d90-fc7b-4e19-9904-5b1c0dd64594/tempImagehsreZw.jpg Blog - Legends of King Arthur - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d4b045e6-c987-4d63-8e40-d9da7bffa6df/tempImageIGygYe.jpg Blog - Legends of King Arthur - Make it stand out Below the main waterfall, the water cascades through a hole in the slate called a “kieve.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e1a41404-ee0b-4781-9089-671328fa1420/tempImageZN3F80.jpg Blog - Legends of King Arthur - Make it stand out St Nectan’s Kieve is the glen's most prominent feature. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b8f13c7b-4e29-4969-bc0e-691dc79b2cac/tempImagenCfbXL.jpg Blog - Legends of King Arthur - Make it stand out A very tranquil and romantic setting. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2d66c374-db49-47dd-bd5a-275bd827a63b/tempImageE1HHDM.jpg Blog - Legends of King Arthur - Make it stand out Mementos and memorials placed below the falls. Can you spot the “dime” we left for Poppop? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1b407cf4-fd7d-442e-b340-a2f15bedf702/tempImageqzQPdQ.jpg Blog - Legends of King Arthur - Make it stand out Interesting little kitty at the exit gate. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/dddbed9e-7585-4d95-9b6b-51aa6d180711/tempImageWdrEz1.jpg Blog - Legends of King Arthur - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/635b001d-7eea-41c9-9e86-c94b69e183d4/tempImageBuU3mi.jpg Blog - Legends of King Arthur - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.overthehillandacrossthepond.com/blog/dartmoor monthly 0.5 2023-11-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0b927192-3195-47a6-9b8e-bde7a0dc85ec/tempImageRfckgk.jpg Blog - Dartmoor - Make it stand out Dartmoor’s landscape has inspired many writers, poets, and painters over the centuries, including Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s Hound of the Baskervilles which is set against Dartmoor’s dark and brooding landscape. More recently Steven Spielberg set his film War Horse in the vast and spectacular Dartmoor landscape. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/68c2bc46-4938-42c5-a069-b41a5a9f0104/tempImageIn9J2y.jpg Blog - Dartmoor - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0a971775-7072-4cf3-abac-5e8bc5358292/tempImageZlewcy.jpg Blog - Dartmoor - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/48748280-35f8-4f9d-b5fc-0a11bda05caf/tempImage1iIpuK.jpg Blog - Dartmoor - Make it stand out Wild horses along the way. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/56fcbc47-e6ab-45a0-9df9-a4e18b287d3e/tempImagewGmrc5.jpg Blog - Dartmoor - Make it stand out The appeal of the wood is due to the combination of the jumbled granite boulders (known as clatter), the contorted ancient trees, and the great variety of mosses, lichens, ferns, and other plants that also inhabit the groves, often forming thick mats on the branches of the still living trees and covering nearly all of the ground and the boulders. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/491b5913-fcce-4bc3-a53e-9c94f540d9c8/tempImageFjWV5w.jpg Blog - Dartmoor - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d8d55f53-08df-4e2b-954d-908319264692/tempImage2Su7Yz.jpg Blog - Dartmoor - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d5836905-d0bc-4070-897c-cabd016e35b9/tempImagefuzYXG.jpg Blog - Dartmoor - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3a4856eb-8833-47c1-845f-bdab28e0cdc9/tempImagekHg6ok.jpg Blog - Dartmoor - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/fd44e4fe-e8d9-4c97-9500-9eff191d999a/tempImagercXJ7C.jpg Blog - Dartmoor - Make it stand out Looking down on the grove. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f5a74f2c-ee94-4997-afc9-04acec656255/tempImagevmwQ1x.jpg Blog - Dartmoor - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7c19a5fd-517d-43a5-a06a-41f3adc10db2/tempImage8BM1Ma.jpg Blog - Dartmoor - Make it stand out The West Dart River just below the Wood. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/61415125-9569-42c5-94ca-da3b210e89bc/tempImageiJRDLE.jpg Blog - Dartmoor - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d91d546d-fb08-4128-b82c-ceefed372b79/tempImage5aVXAL.jpg Blog - Dartmoor - Make it stand out On our way back, Westman’s Wood in the background. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1116c13e-46a8-4322-95c4-9ec9dd7dfdee/tempImage1qQFW2.jpg Blog - Dartmoor - Make it stand out More wild horses https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ef1d99d6-3efe-4f6e-80d3-236f438c3253/tempImage5Xnxhr.jpg Blog - Dartmoor - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e0869e4a-c9d7-4c71-a50d-b421f09cd69b/tempImage7Ba72Y.jpg Blog - Dartmoor - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c9f6c6c5-fd08-46b6-b5c1-9ed48ea35bca/tempImage7h9MO4.jpg Blog - Dartmoor - Make it stand out Bellever Tor behind us…nearly there. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4b7381ff-b3f1-4bff-bf3e-6f1b387c966a/tempImagedCOvpl.jpg Blog - Dartmoor - Make it stand out Endless views over Dartmoor from Bellever Tor. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a27d6201-1544-4d69-80eb-68d07a36a867/tempImage9WL8mO.jpg Blog - Dartmoor - Make it stand out Soak it in https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a56e3a33-a8d5-4ed9-998d-7dd965ada83d/tempImageGXzcv2.jpg Blog - Dartmoor - Make it stand out Such interesting rock formations. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2fdde73a-b5c6-4473-8463-6cd86a776594/tempImage8ZvwCO.jpg Blog - Dartmoor - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f10df9d8-2c53-4868-992e-49b8c25bd6e3/tempImageNQtoop.jpg Blog - Dartmoor - Make it stand out Hmm…those clouds look a little dark: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=an5TeXyBe2o https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f9798eda-128f-4fb4-8ffe-660acecfabfc/tempImageJ8Z5jB.jpg Blog - Dartmoor - Make it stand out The Warren House Inn stands isolated and remote, high on Dartmoor. At 1,425ft above sea level, it is the highest Inn in Southern England and also said to be the loneliest. Originally built to serve the busy local tin mining community, the Inn was always a favorite resort with miners from neighboring tin mines. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a4c06ec1-8628-47e8-a9ff-baba57e38455/tempImage9WVaHo.jpg Blog - Dartmoor - Make it stand out The name Warren relates back to the surrounding rabbit warrens which were extensive in the area and presumably a major part of the miner’s and local’s diets. The sign above the front door is of three rabbits chasing each other. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7ae67ad4-0b3e-427e-a213-fdf5eb90e718/tempImagejCwAzz.jpg Blog - Dartmoor - Make it stand out Well…I had a pint…Amanda had a nice hot cuppa! ☕️ https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e120ddbb-9ff8-4e8b-92dc-087cca0743af/tempImagejcNYdc.jpg Blog - Dartmoor - Make it stand out Love the smell of an oak wood fire! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/674c730c-9ed8-4dc8-a9bd-626fdbb8f00e/tempImage825bdk.jpg Blog - Dartmoor - Make it stand out Such a charming interior. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/71470773-cbc0-433d-83ae-a6ce0f2b0a4d/tempImagempurOI.jpg Blog - Dartmoor - Make it stand out No beer between 3:00 pm to 5:30 pm, and no beer on Sundays, Christmas, and Good Friday! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/48c88f73-9010-4aaa-8a8c-2998f66f0348/tempImageSchz0G.jpg Blog - Dartmoor - Make it stand out The Warren House Inn on the horizon as the sun sets. Dartmoor was amazing, and we’ll be back! https://www.overthehillandacrossthepond.com/blog/bodmin monthly 0.5 2023-11-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ddde6f2e-a7de-499e-a600-9f83d40f5f18/tempImageZPaZ3Y.jpg Blog - Bodmin - Make it stand out The morning sun pours through the windows as we say goodbye to our cottage in Penzance. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3974df61-bf04-49dc-b3c0-7b7f9cc4e9c2/tempImage8fj4lv.jpg Blog - Bodmin - Make it stand out Wexi enjoys the warmth of the sun’s rays. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c70f3de8-5a0f-4ac5-b83c-e24c76d45aef/tempImage36Oz3F.jpg Blog - Bodmin - Make it stand out The cottage had a musty smell we could never quite abate (it’s hard to open windows enough in the winter), the WiFi was complete *&^%$, water backed up in the shower pan, and turning from the single lane alleyway into the even narrower courtyard was taxing every single time. Despite these frustrations, we enjoyed our time in Penzance and the unusually sunny morning made it hard to leave. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/88705811-131a-44c2-9f74-237f6876da4b/tempImageGtwP0y.jpg Blog - Bodmin - Make it stand out One final reverse out of the Abbey Place courtyard. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/49330fce-03d3-417d-abb0-b1e6c5a2632c/tempImagebnxTwr.jpg Blog - Bodmin - Make it stand out Plenty of room on the right… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/631a9705-5ef3-447b-b163-6bf1c0ab7379/tempImagemEVegY.jpg Blog - Bodmin - Make it stand out Room to spare on the left… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c1cd9bc8-f955-417f-8dc1-4090269a44d6/tempImagevJOhsd.jpg Blog - Bodmin - Make it stand out Just don’t back through the neighbor’s front door…and we’re off! https://www.overthehillandacrossthepond.com/blog/doc-martin monthly 0.5 2023-11-03 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1056c1c5-94e6-4f3c-babe-18fed0053e32/tempImageEK4B1g.jpg Blog - Doc Martin - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/02fb7110-a43a-40ad-906f-be20533056f1/tempImageV0SKt6.jpg Blog - Doc Martin - Make it stand out The school where Louisa (or “Louiser” as they say) works. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/658f5f7c-e9b3-4b89-bf5f-0f221872199d/tempImageJ8Tgl2.jpg Blog - Doc Martin - Make it stand out Overlooking the slipway and the balcony of The Golden Lion pub. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6e1047fe-22d9-452b-b5c3-0af1825b0d20/tempImageJC7zeV.jpg Blog - Doc Martin - Make it stand out The harbor https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e08e3db3-80b8-4107-bc0b-31e9656ef18b/tempImageDjCi3Q.jpg Blog - Doc Martin - Make it stand out The town as seen from the harbor https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/db5fb488-6bce-4888-afe3-bd7bcb6b9eb6/tempImagehWstTe.jpg Blog - Doc Martin - Make it stand out On the pathway to the breakwater. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3584677b-fc0b-436d-9dcf-395f399a5613/tempImagepJidiN.jpg Blog - Doc Martin - Make it stand out Standing on the breakwater. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/02895c02-8f8c-4488-8148-771b01b6eb0e/tempImagetJe9CO.jpg Blog - Doc Martin - Make it stand out Just below Doc Martin’s surgery is Bert Large’s restaurant, accessed through this gate. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/bdb7c0a4-700f-405a-9966-5835090515e6/tempImagelNW0SU.jpg Blog - Doc Martin - Make it stand out Bert Large’s restaurant and terrace. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8125f82c-d02d-48a9-bd0f-b1ff55184895/tempImageJekSPF.jpg Blog - Doc Martin - Make it stand out Burt Large’s restaurant as seen from across the harbor (the white building just right of Amanda’s head). The Doc’s surgery is the small building just up the hill. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0a697b09-fff5-4b0e-a336-9bb8c886782c/tempImagegt6axp.jpg Blog - Doc Martin - Make it stand out Doc Martin’s unmistakable surgery (it’s for sale by the way!). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e91ab997-176e-4a83-a5c4-0ec90fa195b4/tempImageixG6RZ.jpg Blog - Doc Martin - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/fdfe62b8-65ec-4a4b-a2c2-204a64e0779e/tempImageexXcUU.jpg Blog - Doc Martin - Make it stand out Just up the hill from the surgery, where the giggly girls always seem ready to ridicule the doc. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9d1a4fc2-c192-4328-aeef-8f6a8e2fa39d/tempImageIeFzjN.jpg Blog - Doc Martin - Make it stand out The chimneys from the surgery behind me. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ae500fac-2cf2-4f50-8966-2f37c8b8cd2d/tempImage42FEqd.jpg Blog - Doc Martin - Make it stand out Such a beautiful day! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2f93cbed-7eca-4cd1-a4b8-1947454c76ae/tempImage6LxFpZ.jpg Blog - Doc Martin - Make it stand out The Doc’s surgery (the small building) as seen from across the harbor. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4b40b009-25eb-4bf0-868e-c02c8d0fa345/tempImageNdPmWf.jpg Blog - Doc Martin - Make it stand out Sitting on Bert Large’s seat (actor Ian McNeice) on Roscarrock Hill. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b2731ee3-6dd2-4e8d-a72c-5049883ae2e0/tempImage93v696.jpg Blog - Doc Martin - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/53aa78b1-bd4f-4218-850e-4763475dd678/tempImageX5MkwJ.jpg Blog - Doc Martin - Make it stand out Mrs Tishall’s chemist, one of the only interiors used for filming. Most interiors were shot on a nearby farm in a converted barn studio. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/80e60661-4fa0-4bc7-a766-5c9ed0ffaf33/tempImageB6X2No.jpg Blog - Doc Martin - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/fc10b48f-7380-41bf-b5aa-02b5fd587159/tempImageXNKPeC.jpg Blog - Doc Martin - Make it stand out This was used as Mrs Tishall’s chemist during season 1 only. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/de5b06b1-b854-4ce1-aa30-1cc6af96cd15/tempImageQMVLIT.jpg Blog - Doc Martin - Make it stand out The Golden Lion pub—featured as the “Crab & Lobster" in Doc Martin—was also featured in the film The Fisherman’s Friends. Fancy a pint? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c432e5b6-bcb2-4788-bbd5-01981eaf6ae7/tempImageXhXfkZ.jpg Blog - Doc Martin - Make it stand out Korev lager “Born in Cornwall…The coast is our compass.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ae1e5768-ebe0-450a-b8b9-976be01ef38a/tempImage81l9ls.jpg Blog - Doc Martin - Make it stand out The Golden Lion https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d6bc5286-2fb4-4d22-94d9-a5b5963c5e66/tempImagekFC10L.jpg Blog - Doc Martin - Make it stand out The familiar backdrop of the pub’s interior. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ef463515-3357-4ff0-99b7-013696299096/tempImage0zekHa.jpg Blog - Doc Martin - Make it stand out On the balcony of the Golden Lion where Louiser frequently had lunch. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3a0ff078-17e3-4b88-bf95-e98f9f639bb5/tempImagetQhenM.jpg Blog - Doc Martin - Make it stand out The Bones Bar, separate from the main bar area, is located on the lower ground floor of the Golden Lion pub. In there, a section of glassed flooring shows an old passageway that was allegedly a storage area used by smugglers. A door from the pub exits to an area called The Gun Deck, where a gun from the SS Milly is displayed. The vessel was sunk by a German U-boat in 1918 during WWI. The cellar door shown here was featured in the show when Burt and Al get locked inside. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c4aae8bf-3d4f-4aed-a1c6-c211edaea91d/tempImagelJbZsE.jpg Blog - Doc Martin - Make it stand out The small passageway near the Doc’s flat. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4b628798-9092-4c13-a449-b64b6940eca4/tempImageCGBFMu.jpg Blog - Doc Martin - Make it stand out Aunt Ruth’s cottage. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2e6ada1f-863e-4fbf-946d-b1f7b4b67caf/tempImageSnSy3F.jpg Blog - Doc Martin - Make it stand out Aunt Ruth’s cottage behind Amanda https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/15643d59-b35f-41b0-b3d2-c1daba738f91/tempImageNwe4DC.jpg Blog - Doc Martin - Make it stand out Louisa’s house. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/70ea1333-ab29-4b9d-8baf-b9eaca02eb30/tempImageCZ6rLe.jpg Blog - Doc Martin - Make it stand out Such a Great Doc Day! https://www.overthehillandacrossthepond.com/blog/the-mount-amp-mines monthly 0.5 2023-11-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/810b327d-0cfd-4cbd-a082-37533dfb170e/tempImageIYJiRl.jpg Blog - The Mound and Mines - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d7dd0b64-6ce4-4022-8fb7-329c85850fd2/tempImage3ynJfL.jpg Blog - The Mound and Mines - Make it stand out We were only in the area through Tuesday and the castle opened for tours for the first time of the season on Monday. We were super lucky to tour the castle before we left the area—yes! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9e144c5f-74f9-4119-980a-f7385816bac5/tempImagelc5jyZ.jpg Blog - The Mound and Mines - Make it stand out The climb up to the castle begins near the dairy, which was designed and built during the Victorian period by Piers St Aubyn, who also designed many of the houses in the village, as well as the east wing of the castle. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/14a8ba83-d286-48e7-b50f-83e9ffd4ae70/tempImage9CF2KS.jpg Blog - The Mound and Mines - Make it stand out By the time of the Norman Conquest in 1066, the island had come into the possession of the Benedictine abbey of Mont St Michel in Normandy. Construction began in 1135 on the church and priory buildings at the summit that form the basis of the structure that exists today. While the castle itself has undergone much change, the approach remains positively medieval (no ADA compliance here!). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/29a69df7-e587-48d7-9767-57c250d6997e/tempImagertUSr7.jpg Blog - The Mound and Mines - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a6801fda-a05c-45ce-860a-df0bcfc5f942/tempImage7iQwuL.jpg Blog - The Mound and Mines - Make it stand out Legend has it that if you stand still and listen hard, you’re still able to hear the pounding beat of the giant’s unhappy heart. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/df0d1dbb-df94-4a21-a4ea-210b6408bb61/tempImagevyyv0X.jpg Blog - The Mound and Mines - Make it stand out As with most legends there are variations that don’t line up. One of those was the Giant’s Well pictured above. Either the giant’s cave was near there or that’s where Jack dug his pit or who knows. In any event, it now bears the title The Giant’s Well. We can safely assume, however, that the part about the giant’s heart is absolutely true. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b86a9ff0-ce46-4b85-8b7f-6470f0341d77/tempImageovZwM3.jpg Blog - The Mound and Mines - Make it stand out Nearly to the castle’s entrance. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a02bfbb6-dfc6-4b71-8f9e-126752ea6ac1/tempImagesBe7Gf.jpg Blog - The Mound and Mines - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/16ac89f4-6b6a-4577-a558-94c4d8a3fc53/tempImagekkEIi4.jpg Blog - The Mound and Mines - Make it stand out A beautiful spot to sit and enjoy the expansive southerly view of the ocean through the mullioned windows. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/908374ed-3663-427f-8a12-78e02da47c3f/tempImageCGEcPK.jpg Blog - The Mound and Mines - Make it stand out The gardens were not open during our tour, but the family that owns and lives in the castle maintains a beautifully terraced garden that supports a wide range of plants thanks to the unique microclimate on the island. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/684e476f-1926-457c-9b91-2164e8cc53cf/tempImageLeYyym.jpg Blog - The Mound and Mines - Make it stand out From the castle, looking out over the island’s small harbor, the causeway, and the town of Marazion beyond. Interestingly, the Mount has not always been a tidal island. Until c. 2,000 BC, it was surrounded by marshy woodland with the coast some five miles away. At extremely low tides, the remains of petrified tree trunks from this period are sometimes uncovered. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f7f7fc59-0b37-45ff-8d4f-96eb342741fa/tempImageMpAkFs.jpg Blog - The Mound and Mines - Make it stand out Just outside the castle’s chapel is the Wishing Stone, which marks the tallest point of the island’s natural bedrock. The stone above this point is part of the construction. It is said to be good luck to make a wish while touching the stone. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/33920bac-3bdf-47c1-8fba-f7e180a56dce/tempImage7Cj6vB.jpg Blog - The Mound and Mines - Make it stand out Inside the island’s beautiful Catholic chapel. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2c62ff1c-4211-4db1-9bf9-5fcc279ea122/tempImageGnLdU8.jpg Blog - The Mound and Mines - Make it stand out The chapel’s statue of Archangel Michael defeating Lucifer. From as far back as 495 AD, tales tell of seafarers lured by mermaids onto the rocks, or guided to safety by an apparition of St Michael. The patron saint of fishermen, it’s said the Archangel Michael appeared on the western side of the island to ward fishermen from certain peril. It’s a legend which has brought pilgrims, monks, and people of faith to the island ever since. (And I’m a little confused because a saint can’t be an angel, right? ) Four miracles said to have happened on the Mount during 1262 and 1263 have only added to the religious magnetism for pilgrims far and wide. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/79a7f91a-fc91-4688-b050-3a4e49bbf8ea/tempImageQSbDQe.jpg Blog - The Mound and Mines - Make it stand out On the left are the ropes used to ring the church bells in the belfry above. The bottom door leads to a tiny spiral staircase granting access to the belfry tower. Interestingly, the upper door is for a minstrel. The door was apparently opened and the minstrel would sit on the ledge and play music. Best to be a homunculus. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/85930efa-7646-4c4c-b648-abf1fc500291/tempImageG6Tban.jpg Blog - The Mound and Mines - Make it stand out And the legends continue! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3c4768ce-2012-44d7-8015-53048c70cb5e/Cave.jpeg Blog - The Mound and Mines - Make it stand out The tour does not allow you to go into the vault, but here is a picture from a reporter who did. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9b3b73a7-c0c4-4e93-89ac-00b37c15ecfb/tempImageR3c14N.jpg Blog - The Mound and Mines - Make it stand out What we found most intriguing was that in 1588, the Spanish Armada was first spotted from St Michael’s Mount as it crossed Mount's Bay and a beacon was lit at the top of the church tower (above). This was the first of a chain of beacons that stretched along the south coast of England to alert London of the Armada's imminent arrival. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/33985e70-6ae9-4beb-a5e6-d5e5d9723e8e/tempImageQbiJYk.jpg Blog - The Mound and Mines - Make it stand out The Mount’s cemetery. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9e983b1d-f323-48c2-8325-a75d216a695c/tempImageCYFxmR.jpg Blog - The Mound and Mines - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/adb55d1a-d135-4437-be8f-88d99856ec77/tempImageCzB1dZ.jpg Blog - The Mound and Mines - Make it stand out A warm cuppa at the Mount’s café. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b3d73557-5ebe-41b7-a9d8-8f72bdaea4d2/tempImageBev1AC.jpg Blog - The Mound and Mines - Make it stand out A parting shot from the Mount’s harbor wall, looking back at the island. We had a wonderful time and are so glad we were finally able to visit the tiny island in person. But now it’s time to explore Cornwall’s rich tin and copper mining history. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6772d991-1be7-44e6-a662-a36b9ad252c3/tempImageLyMk3U.jpg Blog - The Mound and Mines - Make it stand out The Crowns engine houses perch right on the edge of the cliff, with a position that has made them possibly the most photographed engine houses in the entire World Heritage Site. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a599d48a-b189-4a19-a7ec-74ca0a281117/tempImagejlRRBQ.jpg Blog - The Mound and Mines - Make it stand out Standing on the cliff above the Crowns engine houses. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d424e20a-ac09-4091-85e3-88c24afd595e/tempImagelMm84y.jpg Blog - The Mound and Mines - Make it stand out Selfie with the Crowns engine houses below. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d4d05f0c-746f-427c-bdb9-b344ff107e53/tempImagedCKn4z.jpg Blog - The Mound and Mines - Make it stand out The Crown’s engine houses were two engine houses started in 1858 to gain access to the tin ore under the Atlantic seabed. The upper house is Pearce’s Engine House that wound from the diagonal Boscawen Shaft, which accessed the mine’s undersea levels. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f4111922-335d-4513-98ff-c26d67e384c9/tempImageGx3aXj.jpg Blog - The Mound and Mines - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/015e6863-3348-44fd-8ec5-160e341dece6/Screenshot+2023-02-21+at+8.56.17+AM.png Blog - The Mound and Mines - Make it stand out I was wondering how they got from the upper and lower mines. This old photo shows how: a rickety old ladder. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/40f192e6-b6f2-4e00-a09c-d414f4bfb78c/tempImagefIJe0E.jpg Blog - The Mound and Mines - Make it stand out The lower is the Pumping Engine House that contained a 36-inch pump to drain the mine,. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e86ab235-bcf5-40b2-8741-b515533e0e3e/tempImageL5haeg.jpg Blog - The Mound and Mines - Make it stand out On the cliff above, the remains of the New Botallack Power House from the early 20th century re-working of the mines. The generators housed here supplied power to electric submersible pumps and dressing floors were the ore was processed. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b264b484-9363-4a6a-bfd3-e272f7ba02fb/tempImage8ZIHWS.jpg Blog - The Mound and Mines - Make it stand out Given their amazing cliffside location, the Crowns engine houses were fun to explore and photograph, but every Poldark fan knows that the premiere place to visit is the real life winding engine house used as Wheal Leisure (rhymes with pleasure). Above is the abandoned mine engine house of West Wheal Owles, used as Wheal Leisure in the TV series. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b7662198-a4ae-4296-a18a-047d94356bc0/tempImagetWnuvh.jpg Blog - The Mound and Mines - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a1c90639-e0a0-4e02-a408-c2d78d555e33/Mine+2.jpeg Blog - The Mound and Mines - Make it stand out The filming crews at Wheal Leisure. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ccc47df8-bc7d-46f4-b6e4-a12112b3b70f/Mine+3.jpeg Blog - The Mound and Mines - Make it stand out The TV show set in place (the roof was added by CGI). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/03cf9368-13ba-4132-8678-1177159b9271/Mine.jpg Blog - The Mound and Mines - Make it stand out The set and cast at Wheal Leisure. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/66494245-a13e-4f0c-ac49-faaca47f1394/tempImageyRIPWC.jpg Blog - The Mound and Mines - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/edd79113-7290-4eeb-b5f8-9a696a0efad5/tempImagefZJUUq.jpg Blog - The Mound and Mines - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/30fcb400-6dfc-4a7e-a45b-2d9706e400fc/tempImagehN5s4B.jpg Blog - The Mound and Mines - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/25d4e9ab-1404-485f-ba04-b394796e5c22/tempImagerhmUzG.jpg Blog - The Mound and Mines - Make it stand out So much fun! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/21ea4679-f392-42bf-bb02-f4783acbdecc/tempImageIecmu3.jpg Blog - The Mound and Mines - Make it stand out Once the tin was sufficiently heated, arsenic was released as a vapor that would condense along the flu leading to a chimney, usually on a hillside above. However, pictured here is a massive arsenic recovery labyrinth. The small tunnels were where the arsenic condensed before being removed, bagged, and sold. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9a992a96-2c02-46ff-8fef-a2997d7af828/tempImagerbsUFR.jpg Blog - The Mound and Mines - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/76d7da4f-6bb2-4b7a-8f1e-af6883197176/tempImagevWI7Sx.jpg Blog - The Mound and Mines - Make it stand out The Wheal Coates mine ruins at St Agnes Head. These mines and clifftops were used to film Ross riding along the oceanside. The Towanroath shaft (pictured above) is part Wheal Coates. (He said, “Shaft.” ) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/480beb4f-e0ca-4ab7-b7f4-c2fa69b43e08/tempImage2CU7FS.jpg Blog - The Mound and Mines - Make it stand out Towanroath https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ad42443c-4957-4ff8-b14d-556ef3281556/tempImageoDcbdH.jpg Blog - The Mound and Mines - Make it stand out Appreciating the magnificent ocean view. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b2bfef72-55b2-4ba9-afa2-ecb2149e699b/tempImageStumcL.jpg Blog - The Mound and Mines - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/166708b9-1d2b-4680-90fc-da17796a4250/tempImage8YBKBM.jpg Blog - The Mound and Mines - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e7e39a62-b6c5-4b23-88be-ebf2f3323f0e/tempImageXXQgkf.jpg Blog - The Mound and Mines - Make it stand out Is it any wonder they filmed here?! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2ea270ce-8ee5-49b2-bb16-4434e7d7dff8/tempImagenhqMfF.jpg Blog - The Mound and Mines - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a9b4c786-5424-4617-8f30-417be4c95a19/tempImage5pobJc.jpg Blog - The Mound and Mines - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b92914c0-5c33-47a1-a7e5-a76ffe456116/tempImageHipzjw.jpg Blog - The Mound and Mines - Make it stand out Paragliders at St Agnes Head. After leaving St Agnes Head, we drove through Perranporth, home of Winston Graham, the author of the Poldark books (nothing particularly exceptional to see, although the beach is very nice). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f2396bee-cd9e-4f3b-b5a5-7bb8b351813d/tempImage9EYHNs.jpg Blog - The Mound and Mines - Make it stand out After passing through Perranporth, we went to Holywell Beach, a gorgeous beach on its own, but also quite popular as a Poldark filming site. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e870ee95-780f-4b80-ab8f-110ba1486025/tempImageUiIFUv.jpg Blog - The Mound and Mines - Make it stand out In the background are the iconic Gull Rocks, which have appeared not only in Poldark but also in Bond films Tomorrow Never Dies and Die Another Day. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/33c080a8-3119-4e70-a599-041d0bac2f49/tempImageSdHzCG.jpg Blog - The Mound and Mines - Make it stand out At the entrance to the The Holy Well cave. Not surprisingly, the cave only goes back a few hundred feet, but fresh water dripping from above has created stalactites and stalagmites in the far back. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/184b1726-5229-4002-b7c9-cc562fb5a6ce/tempImageh5Xv51.jpg Blog - The Mound and Mines - Make it stand out Featured in a famous scene between Demelza’s younger brother Drake Carne and his love interest Morwenna. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c5909e2c-9956-4534-9c50-2789b2d62dc0/tempImageuk1DL2.jpg Blog - The Mound and Mines - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c87187b1-a14d-4970-bdc8-415a272e547e/tempImageWYyA5t.jpg Blog - The Mound and Mines - Make it stand out A wonderfully peaceful place to walk. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e8c669b0-99e0-4f7a-ac22-9aefbbee29ec/tempImageF0362U.jpg Blog - The Mound and Mines - Make it stand out We ended the day in Truro (say it Matt!), which is actually a really nice town. But if you’ve watched Poldark, then you’ve undoubtedly heard people talk about Truro with its funny and awkward pronunciation (it’s also where the hospital is located in Doc Martin). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c942be94-88b9-4642-92f2-f7fe81e35eec/tempImagekBVIDz.jpg Blog - The Mound and Mines - Make it stand out Truro Cathedral Anyway, it was a great couple of days and we hope you’ve enjoyed seeing these places as much as we did! https://www.overthehillandacrossthepond.com/blog/the-lizard monthly 0.5 2023-11-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8495b217-6f5f-4667-be87-9ed3fa947629/tempImageKxbQy0.jpg Blog - The Lizard - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5590a0be-6be4-4e31-a8b3-d54212f5009f/tempImageNT9Vib.jpg Blog - The Lizard - Make it stand out The region is famous for the local serpentine stone, a unique metamorphic rock which is dark green veined with red and white streaks. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6488d6f1-7063-418b-a238-3416a0a630e9/tempImageVMaURF.jpg Blog - The Lizard - Make it stand out Serpentine stone is named for its scaly, “reptilian” texture. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5d718ee7-4e4e-41dd-9558-d411fc852064/tempImageoSCZbS.jpg Blog - The Lizard - Make it stand out We’ve been very fortunate weather wise but, yep, it was a typically Cornish kind of a day today. No such thing as bad weather, just improper clothing—right? We were ready! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c20c3bf6-b8be-4b6c-90a9-bb0ae4d06e7e/tempImageruzkaA.jpg Blog - The Lizard - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0bdc6db8-d2f2-4653-99a6-371a425e328c/tempImagejmjvmH.jpg Blog - The Lizard - Make it stand out The tiny church of St Wynwallow (the “church of storms”), with a detached tower set into the solid rock of the headland, is located to the north side of the beach, hence the name Church Cove. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2dcaad9a-a33c-4684-ac10-c633f9359509/tempImageFk99G3.jpg Blog - The Lizard - Make it stand out Sandy Church Cove first made an appearance early in Series 1 where it was the scene of a nighttime shipwreck. Perhaps the inspiration for the location came from the fact that a real shipwreck occurred just off shore of this cove. HMS Schiedam was a Dutch East India fluyt (a type of Dutch sailing vessel) captured twice, once by pirates. While carrying naval workmen and their families, horses, and cannon, she was lost off Church Cove on her return to England on April 4, 1684. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f78991aa-913c-4a02-987d-b1640558b525/tempImagemmB77R.jpg Blog - The Lizard - Make it stand out Standing on the bluff above Church Cove. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ee48624b-a7a3-4957-8295-b8bcf96c010b/tempImageHUUp6O.jpg Blog - The Lizard - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/49288698-0cff-4a84-a66c-08d22750ea23/tempImagehht8Sn.jpg Blog - The Lizard - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/25c9c58f-6d4f-4269-be74-f8f6d7a4d83c/tempImagexB00GD.jpg Blog - The Lizard - Make it stand out Something is amiss with this maidenhead…can’t quite put my finger on it though… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7073a58b-e25b-4285-8b87-34d545fe334e/tempImage0CMfGV.jpg Blog - The Lizard - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ed8ed799-ba21-4bb3-a3b4-912f30c5eeb7/tempImageAfBUiZ.jpg Blog - The Lizard - Make it stand out No props here, just the genuine articles lying around this storybook little harbor. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1232b018-dd1d-41e0-a6ff-bc28423b4741/tempImageaYIQHr.jpg Blog - The Lizard - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7d1f482b-90eb-4ddd-89b0-888fb8ff6f95/tempImageyNLcES.jpg Blog - The Lizard - Make it stand out The stormy waters added to the ambiance. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6be5ebb2-c63b-42ae-8ffb-ce2160f4f87c/tempImageph6NA5.jpg Blog - The Lizard - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6876caca-fc98-4623-aa16-82c9aeee07f1/tempImageOuqQo2.jpg Blog - The Lizard - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2dceecdf-9540-4909-b009-9735adf6d311/tempImageGVvahn.jpg Blog - The Lizard - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a61ffe36-ac74-4f20-a168-603768156f5f/tempImageunCLlS.jpg Blog - The Lizard - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2cc2b944-0cf7-47f8-ab30-5df1b6f0c8b7/tempImageMnIW40.jpg Blog - The Lizard - Make it stand out This place really stole the show today. After being greeted by a panoramic ocean view and walking down the beautiful path—a wonderful little cove with a small beach and a cafe reveal themselves. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2dfd61b6-f701-4cde-9035-90c4267f6bd1/tempImagePg8EkR.jpg Blog - The Lizard - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f533ee44-8574-4417-95ae-e382dffb8e72/tempImagedi5gtF.jpg Blog - The Lizard - Make it stand out Miraculously, given the time of year, the café was open! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b2598dfd-44c1-462f-aa79-9537bb3e3504/tempImageNii4b2.jpg Blog - The Lizard - Make it stand out We enjoyed a warm cup of tea while the ocean went about her unceasing business. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a119b33e-2009-4717-8bc7-cfe50a7e050b/tempImages9Lt49.jpg Blog - The Lizard - Make it stand out Such a great place to pause and be grateful for the beauty of the creation around us. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/808f2492-0473-4fe9-bc20-b3be4ab94a1e/tempImageGUrdAq.jpg Blog - The Lizard - Make it stand out As if on cue, nature flew right up to us. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f88aa5ef-1c45-4314-9e43-658c4de41a5e/tempImageW3oo5B.jpg Blog - The Lizard - Make it stand out If you had to visit one spot on the Lizard, this would be it. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8789d2be-a3a2-46b7-8240-98d060472281/tempImageGD0tiC.jpg Blog - The Lizard - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7b082d4d-5de0-4cde-be4e-a35ac021ae1e/tempImageiWE5zT.jpg Blog - The Lizard - Make it stand out Below the point is the Old Lifeboat House. The green meadow in the distance is Pistil Meadow (more on that below). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2d19068d-7e8e-4154-86e5-7655445086f6/tempImageXGrO4H.jpg Blog - The Lizard - Make it stand out From the lighthouse looking down on Lizard Point. Just offshore are the Man o' War rocks. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/01725613-4aa3-4db1-9d68-4fe3147a9be9/tempImageDWxkff.jpg Blog - The Lizard - Make it stand out On the November 10, 1721, thirty years before the lighthouse was built, 15 of the crew of the Royal Anne Galley lost their lives when the vessel was dashed against the cliffs in a storm. They are buried in a mass grave on Pistol Meadow, the grass slope just west of the Old Lifeboat Slipway (photo above). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b2873185-ee69-43c7-929d-45499233f213/tempImageQoDLOQ.jpg Blog - The Lizard - Make it stand out Since 1751 there has been a lighthouse on Lizard Point, warning shipping of the dangers of this beautiful but treacherous coastline. Farewell from the Lizard https://www.overthehillandacrossthepond.com/blog/the-coves monthly 0.5 2023-11-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3dce25b0-5c11-47bd-ae0b-1f8c3c0cacdc/Mousehole+Air.jpeg Blog - Back End of Beyond - Make it stand out An aerial perspective of Mousehole, a harbor town just south of our place in Penzance. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7ce422ce-f86f-4cdf-ab14-af2265aba2ec/tempImageegv5p1.jpg Blog - Back End of Beyond - Make it stand out Standing on the seawall looking dapper with a fresh beard trim. Mousehole is aptly named; you can walk and explore all the town has to offer in about 30 minutes! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0115add6-aa3c-4422-a0ce-bfd056466cbe/tempImageFi8tvx.jpg Blog - Back End of Beyond - Make it stand out I will add, though, that the enclosed little harbor must make a wonderful place to swim in the summer. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d2b095cf-feb6-44ed-b295-3dd19e9a431e/tempImage3zjh7z.jpg Blog - Back End of Beyond - Make it stand out The Cornish coast is dotted with tiny villages that emerged organically in deep valleys cut by streams flowing to the sea—a fresh water supply and the fishing trade an essential combination. One such place is the idyllic little fishing hamlet of Penberth Cove. With its clutch of granite cottages, cobbled slipway, and a working capstan—it must have seemed like an obvious choice for the Poldark series. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/64ccfb50-905e-4565-8ec7-d523d6300325/tempImage9sq8Oq.jpg Blog - Back End of Beyond - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a0643676-96ea-46f5-bb24-f45a95151674/tempImageSv1BA1.jpg Blog - Back End of Beyond - Make it stand out Old-fashioned red pillar post box built into the hillside. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3b83dfcb-c3d2-4e4a-8af2-41bad68baa4e/tempImage12aWDj.jpg Blog - Back End of Beyond - Make it stand out Penberth Cove was used as Sawle village in Poldark, home to Demelza's two brothers, Sam and Drake Carne. As such it was featured in many scenes involving Demelza and Doctor Enys. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/30333a1b-8f0a-401b-b47b-6c0cd7ec652f/tempImageHfTGPs.jpg Blog - Back End of Beyond - Make it stand out The cobbled slipway leading to the cove. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/76883fbc-03f4-4813-b582-312a6239918e/tempImagel3iLVo.jpg Blog - Back End of Beyond - Make it stand out The enormous wooden capstan, used to pull fishing boats up the slipway. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/952fe643-c13d-40b9-9517-d613cbbf3360/tempImagexLRhsK.jpg Blog - Back End of Beyond - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/83da656a-b3a9-4cb8-98a7-5a8933902485/tempImageNrp84e.jpg Blog - Back End of Beyond - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d895f8b9-7b60-4c60-a4bb-9629034805ea/tempImageGSZXlD.jpg Blog - Back End of Beyond - Make it stand out The setting is as dramatic as you can imagine: a steeply terraced hillside with endless sea views and waves endlessly pounding the rocks below. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b87ee380-2907-4d63-839a-bad855503793/tempImageGUmGfI.jpg Blog - Back End of Beyond - Make it stand out 750 seats are arranged around ten terraces. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4d6192cf-da1d-4712-a0fb-237bedaef86d/tempImagehaxZn3.jpg Blog - Back End of Beyond - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d77f0ccd-2362-4bb6-94dd-180a077a999c/tempImageLtXIUK.jpg Blog - Back End of Beyond - Make it stand out Do views come any better than this? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f47edd9e-3d1e-4eb1-a1cc-464d4ff7e0a7/tempImageQquEIz.jpg Blog - Back End of Beyond - Make it stand out The world’s most unique stage and backdrop. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f4bbf735-ce06-4cb5-b743-49b7c27d94f6/tempImage7rIKzh.jpg Blog - Back End of Beyond - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c3a9fc96-dbb8-4acc-b1dc-6d3009166aac/tempImageNQYNeZ.jpg Blog - Back End of Beyond - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e7790851-3826-44c3-a9a4-c5b76d0bf9a7/tempImagePZj14N.jpg Blog - Back End of Beyond - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ba2684d5-45c5-4e5c-a050-8fcd64e246df/tempImagehCIOSk.jpg Blog - Back End of Beyond - Make it stand out Our day-after Valentine’s Day made-for-Instagram photo. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9ff9d9d1-d2ed-46d4-8c6f-29ee45664c4e/tempImage7BE6nI.jpg Blog - Back End of Beyond - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/01b7a7bd-1bef-4095-8987-cd3295cc1df2/tempImagen3u3Pg.jpg Blog - Back End of Beyond - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7277002a-7893-442f-a5d5-e652726a1435/tempImage14QK9t.jpg Blog - Back End of Beyond - Make it stand out Looking up from the stage. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/31634801-816f-40bd-8723-d0659a5493a9/tempImagek9L5Vt.jpg Blog - Back End of Beyond - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/43fb3319-e6a8-4181-ae88-d4b333fe2561/tempImage7Qh2Ox.jpg Blog - Back End of Beyond - Make it stand out There’s Statler, where’s Waldorf? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/96c42a66-10e9-4ab5-9129-fc2d1ea8d80a/tempImageygT8kS.jpg Blog - Back End of Beyond - Make it stand out We’ve been surprised to learn that much of Cornwall has very unique microclimates that are not subject to freezing, allowing a wide range of plants to thrive that would otherwise not do well in England. The flowerbeds throughout the Theatre are lovely and maticulously maintained. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b3a75246-ed50-485e-9fc9-a57dfc04e47c/tempImageBVsgWy.jpg Blog - Back End of Beyond - Make it stand out Not only are these flowers beautiful, but they grow helically and the plant has a conical shape—gorgeous on so many levels. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1384106e-7540-4686-803f-1e3328b46194/tempImageoZPF95.jpg Blog - Back End of Beyond - Make it stand out Tea with quite a view! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/613becf5-8b81-49e4-8338-1aa626eff8e0/tempImage2kTkN8.jpg Blog - Back End of Beyond - Make it stand out Porthcurno and Pedn Vounder Beaches just north of the theater. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d517630c-5ade-4e40-b0ef-1f3a63eca7c5/tempImageT7BODu.jpg Blog - Back End of Beyond - Make it stand out Minack may never make the Wonders of the World list, but it has all the hallmarks: humans with a deeply held beliefs carved into the earth a lasting memorial to their values that will forever be inspiring to behold. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/fe49d451-bc8f-4934-a90f-21a5a93b4806/tempImage7VEAtI.jpg Blog - Back End of Beyond - Make it stand out We passed this field of daffodils on our way to our final stop in Porthgwarra. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/bc845c29-48cc-4048-b569-ce79a2d343a3/tempImager7Twi5.jpg Blog - Back End of Beyond - Make it stand out Spring is coming https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1f6a1a8d-36eb-4a99-b87d-5b4c0830cd1c/tempImageqzJYwE.jpg Blog - Back End of Beyond - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3213c8bc-54cb-457a-9c05-9cec67ebdbf2/tempImagelmBqun.jpg Blog - Back End of Beyond - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/de4a6202-d3a8-4f55-a0ae-3e62f9a0ef99/tempImageTXwnsx.jpg Blog - Back End of Beyond - Make it stand out Porthgwarra is where one of the most memorable scenes from the first series of Poldark was shot. This is the scene in which Ross (Aidan Turner) goes skinny-dipping in the crystal clear waters off the beach, while Demelza secretly looks on from the cliffs above. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/201a914f-8abe-4c0f-aad5-71e48b45694d/tempImaget5sWwF.jpg Blog - Back End of Beyond - Make it stand out A local farmer carved two tunnels into the rock so he could more easily load his cart with seaweed from the beach and the fishermen had access to the other side of the beach. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/09dbb4c3-3e66-4e35-aa81-fdf00b4b3249/tempImageCIPGrm.jpg Blog - Back End of Beyond - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/486bc5b1-42c9-4abc-bef2-db8b36cc3dd8/tempImage1FyoU0.jpg Blog - Back End of Beyond - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ec00d4ac-bf8d-4b1d-8e8c-a93031c53271/tempImageS5pTcA.jpg Blog - Back End of Beyond - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/25649878-d99e-439b-ac1a-bcbcbc34e894/tempImageHBbkGa.jpg Blog - Back End of Beyond - Make it stand out Amanda looks for Aidan Turner from the cliffs above Porthgwarra (also part of the South Coast Trail). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/fe5afd64-9b8b-4e20-85ce-8fe86a4640a6/tempImagepndglQ.jpg Blog - Back End of Beyond - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/54a55548-2f26-475e-b5dd-ec511b82eecc/tempImageUeXEjF.jpg Blog - Back End of Beyond - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8b6779f1-27ca-45b4-984d-56c2ed9ebe5d/tempImageVh55yS.jpg Blog - Back End of Beyond - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/07d972de-89cf-479f-b605-37fabac551e1/tempImageEcUSpq.jpg Blog - Back End of Beyond - Make it stand out We rounded out the day by making a quick stop by St Michael’s Mount. We have a tour set up for Monday, but wanted to walk around and get a feel for the place before then. The tidal island is so unique, which makes it a fun place to visit. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/cb0970fb-e736-4103-b187-0efd4edaf3df/tempImageMOk4PH.jpg Blog - Back End of Beyond - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d8b4f011-1241-40b8-a17f-bdc2abcc123c/tempImageUeub7T.jpg Blog - Back End of Beyond - Make it stand out The village itself is closed to tourists until Monday. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/eec6f3dc-62db-4b48-a5a3-b58a11ce2870/tempImageKiwCvI.jpg Blog - Back End of Beyond - Make it stand out The Monastery https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/bc97db7f-8ae5-4946-b704-9335f38d265f/tempImageQX2VVp.jpg Blog - Back End of Beyond - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/739b610e-48fb-4295-9c0e-65217e5b14d3/tempImageBblFzL.jpg Blog - Back End of Beyond - Make it stand out You may recall from our post titled Bath that we stopped in Shaftesbury and visited Gold Hill, where Hovis bread made a famous commercial with a boy pushing his bike up the hill to deliver bread. This is a loaf we purchased today…it still has the iconic image on the bag. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e9febd36-a9d5-40f9-a7db-832084000011/tempImageyyy4L5.jpg Blog - Back End of Beyond - Make it stand out Some beauty for you… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/416b9a44-7b0b-450a-a213-f7b51bc7efa2/tempImageAoZ6jl.jpg Blog - Back End of Beyond - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/36415d7b-3c54-4596-8142-04630266199c/tempImageNitPaC.jpg Blog - Back End of Beyond - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/34196620-36f1-4a31-a093-c3a1af9726c6/tempImageyOKvWP.jpg Blog - Back End of Beyond - Make it stand out Farewell for now from Penzance https://www.overthehillandacrossthepond.com/blog/st-valentine-in-cornwall monthly 0.5 2023-11-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/da1a922d-40d4-4a22-9230-5ecfc856559f/tempImageClj6i4.jpg Blog - From Cornwall With Love - Make it stand out This is the steep, two-way, single lane, cobbled street leading to our home. I’m going to slap our GoPro onto the hood of the car one of these days so you can get an idea of just how narrow and windy the roads can be over here. To park at our house requires a 6-point turn with only inches of clearance at both the right front and left rear to access the tiny courtyard where we live. Here’s a video tour of our little flat: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mieyDMSm4BU https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/02a51a3b-4894-412d-860e-deec7a23a787/tempImageZ0nFfd.jpg Blog - From Cornwall With Love - Make it stand out The Jubilee Pool in Penzance. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5592a284-d724-45be-bee0-b08f42d56588/tempImage8dkZGY.jpg Blog - From Cornwall With Love - Make it stand out It looks nasty right now in winter, but the link above shows a much more attractive pool. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/43191388-897e-4ab5-bfc4-bdf61f7cf1ac/tempImagejCHVyt.jpg Blog - From Cornwall With Love - Make it stand out Along the way we stopped at the ruins of the Carn Galver Tin Mine. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ca5d7724-87ff-4e3a-8d44-a6ab8aae773b/tempImagecRH1pQ.jpg Blog - From Cornwall With Love - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d7715dc1-732e-4a62-8335-662e7f5720ce/tempImageIb0BYK.jpg Blog - From Cornwall With Love - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/550bc56c-540a-4c2d-923c-57bf5819f1f4/tempImagepEj9GB.jpg Blog - From Cornwall With Love - Make it stand out The old engine house. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/21d19978-be96-46ab-9ff0-a9a23dfa80ab/tempImageaaSLTE.jpg Blog - From Cornwall With Love - Make it stand out Just beyond the tin mine and close to the cliffs are the remains of Bosigran Castle Promontory Fort. I really couldn’t find much about this site. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3b054a87-8433-4f7c-b6f4-5a0bbde79b6f/tempImagew3hxfX.jpg Blog - From Cornwall With Love - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7ecbfd70-5638-45d9-8d3d-69a0bc45a34b/tempImagemCW04K.jpg Blog - From Cornwall With Love - Make it stand out The remains of Bosigran Castle Promontory Fort below and the Carn Galver Tin Mine in the far left background. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/655ff705-a9c6-4349-93bf-3e3bdb192840/tempImage4so5tu.jpg Blog - From Cornwall With Love - Make it stand out It was a beautiful (albeit windy) view from the small peak. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4c9bb412-9445-4509-a421-0320d9b021a1/tempImageQtfURb.jpg Blog - From Cornwall With Love - Make it stand out We met a small friend on the walk back to the car. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/cb6ef797-31f3-4ecf-84d3-6692c1c7f27e/tempImageAmAT48.jpg Blog - From Cornwall With Love - Make it stand out Picturesque row houses staggered up and down the town’s hillsides. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/13989afe-342e-4b82-b394-fe1454fb4ec0/tempImage9OXXPr.jpg Blog - From Cornwall With Love - Make it stand out Those silly Brits! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/10fbdd7b-36d7-42ae-b888-4276d803fa48/tempImagelBiIHg.jpg Blog - From Cornwall With Love - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/74738de1-b509-405e-9e8e-aaf1adeec97d/tempImageEVvfYf.jpg Blog - From Cornwall With Love - Make it stand out We’ve been searching high and low for Little Beach Street Bakery by Jenny Colgan, which unfolds largely on St Michael’s Mount island near Penzance. We finally found it here in this store. We wanted to reread the book while we are living in the city where the story was set. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/cfd4619a-aa05-4554-9397-e6bbc4397b2c/tempImageN8By9b.jpg Blog - From Cornwall With Love - Make it stand out Low tide in St Ives Bay harbor. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8e81de41-f537-49e4-8951-509eeac0ca82/tempImagekhu7Ko.jpg Blog - From Cornwall With Love - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0f5445b4-77a3-4df9-b5bb-eb84be480bd6/tempImageE3PGIY.jpg Blog - From Cornwall With Love - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/35891a1e-78ee-4a67-8d44-9ed3e6a1e8db/tempImagePaXNOd.jpg Blog - From Cornwall With Love - Make it stand out The St Ives Old Pier Lighthouse, out of view to the left, was established in 1830 and discontinued in 1890 when the Smeaton’s Pier was extended and a new St Ives Pier Lighthouse (above) was erected at the end. The 32-foot-high octagonal cast iron lighthouse indicates the water level and displays a green light when safe to enter and red when the water is low. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/02dac211-86ac-45dd-87c4-a5a334cd5eda/tempImageK75QFr.jpg Blog - From Cornwall With Love - Make it stand out From West Pier. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/36602884-fae1-4b6c-9e6b-5d830eef9b58/tempImagefY8wIG.jpg Blog - From Cornwall With Love - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4f5229bb-96d5-4611-872c-49f6aa7c2b54/St+Ives.jpeg Blog - From Cornwall With Love - Make it stand out In case my photos don’t do the town justice, this photo by a professional should do the trick! The city is gorgeous! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9fb3d3fb-0ab8-4cb6-aafe-c5a298d07163/tempImagez8OKGf.jpg Blog - From Cornwall With Love - Make it stand out Working on the blog over a famous Cornish pasty and a mocha at The Cornish Bakery. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/125edf75-1651-47cf-8cec-3bb1cf3f6aa7/tempImage1uBgga.jpg Blog - From Cornwall With Love - Make it stand out Our view from the Beach Café Bar on St Ives Bay harbor while finishing up the blog (our internet connection has been poor at our place…and the view here is considerably better!). Never been so close to Ireland on St Valentine’s Day https://www.overthehillandacrossthepond.com/blog/a-sad-goodbye monthly 0.5 2023-10-31 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/415d8e1d-47f2-4d94-97ba-282955f9e94d/tempImageTlKwXb.jpg Blog - A Sad Goodbye - Make it stand out Over the past four weeks we’ve toured London, Canterbury, Rye, New Forest, and Wiltshire. But as the proverb goes, all good things must come to an end. Early this morning, we put on our brave faces, left the Old Turnpike Cottage, and headed back toward London. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6cd987d4-4e97-4187-97b0-adc4d92fa597/tempImagewvQ7ap.jpg Blog - A Sad Goodbye - Make it stand out It was a frosty 23º F as we passed what has oddly enough become a somewhat common site over the past few weeks. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/511d8192-8358-4fc9-9e9c-a79f9303289a/tempImageFxzzys.jpg Blog - A Sad Goodbye - Make it stand out Windsor Castle sits 20 minutes from Heathrow Airport, so it was the perfect diversion for our final hours together before Will’s flight home. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/73eb3b0f-73e6-43b7-abd4-1000407435eb/tempImageRSbcBa.jpg Blog - A Sad Goodbye - Make it stand out As an inhabited castle, tourists are only permitted to take photographs outside the castle—which is unfortunate given the many stunning interior spaces. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9337d14e-ced3-4fe9-9ceb-f0836cb48260/tempImageP9NzDN.jpg Blog - A Sad Goodbye - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/18d82fe0-c2af-4eca-bfec-d80b65b0172b/tempImagegB9mqZ.jpg Blog - A Sad Goodbye - Make it stand out Entering by the gate beneath the Edward III Tower. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/27417916-9063-4419-a4bc-8ab40f39afc1/Plan.jpeg Blog - A Sad Goodbye - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/eec817bc-449f-4c27-ac22-dde39e9eaaaa/tempImagey7Qv79.jpg Blog - A Sad Goodbye - Make it stand out The Round Tower (and the old Keep) in the Middle Ward, with the State Apartments and the Upper Ward in the background. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/681c6e7e-7eb1-46d3-a13a-1e48d6710673/tempImagew5GsuO.jpg Blog - A Sad Goodbye - Make it stand out It would be very difficult to overstate the magnificence of the rooms along the tour (and it’s probably a good thing I couldn't take pictures ). After the grandeur of the State Apartments, you exit near this beautiful courtyard in the Upper Ward. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a897bd8a-fa76-4240-bcd8-dfb4a1d91e97/tempImageA54AtO.jpg Blog - A Sad Goodbye - Make it stand out A beautiful water feature below the Round Tower. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b2d1f96d-b4a4-4a91-8d01-5327520caa72/tempImageye45JC.jpg Blog - A Sad Goodbye - Make it stand out From the Upper Ward, we walked through the Middle Ward (past the Round Tower), to the Lower Ward, which is home to St George’s Chapel. The Chapel is the spiritual home of the Order of the Garter, the oldest order of chivalry in the world, founded by Edward III in 1348. On the roof of the chapel, standing on the pinnacles, are seventy-six heraldic statues representing the Queen’s Beasts. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b923a1ae-b027-4210-899e-f6507c678855/tempImageoyGR2G.jpg Blog - A Sad Goodbye - Make it stand out Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were married at the Chapel in 2018. Private funeral services for Queen Elizabeth II (2022) and her husband Prince Philip (2021) were held in the Chapel. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7c546376-2a12-4ab3-a1a6-80149a1446a0/ezgif-3-3fdd680e09.jpg Blog - A Sad Goodbye - Make it stand out Prince Philip’s funeral procession on April 17, 2021. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4e2aa712-0876-4ad9-a2a3-7e1feacf561c/tempImagefgvBze.jpg Blog - A Sad Goodbye - Make it stand out The Chapel’s West Door and stairs. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e95d0fc1-0bc7-4cbe-8651-818b15e35d9a/28-royal-wedding.jpg Blog - A Sad Goodbye - Make it stand out Newly married Prince Harry and Meghan Markle descend the stairs on May 19, 2018. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/023823c6-0044-4f05-b226-37e7f9ff8d60/tempImagevFjaRg.jpg Blog - A Sad Goodbye - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c31f918f-c686-4b5a-b3db-cbd16e8974d7/ezgif-3-e9294289af.jpg Blog - A Sad Goodbye - Make it stand out Prince Philip’s funeral procession up the steps and through the West Doors on April 17, 2021. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2796213d-0f9e-46fb-88a9-3314ea5fd606/tempImageb1LBE0.jpg Blog - A Sad Goodbye - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d09c44f1-52a9-4a89-a059-f49881722f31/tempImagePBgtAa.jpg Blog - A Sad Goodbye - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/639fcaf9-46a8-4b22-bef4-9142da829680/tempImagedF2ead.jpg Blog - A Sad Goodbye - Make it stand out Will with one of the Castle guards. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c7000165-c03c-49b0-9e12-6972baffcaa1/tempImagezWZHXF.jpg Blog - A Sad Goodbye - Make it stand out As with the other Castle buildings, photography was not allowed inside the Chapel. Suffice it to say, the interior is certainly befitting of the Chapel’s standing and stunning to behold. This past December, we were fortunate to watch live as King Charles III delivered his first Christmas Day speech as British monarch from the Chapel. The Chapel Quire is also the final resting place for Henry VIII and his third wife Jane Seymour. Bear him a son and you get buried beside him in St George’s Chapel—don’t and, well, not so much! Buried beside Henry and Jane is also Charles I. We were fortunate enough to see inside the King George VI Memorial Chapel (a room off to the side inside the main Chapel), where Princess Margaret and the Queen Mother were buried. Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh and husband of Queen Elizabeth II, was originally interred in the Royal Vault in 2021. He was recently moved to the King George VI Memorial Chapel along with Queen Elizabeth II, when they were interred on the evening of September 19, 2022. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d63ce2b0-aa43-493f-93a6-237908c72bc1/tempImageKAN7eW.jpg Blog - A Sad Goodbye - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3a0963d1-8a9c-4689-9af9-27963cc7d0e6/tempImagehcNVVs.jpg Blog - A Sad Goodbye - Make it stand out Leaving the Castle grounds by the King Henry VIII Gate. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/825b86c8-39b2-4d79-a72f-7731ecfe9745/tempImageQU3tiA.jpg Blog - A Sad Goodbye - Make it stand out We had lunch at the Duchess of Cambridge pub just across the street from the Castle. We then drove Will to Heathrow where we said our finals goodbyes before Will disappeared beyond the same security gate as Pam many weeks earlier. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e4ce0a3a-e3b4-4043-b487-520b5ae5033e/IMG_3542.jpg Blog - A Sad Goodbye - Make it stand out Seated on the upper deck of an Airbus A380-800, Will lifts from Runway 27L at Heathrow. We loved every minute of our time together William! We are filled with so many wonderful memories and will forever be grateful you were able to enjoy a small slice of England with us. All our love—Always! ❤️ https://www.overthehillandacrossthepond.com/blog/bath monthly 0.5 2023-10-31 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7495fb80-35ba-4746-80b0-31da69da584f/Hovis+Boy+2.jpeg Blog - Bath - Make it stand out “‘twas like taking bread to the top of the world.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8de32531-c7dc-4ca4-8c6e-9212b8c3e969/tempImageyoFuen.jpg Blog - Bath - Make it stand out Ironically, Amanda is holding a sourdough round from Reeve the Baker. Shhh, don’t tell Hovis! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/27ddc43c-becf-4b43-9eca-dec7ef6765f9/tempImage96kF8h.jpg Blog - Bath - Make it stand out The cobbled Gold Hill runs beside the buttressed walls (on the right) of the precinct, which are the grounds surrounding ancient Shaftesbury Abbey, built by King Alfred the Great, presumably in the 1360s. As Pam would say, “There’s old ‘stuff’ everywhere!” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5fc30d7c-e61f-4d04-a570-d809202eb45e/tempImageUjzA0U.jpg Blog - Bath - Make it stand out Such a day—is it really winter?! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6ded05f3-075a-419e-a460-f3fdc9549962/tempImageRFtGMM.jpg Blog - Bath - Make it stand out At the bottom of the famous Gold Hill. And now, on to Bath! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7a6cacc6-17bf-476e-b0eb-8cbf6fbb58aa/tempImagebk9vdz.jpg Blog - Bath - Make it stand out Once the site of one of the great religious spas of the ancient world; the people of Roman Britain came to the site to worship the goddess Sulis Minerva and bath in the waters of the natural thermal springs, which still flow with hot water today. The Roman Baths exhibit allows you to explore the Roman Baths complex, walk on the original Roman pavements, and see the ruins of the Temple of Sulis Minerva. Not only is the 2,000-year-old complex amazing to visit, but the nearby Bath Abbey adds a dramatic backdrop. Will is standing on the terrace above the Great Bath. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4e9c3136-544c-4262-94d2-37a7ae98ca68/tempImagemCEEBO.jpg Blog - Bath - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7a1554e8-3fc1-4bac-a904-76270a764d9b/tempImagedhjsZT.jpg Blog - Bath - Make it stand out Piping hot water travels from over a mile underground and pours out of three springs to fill the baths. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f9c169bd-4fac-4256-8a28-77cd662b04f1/tempImagetjBp9l.jpg Blog - Bath - Make it stand out Will standing in front of the Great Bath with Bath Abbey in the background. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b4053d9c-3fb7-4831-9af2-53566ec3488f/tempImageeUF1gu.jpg Blog - Bath - Make it stand out Roman photo-bombers! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/89877a98-8e80-48f5-aff4-5190cd15cffb/tempImagetArOki.jpg Blog - Bath - Make it stand out March 2018 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/868bd77e-350c-480b-919c-589d63c6d066/IMG_0416.jpg Blog - Bath - Make it stand out “The” step in 2009 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d3212cd5-00cd-4002-bc4b-fedea954fa99/tempImageIeP8up.jpg Blog - Bath - Make it stand out “The” step in 2023 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a046ba68-e11a-4cd3-91f4-d6beda837518/IMG_0673.JPG Blog - Bath - Make it stand out “The” step in 2018 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/60b007f4-ea90-472a-9a2e-d90db99a62f7/tempImage7vlNrT.jpg Blog - Bath - Make it stand out “The” step in 2023 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f32a02c0-251a-48a3-8660-546980760337/tempImageBRaIKz.jpg Blog - Bath - Make it stand out Located above the Roman Baths, today’s Pump Room stands on the site of a smaller building built in 1706. Aristocrats came here to “take the waters”—believing in the curative powers of drinking water from the hot springs. As visitor numbers grew, a larger Grand Pump Room was built in the early 1790s. It soon became the destination for high society to meet and enjoy lavish entertainment. Jane Austen mentioned the waters in her novels Northanger Abbey and Persuasion, and they are specifically shown in the movie The Duchess with Keira Knightley. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0494f660-8df1-4d09-9039-dbbf8f13474e/tempImageRnnYmS.jpg Blog - Bath - Make it stand out Bottoms up! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8c16ae6f-8a3f-467a-bd12-f645120ab34d/tempImageWbiPCL.jpg Blog - Bath - Make it stand out After visiting the Roman Baths, we stopped to visit a few perennial favorites such as Sally Lunn’s. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/78ffb5b8-6733-4a34-b772-9489b1f47bd3/IMG_0448.jpg Blog - Bath - Make it stand out Back in 2009. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9912751e-978d-40b5-ad3d-4bf2289d74a1/tempImageklW1LC.jpg Blog - Bath - Make it stand out Revisiting our B&B room at 3 Abbey Green from 2015 (see below). It appears the room is no longer a B&B. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/527ae549-a152-4ab2-99ba-b837f04129d7/IMG_1335.JPG Blog - Bath - Make it stand out During the autumn and winter of 1816-1817, one of the most iconic Gothic novels of all time was being crafted here in Bath. Author Mary Shelley was living at 5 Abbey Churchyard (the building to the right) as she wrote much of Frankenstein, the story of a gifted scientist and the monster he brings to life. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5c60da10-51c5-409c-b612-3a63c2a6ef8e/tempImage5Ur2nb.jpg Blog - Bath - Make it stand out Two cool dudes on the North Parade Bridge over the River Avon with the Pulteney Weir and Pulteney Bridge in the background. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/47945ac5-3e8f-4974-b554-4535d616a1d0/tempImagegn5cnZ.jpg Blog - Bath - Make it stand out A bit closer to the weir and bridge. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4ba39419-8f69-4f7f-a3bc-2b897444124b/tempImageSKMAZd.jpg Blog - Bath - Make it stand out The Pulteney Weir https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/241969f9-ab44-4e27-bee4-ae5e94beaa00/tempImageYxUTqw.jpg Blog - Bath - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/46ce9f1e-31a1-4a8b-8a0c-237ea1e1bf17/tempImageLIbmGV.jpg Blog - Bath - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/954a088b-56a8-4066-a907-cf74101db366/tempImage6zpeJx.jpg Blog - Bath - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2d3bc16f-348b-434c-8f56-4f8c933a187a/tempImageuUDV7W.jpg Blog - Bath - Make it stand out The Royal Crescent https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/358feb55-66df-4759-8c2d-4541e4b11a1d/tempImageLkgDgA.jpg Blog - Bath - Make it stand out Of course Will had to visit one of his favorite stores. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/14d66a58-aa79-4997-955d-e700b734eabc/tempImagexQxTmV.jpg Blog - Bath - Make it stand out We ended the evening with a few hours at Thermae Bath Spa. The hot springs in Bath, from which the City derives its name, deliver over 220,000 gallons of hot, mineral-rich water every day. Therma Spa uses that water to fill it’s rooftop pool and indoor Minerva Bath. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2fb145d7-3e85-4751-9a60-9d4ea38cfe42/14883611_10157661896635321_8860279667493964261_o.jpg Blog - Bath - Make it stand out They don’t allow creeper pedos to take cameras inside, so all I can offer are images found on Uncle Bryn’s Whisky With Water. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/62082d48-b28d-4a38-bbc2-6d7587ce8a6b/Minerva.jpeg Blog - Bath - Make it stand out The water fell as rain around 10,000 years ago and then sank over a mile below the earth’s surface. Here it is heated by high temperature rocks to an estimated 156º F before rising back up through one of the three springs in the center of the City—namely via the Cross Spring, the Hetling Spring, and the King’s Spring. Once they reach the surface, the spring waters are on average 113º F. The waters then cool down to the optimum bathing temperature of approximately 93º F. https://www.overthehillandacrossthepond.com/blog/lacock monthly 0.5 2023-11-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d74cd1b3-d0f4-4a7c-a1a9-1fcef8117c04/tempImage6CljNg.jpg Blog - Tea & Stones - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2823c9ed-ec37-4246-be4e-36b275d90d46/tempImageLU0svH.jpg Blog - Tea & Stones - Make it stand out When you Google “quintessentially English building,” a picture of this building comes up—or at least it should. It’s as old and quirky as they get. In eighties vernacular, it’s totally rad! That it hasn’t yet tumbled down seems miraculous. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c7f00bb1-1a55-4d1a-bf04-dcacefa95e10/tempImagedp86nl.jpg Blog - Tea & Stones - Make it stand out Even Amanda had to dip her head to go inside. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/224df4aa-90e1-4b7e-af61-351174d148d4/tempImageTQfzjT.jpg Blog - Tea & Stones - Make it stand out Our table upstairs near the fireplace. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/aea4578f-6c12-4864-85ab-1cb16130e3dd/tempImage5AS3jB.jpg Blog - Tea & Stones - Make it stand out Tea for three please. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1e744d8a-fcb8-423d-8521-9a42f9e5b8e4/tempImageuglgji.jpg Blog - Tea & Stones - Make it stand out Will takes his first sip of English Breakfast with 2 Demerara sugar cubes and milk—Brilliant! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9a87de48-262f-4337-beb2-8f6d361ccbef/tempImagegUUgZi.jpg Blog - Tea & Stones - Make it stand out Will also had his first eggs Benedict and loved it. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8c1b109f-4dae-460c-950d-cc6c56766847/tempImage3kERiE.jpg Blog - Tea & Stones - Make it stand out The bridge over the River Avon is at the center of the town. The Bridge Tea Rooms is on the far side of the bridge. The small early 18th century stone dome on the side of the bridge was once the town’s two-cell lockup. (Sorry…a little washed out with the sun.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/22f51c18-e982-40a1-be0e-8d0db8dca9b7/tempImage9ZsVUB.jpg Blog - Tea & Stones - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/158480a4-b057-49d8-8acb-5bf3eab2cded/tempImageWREavr.jpg Blog - Tea & Stones - Make it stand out Will’s version https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/50fd6cb9-3062-4768-ad4f-2b76ba69d1f6/tempImageV2HFHw.jpg Blog - Tea & Stones - Make it stand out Beautiful Lesser Celandine flowers with Lacock Abbey in the background. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/238397bf-7337-4c45-962e-fc05b9342075/tempImageY8iizm.jpg Blog - Tea & Stones - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/92150303-928c-4458-8c1f-ea1d0078a140/tempImageqOTvnC.jpg Blog - Tea & Stones - Make it stand out Every street in Lacock is utterly charming! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/734cea6e-21cd-496b-a836-dbb2b1e7f621/tempImageCuMhiM.jpg Blog - Tea & Stones - Make it stand out In the very first Harry Potter film, Hagrid is explaining to Harry why he is so famous and, as he does, we see an image of a black-cloaked Voldemort approaching the Potter house (captured in this screenshot). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/fbc0b1f4-e389-4e70-a201-89f9cb497acb/tempImage8ZEPCZ.jpg Blog - Tea & Stones - Make it stand out Here is the actual house in Lacock. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b7aafcf3-8b10-4f2c-8df2-537b90877b01/IMG_1445.JPG Blog - Tea & Stones - Make it stand out The photo above is from our 2015 visit to The Making of Harry Potter in London. In later films they built the set above, shown damaged after Voldemort’s attack. Obviously they did not follow the design of the original house from Lacock. It also just dawned on me that this set was not at the studio when we visited with Will; it has been replaced with the mandrake greenhouse. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e4831fed-315a-4990-bcaf-5156dcbfe74a/Budleigh_Babberton.png Blog - Tea & Stones - Make it stand out Above is the site of where Dumbledore and Harry apparate to “the charming village of Budleigh Babberton” to find Horace Slughorn in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince. The cross-like structure was a set, but you can clearly make out many of the buildings from the movie in the picture below. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/24b20f0a-546f-4dd7-915f-f77e752dc72f/tempImagewyTFTJ.jpg Blog - Tea & Stones - Make it stand out The apparation site in “the charming village of Budleigh Babberton,” aka Lacock. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7391f752-0261-422b-9798-4b1a8c7819fa/tempImagen6gKUy.jpg Blog - Tea & Stones - Make it stand out “Wands out Harry”! This was the house used as the exterior of Horace Slughorn’s hideaway. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/be113004-53ab-4c24-87cf-7a8216857f25/tempImagey6X3Du.jpg Blog - Tea & Stones - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/201540a4-d2e3-4790-9e16-194b7978f821/tempImage3qqIpA.jpg Blog - Tea & Stones - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6af74d0d-3d54-49d3-9089-0ff5093ca690/tempImageZVpzWM.jpg Blog - Tea & Stones - Make it stand out After convincing Horace to return to Hogwarts, Dumbledore and Harry are walking down the street when they pass by the “Babberton Arms.” In real life, the Babberton Arms is the timber-framed 15th-century pub shown above. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e998c87b-43e3-4d4e-8343-ba0341db3d33/tempImagelfcNjP.jpg Blog - Tea & Stones - Make it stand out Quintessentially English indeed. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/aae8c3f1-3a07-42e0-9191-51c2e701fcb6/tempImagexoUWdj.jpg Blog - Tea & Stones - Make it stand out Thought our boys would appreciate the name of this tea. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1c2f1515-2115-4fc2-b7f6-d39e1680e386/tempImageV7t3lT.jpg Blog - Tea & Stones - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e31ab908-8a36-4d72-837d-77e3f9e28bff/tempImagegsRbk1.jpg Blog - Tea & Stones - Make it stand out Well, I guess you can touch almost every stone. They were trying to restore the grass here. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5fe64fd8-1504-4378-aa94-f908b31ff3f7/tempImagersVBC1.jpg Blog - Tea & Stones - Make it stand out From our table in the Red Lion Inn pub, we could look out the window and see some of the many huge stones. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c1c10b8c-49d3-402b-aa69-62bc65c1036c/tempImagefphdAq.jpg Blog - Tea & Stones - Make it stand out Looking toward The Red Lion pub (white). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ee7206c2-b0c4-4f63-a18e-5f9d280d300e/tempImageoAahSR.jpg Blog - Tea & Stones - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7f4e5150-4d01-459d-b29e-e877a69a8fa5/tempImagetSHiTu.jpg Blog - Tea & Stones - Make it stand out Cool Copse https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b0af097f-6274-4833-974a-185c1f88255d/tempImagearlqVa.jpg Blog - Tea & Stones - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/84be6de3-ad1c-4082-8f46-62f3b268cdc9/tempImagemyxlTX.jpg Blog - Tea & Stones - Make it stand out Even from the car park you can see more stones. Very impressive and worth a visit! A picture-perfect day. We hope you enjoyed your tea Will! https://www.overthehillandacrossthepond.com/blog/old-wardour-castle monthly 0.5 2023-10-31 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/fa22cd51-cf78-4a52-8b1f-b6cb3b0842a2/tempImagerfy3Dr.jpg Blog - Stroll Through the Fields - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2254dbbe-24d2-4519-96aa-700f95147dff/tempImageJgIi8Y.jpg Blog - Stroll Through the Fields - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/144d7b74-4180-4ce5-b199-07c790292101/tempImageUnI54D.jpg Blog - Stroll Through the Fields - Make it stand out Inner courtyard and well. The house appeared in the 1991 movie Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/12ce1cba-4c6a-42d1-afa4-ac4d03cab37b/tempImage38Q37n.jpg Blog - Stroll Through the Fields - Make it stand out Another cool old stone spiral staircase. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/eae267b0-63ee-4ef2-b6ce-a093240063b1/tempImageot8PAX.jpg Blog - Stroll Through the Fields - Make it stand out Front entrance https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1a462117-c192-41c1-92d5-295d2efcfaa0/tempImageHt5qu2.jpg Blog - Stroll Through the Fields - Make it stand out Fireplace in Great Hall https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1cd59f7b-3b69-4383-9262-a46c59f3caf6/tempImageZ4Ybwe.jpg Blog - Stroll Through the Fields - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0bfd892e-676c-4694-9804-1a045499d6c6/tempImagePxeCKU.jpg Blog - Stroll Through the Fields - Make it stand out Ceiling detail above grand staircase https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/59d68b06-14aa-4097-bb13-31221bad381c/tempImageQay1wU.jpg Blog - Stroll Through the Fields - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/29f17036-5e1c-4895-8c09-7cb98f16e68f/tempImageq645QG.jpg Blog - Stroll Through the Fields - Make it stand out Grand staircase https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ea6d98e5-3f57-422b-bc8a-297dadb622a3/tempImageg2CHXw.jpg Blog - Stroll Through the Fields - Make it stand out Grand staircase https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/efa75619-afda-434f-80d2-53d9366a65d8/tempImage1y24E1.jpg Blog - Stroll Through the Fields - Make it stand out Looking through the front entrance with the grotto in the background. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/16a2827f-faa5-4714-a008-3828cd9d135a/tempImageu2e9yX.jpg Blog - Stroll Through the Fields - Make it stand out Grotto remains https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6c103604-b976-47fc-bf80-4e783d3ef39f/tempImageVYPmF9.jpg Blog - Stroll Through the Fields - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9eef48ee-dec9-4c62-8905-9b7034ce509c/tempImagejC1Aad.jpg Blog - Stroll Through the Fields - Make it stand out The Old Forge https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8f0e9ee9-f64b-4dcd-b60a-55930401a284/tempImageGWbx39.jpg Blog - Stroll Through the Fields - Make it stand out LOVE the pub names! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/32379e59-005b-488e-9f48-f1880b4677cd/tempImageEzvGIT.jpg Blog - Stroll Through the Fields - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/433ee496-7c1f-4cb8-9520-c5c2965c14a6/tempImagewzXSFH.jpg Blog - Stroll Through the Fields - Make it stand out This one’s for you Alex! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2505a781-82e5-43f8-9fb3-a24a8946ab26/tempImageSdtu90.jpg Blog - Stroll Through the Fields - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3a530b84-fc20-4a3e-ae64-b223f5a1fef5/tempImagee9V83w.jpg Blog - Stroll Through the Fields - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2bb3077b-a31a-4525-b226-ae442c0771dd/tempImageamDpZ3.jpg Blog - Stroll Through the Fields - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/abc9fb3f-85e6-4c40-8261-5f9fb0abef6c/tempImagePpwugR.jpg Blog - Stroll Through the Fields - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1ced4df9-3d9d-4929-b3a7-a0fe9cba867b/tempImageZpyYS5.jpg Blog - Stroll Through the Fields - Make it stand out You saw the Old World interior of the Haunch of Venison in our last post. The Haunch was established in 1320, so it does have a good 60 years on The New Inn; however, The New Inn gets its name from its location on New Street rather than its age (it was established c. 1380). It may be “new” in relative terms, but it is as old as you would prefer inside and out, and one of the most charming pubs we’ve visited. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/acda0c30-5ac6-4de5-a8fc-4b02ca5752c2/tempImage9KpMpf.jpg Blog - Stroll Through the Fields - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/71333784-ace1-45cc-b0ac-b5348a8aac50/tempImageULqall.jpg Blog - Stroll Through the Fields - Make it stand out Birra Moretti beer was founded in present-day Austria but is now owned by the Dutch Heineken. Will and I agreed it was an exceptionally good lager. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8f97f6ec-2acb-4042-9531-8a482cedd7f8/New+2.jpeg Blog - Stroll Through the Fields - Make it stand out The beams are so low in places, the owners installed pads on the bottom (just left of the vertical post). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/837f0238-18f2-48ef-b80f-2a27b640764e/tempImageQAZxS7.jpg Blog - Stroll Through the Fields - Make it stand out Will is sitting here for the next photo. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9408bd04-afc3-4ef4-a515-fe88ad02e2cf/IMG_0608.JPG Blog - Stroll Through the Fields - Make it stand out Looking across the table where Will is sitting (above), Dan and I order drinks at the same bar back in June 2015. The picture of Will and Amanda above was taken near where the man is seated in the background. It’s fun to reminisce! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ea6ece0c-fab0-4873-9f29-f13405dfda3d/tempImageUWIacp.jpg Blog - Stroll Through the Fields - Make it stand out Sunday was gorgeous so Amanda and I decided to go on a long walk. As we were getting ready, we captured this pheasant wandering through our back garden. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6bb88eb2-26cd-4fbc-8c29-1312ac982262/tempImage54I0jy.jpg Blog - Stroll Through the Fields - Make it stand out We weren’t on the trail long before Amanda came across some snowdrops. These little flowers bloom in January or early February, making it a true winter flower that is greatly appreciated when other things are still dormant. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/716f3159-5286-43e4-b174-2c808a0f9dbc/tempImageYnOrrr.jpg Blog - Stroll Through the Fields - Make it stand out Hey look, we found the black sheep of the family! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9a0ec713-e268-4ef7-b2f9-2345ce520439/tempImageOVpiPD.jpg Blog - Stroll Through the Fields - Make it stand out St Mary’s Church in Dinton. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1dc0fac4-db70-405d-a4bb-7b4e9b2f62c3/tempImage9HhXIp.jpg Blog - Stroll Through the Fields - Make it stand out Our circular route took us through Dinton Park and Philipps House. The house is closed, but the beautiful grounds are open to walkers. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ac14f6f6-374a-40d9-9c9c-6c9916d0b78c/tempImageDDfa59.jpg Blog - Stroll Through the Fields - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/46192109-fb18-4c12-85c2-7c1e82ad15d3/tempImage2PoXTj.jpg Blog - Stroll Through the Fields - Make it stand out Philipps House https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5ae9672e-1425-4aa4-92b5-6c5fb973707a/tempImage0ArZoE.jpg Blog - Stroll Through the Fields - Make it stand out The vast rolling green of Dinton Park. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/135f29ef-69b6-4355-b6e5-bd83d32f0d89/tempImageNcdMJB.jpg Blog - Stroll Through the Fields - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2a09bd8c-2fcc-4d1b-b132-99d10161466d/tempImage9CnfjN.jpg Blog - Stroll Through the Fields - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d0f34a52-9df5-44d6-86e3-43b77321b6b5/tempImageXqILfi.jpg Blog - Stroll Through the Fields - Make it stand out Snowdrops hint of Spring https://www.overthehillandacrossthepond.com/blog/salisbury-cathedral monthly 0.5 2023-11-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/41f6f8be-6738-4ba9-912a-48c70e098d1f/tempImage1arQzb.jpg Blog - Salisbury Cathedral - Make it stand out The Salisbury Cathedral Close has enclosed Salisbury Cathedral and the surrounding buildings for nearly 800 years. Every night the gates to the close are still secured as they have been throughout history. Today we entered the close through the High Street Gate in the north wall. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/37c3af8f-d1f9-41cb-b847-b269c3bdce36/tempImageBpe87C.jpg Blog - Salisbury Cathedral - Make it stand out Amanda next to the same door inside the North Gate arch that she took a picture in front of in 2009 (below). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ea272644-c354-47eb-b467-1c25666aed9e/IMG_0291.jpg Blog - Salisbury Cathedral - Make it stand out Amanda in 2009. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f799dfd3-e2bd-4c5c-8289-75eaeb56cbd4/IMG_0295.jpg Blog - Salisbury Cathedral - Make it stand out Between the High Street Gate and Salisbury Cathedral sits the Choristers' Green. On that green sits a phone booth that I have taken a picture inside of during each visit. Above is the picture from 2009—not a gray hair in sight. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7f4aff33-6e35-48b9-84fe-ce76336effd8/IMG_0616.JPG Blog - Salisbury Cathedral - Make it stand out Again in 2015, the grey making itself known. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ebf18226-9199-46bb-92d2-2f85892ca455/tempImageAdIgs0.jpg Blog - Salisbury Cathedral - Make it stand out And now 2023, the challenge being to find hair that has not yet turned grey. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a08d4785-f4f0-4b54-b3c7-d629725910d9/tempImageHbukXD.jpg Blog - Salisbury Cathedral - Make it stand out And now here’s my 22-year-old Mini Me taking the same photograph—pretty cool! Will, I hope you get to look back fondly on this moment one day when you are lucky enough to have a head full of grey hair. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0f4629dd-0a52-4d1c-a1cd-2c6c6a8897b1/tempImageRBBCqq.jpg Blog - Salisbury Cathedral - Make it stand out Mompesson House is a beautiful Queen Anne house, completed in 1701, located inside the close. The 1995 version of Sense and Sensibility, starring Kate Winslet, Hugh Grant, the late great Alan Rickman, and Emma Thompson, was filmed at the house. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/da76f303-a059-47f0-b31b-806275c5cde9/tempImageDPROTk.jpg Blog - Salisbury Cathedral - Make it stand out The amazing Salisbury Cathedral (we learned later there was some invasive species infecting the lawns around the cathedral). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/bf7b679f-8ef8-4162-8be5-81ebfb44aaf3/tempImageGsRwgO.jpg Blog - Salisbury Cathedral - Make it stand out Lighting a candle in remembrance of Grandma Nina just past the one year anniversary of her death on January 29. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0565191e-411c-42f6-84df-655961e22b12/tempImageonvmB0.jpg Blog - Salisbury Cathedral - Make it stand out Salisbury Cathedral has a special link with the churches of Sudan and South Sudan. The candle is a focus for prayer for the Sudanese. A copy of an ancient Sudanese icon, a painting of the Virgin Mary and her son Jesus, hangs by the altar. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/02d7548d-5c4c-4113-8f05-295aa684c98d/tempImageXqph30.jpg Blog - Salisbury Cathedral - Make it stand out This wooden chest was made sometime around 1250 to store documents and money. It has seven locks for extra security. Each key was kept by a different priest so the chest could only be opened when all seven priests came together. The chest was originally kept in the muniment room. Before the Cathedral Library was built in 1445, the priests may also have stored the books they used for worship and study in the chest. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/fdbe23d5-bdf4-4da1-b108-d920df072a62/tempImageRebwEx.jpg Blog - Salisbury Cathedral - Make it stand out Standing in the Choir, looking east into the Presbytery, with the stained glass window high above depicting Moses and the brazen serpent. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/181130ec-adcc-4b48-b55b-61797bb0afa6/tempImageBpRc7F.jpg Blog - Salisbury Cathedral - Make it stand out Salisbury Cathedral was started in 1220. Between about 1300 and 1329, builders decided to make the tower taller and add a spire. At 404 feet, it was then, and is now, the tallest spire in England! In the picture above, the square section of ceiling to the right is directly below the tower and spire. The pillar in the picture is one of four directly supporting the new spire. And no, you’re not imaging that the columns appear to bend toward the top. Straight from the pages of Pillars of the Earth—how to manage extreme weight loads without the benefit of present-day engineering expertise. Here’s another view: https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3cefa75e-f079-4346-a1ed-cf75591d9e0b/tempImageQu9pVw.jpg Blog - Salisbury Cathedral - Make it stand out Follow the wall from left to right and you should be able to see the drop in the wall as it nears the column that supports the tower and its spire. Yet, despite the many limitations in knowledge of the age, and despite the visible irregularities—the cathedral has stood fast for over 800 years! Fascinating! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b2db8f2f-835e-4805-b393-7d41993dfe96/tempImage8yQazF.jpg Blog - Salisbury Cathedral - Make it stand out The third reason I love Salisbury Cathedral so much: it is one of the few cathedrals where you are permitted to travel up inside the the upper reaches of the building. Will looking down at the Nave from the Triforium. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/49afa215-ad03-446e-8a27-65640a7842e7/tempImage6rgSSy.jpg Blog - Salisbury Cathedral - Make it stand out View from the Triforium—The Triforium is the space formed over the ceiling of the aisles on either side of the vast nave. It takes its name from the shape of the room (see below). The Clerestory above is where windows are installed to allow light into the space. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1867ed80-c620-4f5a-ba81-b113438b7933/Cros.jpg Blog - Salisbury Cathedral - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e30fb154-b548-4b3f-8fb0-7afdec65068a/tempImagegSsPlt.jpg Blog - Salisbury Cathedral - Make it stand out The narrow walkway from the Triforium to the stone spiral stairway to the Clerestory and up. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/41459767-4eae-4b26-ae1b-213a186952be/tempImagelpVwuh.jpg Blog - Salisbury Cathedral - Make it stand out We climbed past the Clerestory level and into the rafters over the Nave. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b17c1729-6a39-44a1-8150-515671673231/tempImagev1U4RE.jpg Blog - Salisbury Cathedral - Make it stand out The vaulted ceiling above the Nave rest under the walkway. They were constructed of stones and then lye was dumped over them and water added so that the lye became slurry and flowed and filled the spaces between the stones. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/dab043a0-1632-4b59-8c20-e19c14dcd85c/tempImage4Kaswk.jpg Blog - Salisbury Cathedral - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5ce4a2cb-74fe-4fa7-9233-bcc6116819a1/tempImage6idVeC.jpg Blog - Salisbury Cathedral - Make it stand out The ceiling over the nave showing a mortise and tenon joint with wooden pins holding them together. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ed079772-47b5-4e53-8e58-0ce45fa78f3f/tempImagediQoap.jpg Blog - Salisbury Cathedral - Make it stand out Adze toolmarks. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a46c5a54-2a6d-42ed-8a63-3c8f7c990a37/tempImageTpLepT.jpg Blog - Salisbury Cathedral - Make it stand out Buzz Aldrin visited the Cathedral in 2008 and was allowed to engrave his name on the wall. (Boys and girls please understand we’re not talking about Buzz Lightyear here. Buzz Aldrin was a real astronaut. He piloted the Lunar Module Eagle on the 1969 Apollo 11 mission, where he and Neil Armstrong were the first two people to land on the Moon. Lightyear’s name is borrowed from Aldrin.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/61d23fdc-e96a-4086-995b-71eba3806994/tempImage5H2DO0.jpg Blog - Salisbury Cathedral - Make it stand out Looking up into the Tower, below the Spire. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/809aa20b-5e74-4918-afd6-b4ffffaad550/tempImagetrIMDx.jpg Blog - Salisbury Cathedral - Make it stand out Looking up into the Tower and the wooden staircase we’re about to use to climb up toward the bells and then the Spire above (remember the trapdoor visible at the top). As this section is not visible unless you are standing in this space, you may wonder why there are decorative columns and archways. You may recall that when the Cathedral was first built, there was no tower and no spire. The original roof was above these arches (at the level of the scaffolding); so under the original design, the lower half of this space was visible from the cathedral floor. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1f0ad9d7-7a8b-4ce8-b12f-a0cf1d8b5451/tempImagexb25QU.jpg Blog - Salisbury Cathedral - Make it stand out The clock mechanism that rings the cathedral bells, which are housed on the level above. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3de2c199-7c63-4913-ba73-51b45eb847fb/tempImagePEMbGX.jpg Blog - Salisbury Cathedral - Make it stand out As we climbed the stairs you could see medieval ironwork that used a mortise and tenon joint. Those clever medieval builders! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3a8ebe44-e057-4f74-b7e2-6f87d7c85504/tempImagext0Veo.jpg Blog - Salisbury Cathedral - Make it stand out View from the scaffolding looking down into the base of the Tower where we were just standing. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f7b94c7e-bbcc-4b73-a992-fb8731f5f068/tempImageq4uk4c.jpg Blog - Salisbury Cathedral - Make it stand out From the scaffolding level, our guide showed us window panes that were sold to raise money to support restoration of the tower and spire. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d2787e6f-f3b4-4ffb-a93d-aaa398d57ed9/tempImageT4lM7D.jpg Blog - Salisbury Cathedral - Make it stand out When you purchased a pane, you could etch whatever you wanted into the glass before it was permanently installed on the tower (remembering, of course, that it was going to be part of a church). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7174b4a0-ddb7-448d-96c5-d38abe022ac7/tempImageAEdMQc.jpg Blog - Salisbury Cathedral - Make it stand out From the scaffolding we took a very narrow stone spiral staircase to the belfry. Structurally, the tower will not support swinging bells, so the bells are mechanically struck by hammers instead. You can see the cables that travel to the level below where we saw the clock mechanism. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/93c97760-92ba-4023-a415-57f95a830c73/tempImageSwDBYF.jpg Blog - Salisbury Cathedral - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/98d21f9e-aec5-4499-a0ac-9c0d43a1fccf/tempImageO0cmuD.jpg Blog - Salisbury Cathedral - Make it stand out In the video below, while standing in the room below the bells, I caught the tolling a little late, but did manage to get the 2 o’clock gongs. Look for the moving cables. The second half of the video is the quarter-hour chime while standing right next to the bells. Yikes! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LIFtr_gzaDM https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/bd9f29b9-8750-471a-9202-8216727a543e/tempImage0kD4Xf.jpg Blog - Salisbury Cathedral - Make it stand out Looking through the trapdoor in the floor of the belfry, down to the base of the tower where the clock mechanism sits. You can see the spiral wooden staircase that took us to the scaffolding and the etched windows. You can also see the small openings in each corner that lead to stone spiral staircases to the belfry above. The wooden staircase was added because they had to fill in the original stone staircases between those two levels to reinforce the tower. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f47cc416-5da5-43b7-8c94-afaba856a9e2/tempImagedZ0JHe.jpg Blog - Salisbury Cathedral - Make it stand out Nearly to the base of the spire, looking down into the belfry. You can see the trapdoor in the center and the bells toward the top the frame. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5e2576a0-f446-41c9-98a9-49dd4ad3f34a/tempImage866WuZ.jpg Blog - Salisbury Cathedral - Make it stand out Finally, we arrive at our destination—the base of the spire. Originally, the Spire was constructed with scaffolding on the exterior, so you would have had an unobstructed view up into the spire. However, the spire was damaged in a major storm and internal scaffolding was installed to allow repair work. Needless to say (then why am I saying it?), the tour does not continue up the rickety old wooden ladders (though I would have gone up if they let us ). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4144a151-f5bb-478c-b766-55db2f1efbaa/tempImagefnlurm.jpg Blog - Salisbury Cathedral - Make it stand out The original wooden mechanical wheel used to raise stone from the cathedral floor up into the spire during its construction—amazing! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9ad52543-9413-4d73-a56d-038ea99547bf/tempImage68icHN.jpg Blog - Salisbury Cathedral - Make it stand out From the base of the spire, you can walk out onto four small balconies, one on each of the four sides between where the squinch transitions from the square tower to the octagonal spire. The balconies provide exceptional views over the city and across the Salisbury Plain. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/dea38201-04b3-44a3-8601-dab1b237778d/Screenshot+2023-02-03+at+3.05.13+PM.png Blog - Salisbury Cathedral - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/29f2d1f8-ae3d-4354-a528-e680e7fdf61a/tempImagebU5SFJ.jpg Blog - Salisbury Cathedral - Make it stand out Looking up toward the anemometer on top of the spire. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/22c1b494-066e-4190-b8f8-71cd7d627669/tempImageO5RX1J.jpg Blog - Salisbury Cathedral - Make it stand out Amanda pointing to Old Sarum, the original hilltop fortress from c. 400 BC. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/976c506c-67ae-4b69-bab7-3b2cfeea6b66/tempImageauEh6s.jpg Blog - Salisbury Cathedral - Make it stand out Looking down on one of the double transepts. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/114460b5-3356-44bf-946d-e5e6e15de310/tempImagediQNhP.jpg Blog - Salisbury Cathedral - Make it stand out Inside Salisbury Cathedral’s beautiful Chapter House, home to the best preserved of only four surviving Magna Carta documents from 1215 (two other documents are held in The British Library and one in Lincoln Castle). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d04838d9-a041-4d2f-baa8-825ddad1c8ac/tempImageC0qdnl.jpg Blog - Salisbury Cathedral - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/da3ed955-8c5e-435e-9c43-8d86a7366e47/tempImage97UqoD.jpg Blog - Salisbury Cathedral - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/44f20fb3-c223-444c-be49-bee69262dad8/Haunch.jpg Blog - Salisbury Cathedral - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/85b8eef3-2d07-4b76-b5bd-066afb1680a5/tempImagegoimOa.jpg Blog - Salisbury Cathedral - Make it stand out Just look at this room—it's oozing with history! As I’ve said before, every pub has its lore. In this one, it’s in red in the old bread oven in corner near the fireplace. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9a4fba5e-9f04-405e-9a38-2a67e9961133/tempImageObL3qT.jpg Blog - Salisbury Cathedral - Make it stand out The alleged skeletal remains. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/fdd12788-da0b-4868-95d5-ecdb528cb50b/tempImagemuipf3.jpg Blog - Salisbury Cathedral - Make it stand out The tiny “Horsebox” bar at the front on the right hand side of the ground floor is referred as a "Ladies Snug" dating back to the times where public houses were for men only. The paneled bar counter has a pewter top which is one of only six in the entire country and there is a rare wooden carved elevated arch with seven original gravity-fed spirit taps fitted in 1909. The Horsebox was reputedly used by Winston Churchill and Dwight Eisenhower during the planning of D-Day landings back in 1944. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b4e60b0c-91b2-48b7-bb96-35fc7da0c3c3/tempImageN5I55P.jpg Blog - Salisbury Cathedral - Make it stand out It was quite a day, filled with amazing history and intriguing stories. Salisbury never disappoints! https://www.overthehillandacrossthepond.com/blog/the-henge monthly 0.5 2023-11-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/41ff2dbb-3b2d-4757-9dce-d85558ae719f/tempImageXXZZZL.jpg Blog - Hygge & The Henge - Make it stand out To that end, Amanda and I embarked on a long walk through the English countryside on Tuesday, following various old bridleways over hill and dale. Our current home is inside the Cranborne Chase Area of Outstanding National Beauty (AONB). AONBs are lands protected by the Countryside and Rights of Way Act 2000 (CROW Act). It was a wonderful way to spend the afternoon together, so then we can truly enjoy hygge. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d56e94b1-7a75-4709-b7cd-05673a0c06a7/tempImagebzTTOo.jpg Blog - Hygge & The Henge - Make it stand out We had planned to walk to the Compasses Inn pub and back, but the paths we followed were a loose association of not-so-interconnected footpaths and, after some shoddy navigating on my part, the sun was getting low on the horizon before we had the pub in our sights. Knowing our return trip would undoubtedly be by moonlight, we decided to call Will instead and have him drive to the pub and meet us there. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b3b6e46e-1690-4543-b99e-28fb6f98b54e/tempImageikyIFa.jpg Blog - Hygge & The Henge - Make it stand out We were equal parts proud to see Will had successfully navigated to the pub in one piece and pleased we didn't have to walk home. The real kick in the pants was the pub was closed for refurbishment! Go figure! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/35b6858a-7f96-4dad-ba30-fcc3bfc7423f/tempImageT7f5xM.jpg Blog - Hygge & The Henge - Make it stand out At the visitor center, a model sarsen stone block and the likely method used to move the massive stones nearly 50 miles from Wales to the Salisbury Plain. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/100b8696-5e39-480c-9b81-1ab4004b9bd4/tempImagemUCttY.jpg Blog - Hygge & The Henge - Make it stand out A home typical for people living at the time the Henge was built. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d9e8cace-975f-4e7a-80a3-aa14af7a4951/tempImageeAqk4I.jpg Blog - Hygge & The Henge - Make it stand out There was a cold, stiff wind blowing as we made it to Stonehenge, but the sight never disappoints! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8fc19d9e-df10-4752-b840-beb168c25769/tempImagediHOCT.jpg Blog - Hygge & The Henge - Make it stand out Will standing before the incomparable Stonehenge! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/32cfbe0b-4bfa-4702-b000-04f7ed0c6a6b/tempImage3iVvgH.jpg Blog - Hygge & The Henge - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b56ce5ff-b011-4228-8aa8-755ac6f03deb/tempImageKXc7Sp.jpg Blog - Hygge & The Henge - Make it stand out The Three Amigos and the Henge. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8d6d2a3c-5480-4cc1-aef7-f74e0c92712a/tempImageqMFMc1.jpg Blog - Hygge & The Henge - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/affaf4a3-1513-493f-9024-88f97dda2d96/tempImageqDDkhP.jpg Blog - Hygge & The Henge - Make it stand out The old man and his hot young wife on February 1, 2023. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ce803bb5-4add-4dd6-8107-848df41f9993/IMG_0590.JPG Blog - Hygge & The Henge - Make it stand out Eight years ago, the sun breaks the horizon on the 2015 summer solstice at Stonehenge (Photo courtesy of Dan Brockett, all rights reserved). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7ea92755-6fbb-4054-82ed-b3d6f8b2516e/IMG_0098.jpg Blog - Hygge & The Henge - Make it stand out A much younger couple 14 years ago in April 2009! (Will was only 9 years old at the time.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a8392fa2-b1a6-40ca-aac1-1040de3085bf/tempImageXjpk28.jpg Blog - Hygge & The Henge - Make it stand out Surveying Stonehenge and the Salisbury Plains. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/10b06ffa-1051-44f2-ba4b-138b1d2e8c16/tempImageiDoMy7.jpg Blog - Hygge & The Henge - Make it stand out The winds were unpleasant, but the sun and clouds were gorgeous. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/66970887-3339-4840-85d0-250739932ff7/tempImageDoN2zj.jpg Blog - Hygge & The Henge - Make it stand out Believed to be the intended entrance, the path is still just visible to the right of this Heel Stone. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1f998e50-5e0f-46a7-af51-ab80bb779452/tempImageH8NP2W.jpg Blog - Hygge & The Henge - Make it stand out The sun behind the Heel Stone. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/02e14e74-68a5-4831-9cbf-714383989de7/tempImage4qfx4C.jpg Blog - Hygge & The Henge - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6e173504-f547-49b0-b325-38fd912ca4bb/tempImageZgqgmB.jpg Blog - Hygge & The Henge - Make it stand out Perhaps we didn't solve the mystery, but at least Will can say he’s seen one of the 7 Wonders of the World. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a30c33da-dc06-4559-8fda-c86d8b958494/tempImageJPbRG0.jpg Blog - Hygge & The Henge - Make it stand out Woodhenge—the red-headed step-child of Stonehenge. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/85f0ad9b-f514-40b1-b143-12666181443e/tempImagekFDOva.jpg Blog - Hygge & The Henge - Make it stand out Just 2 miles away as the crow flies, Woodhenge would be more impressive if it still looked like this illustration. However, the wood pillars are long gone and the concrete stubs you saw in the photo above are the only reminders of the henge that once stood on the site. If you’ve got the time like we did, check it out. Otherwise, you’re not missing much. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/62015bd6-b38e-40b7-b747-01dbf7aaf79f/tempImageCMr4yN.jpg Blog - Hygge & The Henge - Make it stand out If you’ve got even more free time (as we did), you can walk out into the nearby field and see the Cuckoo Stone. https://www.overthehillandacrossthepond.com/blog/old-turnpike-cottage monthly 0.5 2023-11-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/16dfb019-cbd5-489b-a80f-43e549b67e74/tempImage39Bcbv.jpg Blog - Old Turnpike Cottage - Make it stand out Our first stop was to take this fun picture (for those that may not know, this is Amanda’s maiden name)! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/bce24a60-0501-4224-9077-a9cf6392f94f/tempImageHPqxkJ.jpg Blog - Old Turnpike Cottage - Make it stand out Our other stop was to take Will to the Southampton Costco. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/54927f9e-6cea-48cb-a334-1b491e627a80/tempImageDLZZGX.jpg Blog - Old Turnpike Cottage - Make it stand out Wine from Paso Robles. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4a0eb59d-6076-44d4-b7f3-43a55f1c0135/tempImageTKGYYL.jpg Blog - Old Turnpike Cottage - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/87809ec8-cbd6-470f-953d-8496e5ddaea1/tempImageeDiKAg.jpg Blog - Old Turnpike Cottage - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3e729559-8351-49ed-ac4d-13800c861923/IMG_0303.jpg Blog - Old Turnpike Cottage - Make it stand out Here is Amanda sitting inside a Salisbury Caffè Nero in 2009… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/dd25a466-0f64-43ed-b6d5-d7b4295f6a58/tempImagekANBza.jpg Blog - Old Turnpike Cottage - Make it stand out …And here we are just shy of 14 years later, standing outside the very same window, at the sameCaffè Nero, with what appears to be the same table in the background. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6a63e624-a5f6-4ca8-a171-66317bab7809/tempImage7nc4ff.jpg Blog - Old Turnpike Cottage - Make it stand out Dream more Dream all the time! https://www.overthehillandacrossthepond.com/blog/l7x2jlg7wj7gsedyxez67ard8ptme7 monthly 0.5 2023-11-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e2985397-dcc0-4036-adf9-380bd4e39695/tempImageSuBcUg.jpg Blog - New Forest - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/fa9f0e30-24ab-404f-9aa8-9b9767005794/tempImage2n1qP4.jpg Blog - New Forest - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/671f54e4-8bd1-4d4b-a36c-b6893990a96a/tempImagem5T7gN.jpg Blog - New Forest - Make it stand out The Brighton i360, a doughnut-shaped glass pod that permits unobstructed views as the pod travels to the top of the 450-foot tower and back down again. Below is the Boer War memorial in Regency Square. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e0e1e448-a0cf-4551-b385-7fceec405d40/tempImageAJSE4U.jpg Blog - New Forest - Make it stand out You may recall from our blog post “Benjamin Franklin in London” that we had dinner at Unity Diner back in London. Vegan educator Earthling Ed and friends opened Unity Diner and also decided to tackle the problem of over-fishing by creating a vegan fish and chips alternative. The first shop they opened was in Brighton and they very cleverly named it No Catch. As was the case with Unity Diner, it has been a long-time desire to eat at No Catch, so it was a great to finally be here! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f82bdc37-bc53-4a3a-be3a-0df11f5122f3/tempImageBtCaVF.jpg Blog - New Forest - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/129e3939-6c18-4ee6-9297-36720765966e/tempImagekmfs3h.jpg Blog - New Forest - Make it stand out Believe it or not, our tofish and chips were absolutely delicious! I’ve tried, but I still haven’t managed to get on board with the British practice of dipping (or smothering) everything in curry sauce. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5a02927a-c276-461c-90d0-3cd4e6f833fc/tempImagelwlXKO.jpg Blog - New Forest - Make it stand out What a clever way to be on the cold and windy beach, and still be “outside” comfortably. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/24faa74f-027e-402c-a185-11a378a4cbca/tempImagevwZLkh.jpg Blog - New Forest - Make it stand out The Brighton Palace Pier https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7dbc6f96-0764-43f2-baf4-44680bd2ff30/tempImageHbn5Ai.jpg Blog - New Forest - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8c391fe9-9611-4182-9b29-8ed3a0a4576a/tempImageUslinW.jpg Blog - New Forest - Make it stand out Such a beautiful sky! If you look closely, you can see a large array of wind turbines out in the English Channel behind the sun’s reflection on the water. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/86bfb87b-d5d3-4c0b-9e53-2784b04d8132/Book.jpeg Blog - New Forest - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2b3fc60c-6bc3-4cd3-8b1c-21a1994346c3/tempImageB4P2yB.jpg Blog - New Forest - Make it stand out Walking through the forest looking for ponies. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0d579ea8-118b-4263-80ca-8a3a58c97fb5/tempImagellet7N.jpg Blog - New Forest - Make it stand out The wild ponies are everywhere. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d1a25f74-8ff2-48b6-b929-4047b245798b/tempImage3rJm8J.jpg Blog - New Forest - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/45160534-fb57-44c3-aa27-288489b98f45/tempImage2ee06j.jpg Blog - New Forest - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/aaa267b0-9d69-4f72-b149-e95a69be5e71/tempImageolgBBs.jpg Blog - New Forest - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2fc8fbd8-0ea5-4bbb-9cf0-e45b704cf181/tempImage7i2I3u.jpg Blog - New Forest - Make it stand out Check out this stash! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/50bd303f-1ce0-463f-9167-898389824aa0/tempImageTIxWle.jpg Blog - New Forest - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/35736300-d4b7-4eea-aecd-6e00f6372636/tempImageljaTHH.jpg Blog - New Forest - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/da76c8a7-011a-452c-9704-b020380c6bb5/tempImagerV6WFS.jpg Blog - New Forest - Make it stand out Walking through the small hamlet of Burley we found this little door. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/749c21b5-801d-45d4-8732-b3cc57c13aea/tempImagezzosKE.jpg Blog - New Forest - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/58e08563-8775-479c-8c26-92042c8e79c6/tempImage3AsyQn.jpg Blog - New Forest - Make it stand out The Queen’s Head pub. Tour Craigwen Cottage here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qha_8ALdWv0 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/dbe9ce51-31ff-4429-924b-bbf2465e5264/tempImage3IZuZF.jpg Blog - New Forest - Make it stand out We walked along the Blackwater Woods trail. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/cc8d5bcb-e3d3-4e81-acce-3fec092f114e/tempImageQZp4aj.jpg Blog - New Forest - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9a0e07b0-ffef-40cc-9e1d-fc4a24af065a/tempImageGLzD07.jpg Blog - New Forest - Make it stand out Great lighting. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4df2cb28-73f4-46c0-9507-960605ed9420/tempImagelZBAJX.jpg Blog - New Forest - Make it stand out We loved this sign. It’s illegal to “worry” an animal! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/78f9833b-b053-49d5-94cc-d606628cb1e3/tempImageLp6MiX.jpg Blog - New Forest - Make it stand out Two Giant Sequoias—California natives all around! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b44b169c-68b6-4aa8-8708-2809436eed32/tempImage7bieE8.jpg Blog - New Forest - Make it stand out Along the way we found three different Daisys to pet! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/114862c6-89a2-4927-a5c8-6d3b6d5a4741/tempImage03wUC1.jpg Blog - New Forest - Make it stand out Of course we had to find Will some wild horses to pet before we left. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6c33b406-e82e-4a12-9afb-4de898608129/tempImagetbUCWS.jpg Blog - New Forest - Make it stand out We’re so glad we made it to New Forest. Such a magical place! https://www.overthehillandacrossthepond.com/blog/rye monthly 0.5 2023-11-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b40ac1bd-b1a1-42e8-ac68-aed2fa96fe04/tempImage8bxmND.jpg Blog - Rye - Make it stand out After leaving our flat in Canterbury, we made a quick stop by the UK version of Will’s first job at TJ Maxx. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/edba3f98-b902-4a97-9748-dba09aadce85/tempImageAgoeCk.jpg Blog - Rye - Make it stand out Lamb House—The home of author Henry James from 1898-1916, is in Rye. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1f544950-8eed-4fdb-a96d-bc5f82b65858/tempImagelACjbS.jpg Blog - Rye - Make it stand out Wonderfully romantic Tudor-style homes can be found throughout the postcard-perfect city. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3d168898-7767-41da-bb46-dd059a3132ff/tempImageHOPlVI.jpg Blog - Rye - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6d14ff20-1419-488e-9fd2-4a62f913dafc/tempImageax09I2.jpg Blog - Rye - Make it stand out Look at the size of the front door: Will’s head is almost at the bottom of the upstairs window! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b8b5ff14-caca-41b6-881e-995157f39d0f/tempImageWPuGm6.jpg Blog - Rye - Make it stand out Rye has so many beautiful buildings. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5a63adbe-06d9-4904-8a9a-4fdd77c0df5d/tempImageOw6a60.jpg Blog - Rye - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ded2ac22-748b-474c-9d66-f1dc93acda29/tempImageO58Qv0.jpg Blog - Rye - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c590ae59-293b-4115-a166-c7c2e5369752/tempImageEg5tHr.jpg Blog - Rye - Make it stand out Boy oy boy were we more brutal just a few hundred years ago. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2a8216c0-5633-43e8-932d-bdfc0534fcb1/tempImageVEkPTo.jpg Blog - Rye - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/42419029-20d5-4458-9454-14a8e29cace6/tempImageaeghqw.jpg Blog - Rye - Make it stand out The Knights Who Say "Ni!" https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f9526a5e-f0d7-4aab-862e-3486c5bf44c8/tempImageNPpS9t.jpg Blog - Rye - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/10fa8886-8dfc-49c6-bbb9-2ba29a695407/tempImageO9szet.jpg Blog - Rye - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2be2f007-c87a-4199-a3a0-f98d6949de21/tempImagel82kLw.jpg Blog - Rye - Make it stand out The leaning staircase from the lobby to our room (on the right at the top of the stairs). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b4e7f8fd-818f-4c1b-9d1b-52713dc27eb1/tempImagehyK2Tw.jpg Blog - Rye - Make it stand out One of many crooked hallways. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/58f7de86-6fa9-4b0b-b1ec-30dec365866c/tempImageVcWgKh.jpg Blog - Rye - Make it stand out We stayed in room 15, named “Dr Syn’s Bedchamber.” (The Reverend Doctor Christopher Syn is the smuggler hero of a series of novels by Russell Thorndike. Rye and the Mermaid Inn have a long history with the Hawkhurst Gang, local smugglers in the 1730s and 1740s, who frequented the hotel’s bar.) Room 15 was also the room where the Queen Mother stayed in 1982. Here’s a video tour of our room: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JpkUbWltNT8 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e839af50-d1c3-46c7-a0b9-68a29ee475f3/tempImageUVOvqK.jpg Blog - Rye - Make it stand out Relaxing in our room. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3a885661-d67e-4d93-b9df-ac70f4cc8995/tempImageK7vbrM.jpg Blog - Rye - Make it stand out We ate dinner just down the street at the historic Old Bell Inn pub. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9ae9a829-610d-47aa-a377-e273cf637101/tempImageugmmlk.jpg Blog - Rye - Make it stand out Built in 1390, the Old Bell has a turbulent history and was once used for smuggling by the infamous Hawkhurst Gang in the 1730s and 1740s who moved goods along a secret tunnel from the nearby Mermaid Inn through a revolving cupboard in the Old Bell for a quick getaway. Amazing! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/60f79294-fb44-413f-9e3b-3d9e594695a9/tempImagezEN9ZS.jpg Blog - Rye - Make it stand out The pub’s name originates from Rye’s history, when in 1377 a French raid resulted in the theft of the bells from St Mary’s Church and a town fire. Much of this loot was recovered the following year when Rye and Winchelsea men sailed to France and returned with the church bells and other stolen items. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8e901fb6-d949-4f05-9909-db7c87490ef5/tempImagecXVWfb.jpg Blog - Rye - Make it stand out So atmospheric at night. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/72c5d635-4c50-4338-8a15-e75dd6d5c638/tempImage9bpkek.jpg Blog - Rye - Make it stand out We then moved the party back to the Mermaid Inn. Having a drink in the Small Lounge, which overlooks the cobbles of Mermaid Street. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/da234cd9-7fbe-4c50-ad64-33b71633aae6/tempImagegbV9lT.jpg Blog - Rye - Make it stand out Next we shifted over to Dr Syn’s Lounge to sit closer to the fire. Those blasted sweet chili Doritos are addictive! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/dc3cac10-f3f2-44c6-9507-d6b979d94ae0/tempImagexE03St.jpg Blog - Rye - Make it stand out We finished up in the Giant’s Fireplace Bar because…well…just look at this amazing giant fireplace! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b614b10b-ffbf-4055-8e06-e9f036a29675/tempImageYgqP9C.jpg Blog - Rye - Make it stand out The hotel’s front door look like straight out of The Hobbit. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/901c05ef-32dd-4b56-9553-052135be7036/tempImagehS3rur.jpg Blog - Rye - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/415b8720-a1d0-4d3b-9e05-864c3a0a3995/tempImagevhbyI2.jpg Blog - Rye - Make it stand out The Mermaid Inn…Simply Amazing! https://www.overthehillandacrossthepond.com/blog/burns-night monthly 0.5 2023-11-03 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f6635993-227a-4040-9168-2fff071fde59/tempImage2WOX5l.jpg Blog - Burns Night - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e7ff2c06-3743-4cdd-8140-87ef13df974f/tempImage0EzcOD.jpg Blog - Burns Night - Make it stand out Rain on the way, I stood on top of the lovely Simmons memorial mound, just inside the Wincheap Gate to the west of the castle, and took in the magnificent view of Canterbury Cathedral. From this vantage, I couldn't help but wonder what it must have been like when this stunning cathedral was the tallest building east of London and must have been visible for miles around. The cathedral is an enduring reminder of a bygone time. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c51dab02-c687-492e-8cc2-615f9f3d320f/tempImageuwd1of.jpg Blog - Burns Night - Make it stand out Will went to the store on his own and got lost momentarily. As soon as he turned himself around in the right direction, he looked down and what did he find? We were wondering if we’d find one in Canterbury. I guess we had to wait until our last day. Farewell Canterbury! We have had a wonderful time! Tomorrow we’re off to Rye. https://www.overthehillandacrossthepond.com/blog/the-making-of-harry-potter monthly 0.5 2023-11-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/031e9aea-eadd-4170-a753-a7d673c4c55a/tempImageFKouXp.jpg Blog - The Making of Harry Potter - Make it stand out The wand gauntlet. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4aec99c0-1a1d-41dd-b112-8a7bc6db6462/tempImageaEFy6v.jpg Blog - The Making of Harry Potter - Make it stand out Lord Voldemort https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4ceaaea2-0201-4c95-af5d-b2d25035d722/tempImageSVQABA.jpg Blog - The Making of Harry Potter - Make it stand out Harry Potter https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ac9e61d6-1887-48e3-a8ce-367daa159966/tempImageVeOx90.jpg Blog - The Making of Harry Potter - Make it stand out Albus Dumbledore & Gellert Grindelwald (the Elder Wand, a Deathly Hallow). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/27193327-d11b-4ae1-99c1-445a4d0d88fa/tempImagealtKut.jpg Blog - The Making of Harry Potter - Make it stand out The Hungarian Horntail Harry Potter faced during the Triwizard Tournament in Goblet of Fire. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ba0dc5a0-d66b-4594-a915-0a1f0967b6d4/tempImageDiDf05.jpg Blog - The Making of Harry Potter - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d49f3f76-1d65-4dd8-9ed4-be63e58271b1/tempImageKc1QSY.jpg Blog - The Making of Harry Potter - Make it stand out The cupboard under the staircase. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7d7f2472-0bd8-4c1f-9e0c-1bd0365f12c8/tempImagenejGEv.jpg Blog - The Making of Harry Potter - Make it stand out About to enter the Hogwarts Great Hall, the same way every first-year student does, before being sorted into their houses. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1132da26-9d32-471e-98ff-7222ca3f0488/tempImageY5UqFl.jpg Blog - The Making of Harry Potter - Make it stand out The massive fireplace in the Hogwarts Great Hall. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/302a21a2-2b04-427b-a560-994a7a122ec7/tempImageAQnjrS.jpg Blog - The Making of Harry Potter - Make it stand out The Great Hall was set up like Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix during their OWLs. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a8717098-2895-486f-a29b-e0cfbb33237e/tempImageD0xi5u.jpg Blog - The Making of Harry Potter - Make it stand out Dumbledore’s lectern. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/40397063-1b9b-4b86-8dca-9d08cf6042b6/tempImagezCWm86.jpg Blog - The Making of Harry Potter - Make it stand out The bedroom shared by Harry, Ron, Neville, Dean, & Seamus. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b1c50eb7-bbe0-4a2c-a87c-35a044b55886/tempImage1YNeXh.jpg Blog - The Making of Harry Potter - Make it stand out Harry’s trunk under his bed. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e3a8aef3-34b2-4f6d-8f0f-c30d1218b256/tempImageEwcOmj.jpg Blog - The Making of Harry Potter - Make it stand out The many wands of Harry Potter. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/19e3248a-df56-449b-bb1e-73aeebbef743/tempImagecuGBkp.jpg Blog - The Making of Harry Potter - Make it stand out Slytherin Common Room https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/19d0f373-c2a2-4c8d-bd07-0ecd6ac842e9/tempImagekTSrcY.jpg Blog - The Making of Harry Potter - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5068cb01-5316-4576-be84-57da5c11f5ec/tempImageWFmZ21.jpg Blog - The Making of Harry Potter - Make it stand out The fireplace where Sirius Black appears. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8258eb69-6291-4e42-b3ff-73c587bd83da/tempImageMnn0o9.jpg Blog - The Making of Harry Potter - Make it stand out The Mirror of Erised—The mirror shows the most desperate desire of a person's heart. The name "Erised" is "desire" spelled backwards, as if reflected in a mirror. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/fc5b601e-0ef3-42d9-ab07-ddb1db7904c1/tempImageRP7gy9.jpg Blog - The Making of Harry Potter - Make it stand out The magical entrance to Dumbledore’s tower office. “Sherbet Lemon.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6e29b809-8e34-44ea-bd16-5332710fe7ea/tempImagerJcH5R.jpg Blog - The Making of Harry Potter - Make it stand out Dumbledore in the Headmaster’s Office https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8f28557f-d1ae-43da-b048-d5f208342397/tempImageoKZtMf.jpg Blog - The Making of Harry Potter - Make it stand out The Sword of Gryffindor in the Headmaster’s Office https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/458c1b51-49dd-4eaa-95eb-5b8a08d53e2a/tempImage5xeL7O.jpg Blog - The Making of Harry Potter - Make it stand out The Sorting Hat https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6ca3b734-561f-48e3-b643-0d9bd4959ca0/tempImageH1ZqEe.jpg Blog - The Making of Harry Potter - Make it stand out Dumbledore’s Memory Cabinet https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9f4dca32-6745-4032-bec1-7283d12f2d46/tempImagefPIaWm.jpg Blog - The Making of Harry Potter - Make it stand out The Pensieve of Hogwarts used to view memories. Oh JK, how did you think up all these creative things?! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b6c2a9a8-a29a-429c-82bf-35e63ee4be7c/tempImagem8ikcY.jpg Blog - The Making of Harry Potter - Make it stand out The Potions Classroom. Something interesting we learned was the ceiling you see above was also used to film the scene with Fluffy the three-headed dog. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f6dd46dd-0921-4819-a003-3861f1007945/tempImagepRLBqx.jpg Blog - The Making of Harry Potter - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/74cec162-db9d-4523-ae2a-1773a27248f8/tempImagemcHWcI.jpg Blog - The Making of Harry Potter - Make it stand out Harry…Water! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9e1faf8a-8d7e-4706-a7f8-2acd3a05b18b/IMG_2861.jpg Blog - The Making of Harry Potter - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c59b92bd-8264-4622-af21-1c38cd1c21fc/IMG_2862.JPG Blog - The Making of Harry Potter - Make it stand out Will on his Firebolt https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/003b8e14-8219-4915-8233-d76ef8036594/tempImagejH0iVI.jpg Blog - The Making of Harry Potter - Make it stand out Hagrid’s Hut https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d4c41a78-4af2-45f3-9cb5-21f93b85496e/tempImageas5hae.jpg Blog - The Making of Harry Potter - Make it stand out Hagrid's beloved boarhound Fang. There was also a picture board showing all nine dogs that played the roll of Fang over the years. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4709273a-0b7b-4ede-a470-3b45ff8d6330/tempImageAxrrEQ.jpg Blog - The Making of Harry Potter - Make it stand out The door to the Chamber of Secrets. I was surprised to learn that the snakes on the door actually move mechanically rather than by computer-generated imagery (CGI). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/085f14ff-ff72-4f63-8932-ee024d5ac3ba/tempImageAc3Wcp.jpg Blog - The Making of Harry Potter - Make it stand out The Perspective Room shows how perspective was used to make Hagrid, half-giant and half-human, appear larger than those near him. Here Will looks regular. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/92f1969b-6a97-488c-9257-b3e882073b3b/tempImageDJUuaK.jpg Blog - The Making of Harry Potter - Make it stand out Here he looks smaller… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/01392134-6cf7-4fc6-9a51-23dbfebb4818/tempImageJ1pRFm.jpg Blog - The Making of Harry Potter - Make it stand out And even smaller still. Isn’t that crazy?! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/30d30ef2-a166-46a2-8918-c634dc0859e1/tempImageSGRAne.jpg Blog - The Making of Harry Potter - Make it stand out The Burrow was the home of the Weasley family, located on the outskirts of Ottery St Catchpole in Devon. Check out this short clip of The Burrow: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jVNQiXTho7E https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/feba2692-3e27-4a1f-8456-256f0039e140/tempImageegrwTZ.jpg Blog - The Making of Harry Potter - Make it stand out The gates to Hogwarts and also the entrance to the new Forbidden Forest exhibition. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/31a96ddd-7447-4cf4-8aa6-def35a16d754/tempImaget8fBsa.jpg Blog - The Making of Harry Potter - Make it stand out The hippogriff is a legendary creature with the front half of an eagle and the hind half of a horse. Rowling’s integration of a huge array of mythological creatures into her story is deeply impressive. To the standard mythology she adds: the “first thing you wanna know about hippogriffs, is that they're very proud creatures, very easily offended. You do not want to insult a hippogriff. It may just be the last thing you ever do.” You bow to them, and if they dip their head in return, you may approach. So very clever! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/cee34e34-f5f2-41ff-b5eb-7b1ce43d8c13/tempImagekSFkxY.jpg Blog - The Making of Harry Potter - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/332351fb-d617-4f5f-8c49-07fde7601db5/tempImageAvkwfW.jpg Blog - The Making of Harry Potter - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7b0317ee-7d0c-490d-ae4d-182d74d34780/tempImageVOPVsR.jpg Blog - The Making of Harry Potter - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5785ac9d-5d7b-4e84-b689-852257f8292f/tempImageeWIpKN.jpg Blog - The Making of Harry Potter - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d8d31e6e-33a5-4722-b808-8b6a9f7afda3/tempImagercNr2j.jpg Blog - The Making of Harry Potter - Make it stand out While seated inside a railway cafe, Harry spots Dumbledore across the lines, standing on Platform 3, the huge advertising billboard “Divine Magic” behind him. The billboard is no coincidence, of course, but was built for the movie. The Hogwarts headmaster spirits Harry away from the mundane world of muggles to the slightly wonkier village of Budleigh Babberton. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7efa7d07-3878-4363-8f3d-17ebb1a7ad0c/tempImage8AfZwa.jpg Blog - The Making of Harry Potter - Make it stand out Butter beer! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4c8a0d75-cc2e-4067-a38f-054401c4be33/tempImageO2OCYH.jpg Blog - The Making of Harry Potter - Make it stand out “All Destinations (Nothing Underwater)”…again…so clever! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/71f805f5-05a2-4a49-bcd4-c2d6a78567ab/tempImageAtwmZS.jpg Blog - The Making of Harry Potter - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f4ce5b5b-0d0e-4a4e-b360-14d9baa62763/tempImage3p0E3h.jpg Blog - The Making of Harry Potter - Make it stand out The first movie used a real house, but a set was later built. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f2d03f05-24fa-48ca-9aec-93db407c4a34/tempImageO9zKnU.jpg Blog - The Making of Harry Potter - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c32b2ccf-af77-40cb-ba0a-1d9b0b752259/tempImageoDOwBo.jpg Blog - The Making of Harry Potter - Make it stand out Inside 4 Privet Drive https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7e9fddfc-f88d-4cf5-bd08-bce2ea4f2d16/tempImage9WLWNm.jpg Blog - The Making of Harry Potter - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/27de40d6-3603-40b5-942d-55413a4184f2/tempImageebDeWP.jpg Blog - The Making of Harry Potter - Make it stand out Herbology greenhouse with mandrakes. A real perennial herb, the mandrake has a thick, often forked, roots which may resemble the legs of the human body. It has been known since ancient times (1500 BC) and—according to ancient legend—when the plant was uprooted it would scream, killing anyone who heard it. Once again, JK’s weaving of ancient mythology into her stories was exceptional. Check out our video of the mandrakes: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a4c3k1mD89s https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e7d8b533-5b23-47ce-a0b4-a04183a1b07f/tempImageyvEtxZ.jpg Blog - The Making of Harry Potter - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a71b8fd7-e456-43c0-aa42-ab591c6661c5/tempImageAAVDyi.jpg Blog - The Making of Harry Potter - Make it stand out The Wooden Bridge (also known as the Covered Bridge) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/04944b59-8204-48ff-830c-bae46c6c94e2/tempImage7uxaFW.jpg Blog - The Making of Harry Potter - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/cc29983b-e032-4458-9ec8-2dd9c3fd8fc0/tempImagepMyq8P.jpg Blog - The Making of Harry Potter - Make it stand out The part of Voldemort’s soul he split and unintentionally attached itself to Harry. It was an animatronic that moved in the display—creepy! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b037ec5a-f8b4-42a9-b50b-8d9ad657fdd2/tempImage0RPPab.jpg Blog - The Making of Harry Potter - Make it stand out Inside Gringotts Wizarding Bank. This entire set is new for the tour since we visited back in 2015. For the set, they painstakingly recreated the interior of Australia House from London. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/aca62e5e-9e85-4c5e-ad2a-a696d0a06308/tempImageEMaXV7.jpg Blog - The Making of Harry Potter - Make it stand out Amanda—forever drawn to beautiful bling, like these chandeliers. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e41c09e7-6f76-44d1-91b6-ecca9c746255/tempImageNA9E6O.jpg Blog - The Making of Harry Potter - Make it stand out Goblins, not the friendliest of creatures. “Enter, stranger, but take heed Of what awaits the sin of greed For those who take, but do not earn, Must pay most dearly in their turn, So if you seek beneath our floors A treasure that was never yours, Thief, you have been warned, beware Of finding more than treasure there.” - Gringotts https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/98172a8d-56f3-4897-823f-0039394a60a9/tempImageSp2ocn.jpg Blog - The Making of Harry Potter - Make it stand out The Lestrange Vault was a vault at Gringotts Wizarding Bank in London, England that belonged to the Lestranges, a very old and wealthy pure-blood family. In addition to containing large amounts of gold, Galleons, and treasure, it was the hiding place of Helga Hufflepuff's cup, one of Lord Voldemort's Horcruxes. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e9bcc9de-4871-40e0-8613-9d8224df99a0/tempImageZAi60c.jpg Blog - The Making of Harry Potter - Make it stand out Inside the vault, the treasure had been protected with the curse of Gemini (doubling charm), thus, every time someone touched a treasure it would multiply, raising the danger that they would be crushed to death by the metal. Amanda uses the Sword of Gryffindor to reach for Helga Hufflepuff's cup. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5bac8158-cb6d-41cf-b790-b1b4efb7b9ce/tempImagekRbVAa.jpg Blog - The Making of Harry Potter - Make it stand out Helga Hufflepuff's cup, one of Lord Voldemort's Horcruxes. Gringotts Wizarding Bank owned a Ukrainian Ironbelly dragon that guarded some of the oldest and deepest vaults, including the Lestrange Vault. The cool video below shows the dragon emerging from the vault cavern after Harry, Ron, & Hermione recover Helga Hufflepuff’s cup and Hermione frees the dragon to escape. Check out the amazing new dragon animation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gDqAiznWVqM https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2016883a-1c5f-483a-867c-d12485c3c8cf/tempImagev1siOP.jpg Blog - The Making of Harry Potter - Make it stand out The Diagon Alley set. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a1d9669e-4629-4d3e-984a-b371281f3667/tempImagerEiHrx.jpg Blog - The Making of Harry Potter - Make it stand out Ollivanders, Makers of Fine Wands since 382 BC https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/884920bb-cbd7-4ae0-87fd-f274b9222de1/tempImageOI686e.jpg Blog - The Making of Harry Potter - Make it stand out Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f93ea699-b9e8-42b1-9d67-ccd1fe6c1e4d/tempImagembCiwJ.jpg Blog - The Making of Harry Potter - Make it stand out The tour’s grand finale is at this gigantic model of the Hogwarts castle. The first time I saw it, it took my breath away; it’s simply stunning. The craftsmanship and detail is astounding. This set was used to film the exterior shots of the castle, so it had to look authentic. I’ll include a few pictures so you can appreciate the detail. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1bc4b7fd-2d42-412f-af28-77dbb8d3c615/tempImagegXKWn0.jpg Blog - The Making of Harry Potter - Make it stand out The Astronomy Tower was the tallest tower at Hogwarts and included a telescope. Look at the stone blocks, roof tiles, pointed arch windows, crenelations, corbels, etc. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/14d4c0ed-8211-4d06-bf4f-2be3dc9a0b8b/tempImagems9Y9C.jpg Blog - The Making of Harry Potter - Make it stand out The two towers on the left were fashioned after Durham Cathedral, which we hope to visit in the autumn. The smaller towers at the gatehouse copy Alnwick Castle, where many scenes from the first two movies were filmed. The detail is fascinating. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e98f54e0-9969-418b-8a3e-506aa3d38f58/tempImageIonIlo.jpg Blog - The Making of Harry Potter - Make it stand out The owlery https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e38b8eb4-d8a5-40b2-b48e-2c9e48e540ef/tempImagePHJdvW.jpg Blog - The Making of Harry Potter - Make it stand out The standing stones just beyond the Wooden Bridge and above Hagrid’s Hut. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1c1d80da-cd69-423e-ace2-ab713e495f7a/tempImageAwfujR.jpg Blog - The Making of Harry Potter - Make it stand out The amazing detail of the Wooden Bridge/Covered Bridge. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4c3839fd-d9da-46e3-8ff3-ed6e9457a4d6/tempImage5pckuE.jpg Blog - The Making of Harry Potter - Make it stand out The Headmaster’s Office https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/341439f4-2b99-4b4e-9592-441e2e38d14d/tempImageRPUVpG.jpg Blog - The Making of Harry Potter - Make it stand out While viewing the castle, the time of day changes: from warm morning light, to midday, to afternoon glow, to nighttime. At nighttime interior lights begin to illuminate in various windows. Above is the Great Hall and the cloisters, with Dumbledore’s Office high above. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6fa96546-8493-4012-879d-0cdfe8bc5f35/tempImageyIQJ4R.jpg Blog - The Making of Harry Potter - Make it stand out Fred and George Weasley’s “W” logo from Weasleys' Wizard Wheezes. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a9d43177-6d8f-4e3f-917d-6c6ab4aaec3c/tempImageee0j6J.jpg Blog - The Making of Harry Potter - Make it stand out After many hours of movie magic, we finally reached the end. The three of us had a truly magically time and we will always remember our time together exploring the making of our all-time favorite movies. Thank you JK for your creative vision and enduring themes of friendship, courage, and—above all—the power of love! ALWAYS! https://www.overthehillandacrossthepond.com/blog/bodiam monthly 0.5 2023-11-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/abf9ee2b-8ef3-48c2-bd3e-b9029a5b2e66/tempImagee1ZT0n.jpg Blog - Bodiam Castle - Make it stand out Bodiam Castle was built around 1385 by Sir Edward Dallingridge and his wife Elizabeth. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c80c194e-eab4-40da-a779-3c054b6304e2/tempImageF1FIAo.jpg Blog - Bodiam Castle - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/326593dd-d15c-4cf0-b4a3-332704265872/tempImage3lSRhB.jpg Blog - Bodiam Castle - Make it stand out As a soldier of war in France during the rein of King Richard II, Dallingridge reached the highest circles of English society. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/75815cd8-144c-4b0b-b807-c7326c895163/tempImagezPQPPw.jpg Blog - Bodiam Castle - Make it stand out King Richard II granted Dallingridge a licence to “crenellate" or fortify his home and Bodiam Castle was the result. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/51c878aa-6456-4384-8ce9-7b58790e8b78/tempImageMIzUHw.jpg Blog - Bodiam Castle - Make it stand out The gatehouse entrance. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/71e36f96-b0d5-4a4c-9398-7961469ad515/tempImageJQJLBM.jpg Blog - Bodiam Castle - Make it stand out In the impressive gatehouse is the castle's original wooden portcullis, an extremely rare example of its kind. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4739c64c-e686-4e94-9869-8b4e73975fbb/tempImageIoyZUu.jpg Blog - Bodiam Castle - Make it stand out Murder Holes in the ceiling of the entranceway. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b2d84bcb-4248-44c7-a81a-0a1f39c48df1/tempImage8Al0w5.jpg Blog - Bodiam Castle - Make it stand out Will heads up the original stone spiral staircase into the tower. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6e20af9d-9c8f-45a5-85c9-b7fa654d406e/tempImage9q1Gtn.jpg Blog - Bodiam Castle - Make it stand out Sometimes your stomach acts up at the most inopportune of times. Good thing there was a garderobe available! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/64cad76d-10de-4509-90f4-d6395ba34e87/tempImagei99O9c.jpg Blog - Bodiam Castle - Make it stand out On top the northwest tower with the gatehouse towers behind. Check out the cool little door you come up through to reach the roof. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/30c4d798-cb69-400c-aba5-661301133746/tempImagelwrChI.jpg Blog - Bodiam Castle - Make it stand out An absolutely gorgeous day! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/270f4901-2bb3-4d22-889d-9462115a1a6c/tempImageNes1II.jpg Blog - Bodiam Castle - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0fafe1d5-f5db-4e48-8013-ca93265265fc/tempImageNuCasB.jpg Blog - Bodiam Castle - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/280dae52-73d4-4501-8321-6b78cda0ae83/tempImageTRP36S.jpg Blog - Bodiam Castle - Make it stand out “I fart in your general direction! Your mother was a hamster and your father smelt of elderberries! Now go away before I taunt you a second time!” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c2dd76d4-bf62-4b5b-a08a-ee654da79787/tempImage101NKX.jpg Blog - Bodiam Castle - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4f805e8f-dced-4e45-a2a2-fbe839e9ab0c/tempImageItyv34.jpg Blog - Bodiam Castle - Make it stand out Looking across the courtyard toward the gatehouse (earlier pictures were on top the tower on the left). In the courtyard, enough of the interior ruins survive to give an impression of castle life. The castle did not have a keep, but apartments built down the right side. The kitchen and servant quarters were on the left. The dining hall is immediately below. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ad692e99-181f-46fa-93fc-f621d08c99e5/tempImageh3YR8n.jpg Blog - Bodiam Castle - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8c5ccf47-7349-4074-9066-5baf08f2e490/tempImagekRo0gl.jpg Blog - Bodiam Castle - Make it stand out Will contemplating the acceleration rate of a lougee when in hits the moat, or perhaps the air-speed velocity of an unladen swallow. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/86f1d5d6-7d71-4d0f-9be5-15f3529d0dc8/tempImage68DGoB.jpg Blog - Bodiam Castle - Make it stand out What a view! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/35c54175-cbfc-4b2f-9966-0bf0b04f8810/tempImageMVSRQX.jpg Blog - Bodiam Castle - Make it stand out The king and queen on their raised platform in the dining hall. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/45670a59-528e-4fba-8efa-408abcb3edf3/tempImageyRlCe0.jpg Blog - Bodiam Castle - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a58f9b49-f69b-4e8e-b4f4-526d64752abf/tempImagelkT4KH.jpg Blog - Bodiam Castle - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/03d506f9-5b11-4ff3-8aa6-68bf27791545/tempImagejb1zSv.jpg Blog - Bodiam Castle - Make it stand out Bodiam fits our quintessentially romantic ideal of a moated castle perfectly, the stuff of fairytales. All it lacks is a drawbridge (though it once had one); otherwise, it is ideal in every way! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ac333de5-af52-4d64-a73e-0a0e4c30353c/tempImageVDH9Xg.jpg Blog - Bodiam Castle - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/04a21d15-ea06-4921-a5e8-89d4494b08a6/tempImagetWWr8k.jpg Blog - Bodiam Castle - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f36ab738-8e16-4ec4-817d-8357375b985e/tempImageDpKOIO.jpg Blog - Bodiam Castle - Make it stand out On top of the “castle.” The grounds must be magnificent in spring, right now—not so much. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/76674b5f-9a39-4f42-be70-4ef7fa909048/tempImageEfG8ww.jpg Blog - Bodiam Castle - Make it stand out Cool dilapidated shed. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c57f6d7b-a32d-4067-8bd8-76dfe6bb58b6/tempImageEybfcI.jpg Blog - Bodiam Castle - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1121df70-8b51-4f2d-b98f-ebaa2262ae03/tempImageRajUSF.jpg Blog - Bodiam Castle - Make it stand out We’re sorry to have missed the gardens in their prime, but the verdure of the English countryside never disappoints. https://www.overthehillandacrossthepond.com/blog/white-cliffs-of-dover monthly 0.5 2023-11-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6debea0b-f6d9-496f-9378-ef67fa55279a/tempImagezRymQj.jpg Blog - White Cliffs of Dover - Make it stand out Can you believe this is winter in England? Jackets, hats, and gloves? Yes! But also sunglasses and clear skies! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ea28a246-4fab-4abc-8fa3-919425ae8eeb/tempImagend0LyT.jpg Blog - White Cliffs of Dover - Make it stand out It might be hard to see, but on the horizon on the right side of this photo you can make out France. That’s as close as we’ve been to France, but now I can safely sing the song: “I see London, I see France, I see Amanda’s…” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/25709736-0ac3-42a3-aa66-048d3b9c075f/tempImageU8xND8.jpg Blog - White Cliffs of Dover - Make it stand out We got close enough to France that my watch got a bit overzealous. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7a9c9aef-ef3b-4fdb-b9bd-341516137ba9/tempImage5fj0Qd.jpg Blog - White Cliffs of Dover - Make it stand out We ran into some cows along the cliff path. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/dea6738b-71c2-4cf6-8a32-f315672428ab/tempImageqOun6p.jpg Blog - White Cliffs of Dover - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c9b7c8ed-a94d-4147-baa9-1b9bea013f31/tempImagerjjdv6.jpg Blog - White Cliffs of Dover - Make it stand out Looking west back toward the trailhead and the harbor. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/00eaedff-f7bb-4c45-9026-6095cab2bfe5/tempImage16c4xi.jpg Blog - White Cliffs of Dover - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1cda50ff-b07b-4ca8-af1f-a21adcc7da30/tempImageeEWg20.jpg Blog - White Cliffs of Dover - Make it stand out Will and me looking out over the English Channel as a ship gets underway. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/26670baf-7db1-42c5-b90c-b3a763e9799a/tempImage0vqTxV.jpg Blog - White Cliffs of Dover - Make it stand out Nearing the South Foreland Lighthouse. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/659b0065-ff33-4dcd-8392-db1c240ca941/tempImagenPQaIm.jpg Blog - White Cliffs of Dover - Make it stand out The lighthouse behind us (it was closed for the winter), we headed back toward the trailhead. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/95e68e36-49ee-408b-b7a5-ccc756e19d3b/tempImage3Ja8M5.jpg Blog - White Cliffs of Dover - Make it stand out Back at the visitor center, we got out of the wind and warmed up with some tea, scones, and hot chocolate. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0294862c-9df0-43a4-b9fa-ef2bffa9dc65/tempImageGEnXo0.jpg Blog - White Cliffs of Dover - Make it stand out What an amazing view while you dine! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c3a77ac3-cb3a-4cca-a287-a6b786807689/tempImageZtP56h.jpg Blog - White Cliffs of Dover - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d2ea3fdb-ca5d-448d-b0ed-129da9725eca/tempImageE5OzAN.jpg Blog - White Cliffs of Dover - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3996bc39-8b9a-4739-bc22-0d8be6397b26/tempImageacs6UV.jpg Blog - White Cliffs of Dover - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/aba23d81-5939-4d96-9974-06d4e72c483c/tempImagepky2T3.jpg Blog - White Cliffs of Dover - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9367a79d-baf8-48a2-b4ac-a084c1b26d5a/tempImage5E6gzH.jpg Blog - White Cliffs of Dover - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1610545f-077d-4d86-8baa-1eb80625270a/tempImagexcboKl.jpg Blog - White Cliffs of Dover - Make it stand out A dime-a-dozen Pret A Manger in this stunner. Check out the ancient timbers in the image below. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d8547fbb-2381-4b2d-8b1c-44f841645732/tempImageYc1pwr.jpg Blog - White Cliffs of Dover - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3c3f88c3-d478-4112-b140-19d0d57f08e9/tempImageAk7Y2q.jpg Blog - White Cliffs of Dover - Make it stand out A run-of-the-mill Caffè Nero in this amazingly crooked old building from 1573. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/25f152fd-c5c1-4620-b8cb-85949a90e256/tempImagex4Q7PY.jpg Blog - White Cliffs of Dover - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/826d04c0-3866-4fae-aba0-28852d6b1dcc/tempImageyaWZWY.jpg Blog - White Cliffs of Dover - Make it stand out They had to redo the windows as the house began to lean. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a5545aac-e37c-4289-8810-32ba5fe7bf59/tempImageMoGXZB.jpg Blog - White Cliffs of Dover - Make it stand out You know humans have gotten taller over the years when you see these old doors. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5ddf1b75-1870-46bc-8199-1c80e45dcda2/tempImageckZF2k.jpg Blog - White Cliffs of Dover - Make it stand out Just your average school entrance. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/784e08ee-b07f-4a6a-bdc9-2c37cb46b4fb/tempImagevJz17t.jpg Blog - White Cliffs of Dover - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2f776a92-c2aa-499f-a40b-dc76ce74f8d1/tempImageWYBGbQ.jpg Blog - White Cliffs of Dover - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2cb4873a-069c-4a77-b3f3-34926230525e/tempImageAuqhwC.jpg Blog - White Cliffs of Dover - Make it stand out We saved the best for last. See if you think it’s official name makes sense—The Crooked House. “...very old house bulging out over the road...leaning forward, trying to see who was passing on the narrow pavement below...” - Charles Dickens, 1849 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9fb83d14-44e6-44a6-9ad1-b88b950eb229/tempImageI4HLz1.jpg Blog - White Cliffs of Dover - Make it stand out Insane! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5f533b55-24ea-4afc-9888-29b983426a99/tempImagegASEab.jpg Blog - White Cliffs of Dover - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/98412056-8ac7-40eb-babc-3634ed6a884f/tempImageXAAfae.jpg Blog - White Cliffs of Dover - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f027f1b2-3f1d-40af-9c55-bcecc41e24f6/tempImageOSJGRA.jpg Blog - White Cliffs of Dover - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/fc44c3bf-52ae-42ea-bb0f-11069742eb90/tempImageSMKEUt.jpg Blog - White Cliffs of Dover - Make it stand out Situated just outside the city walls, St Augustine’s Abbey was originally created as a burial place for the Anglo-Saxon kings of Kent. Today the ruins remain and Amanda and I took a few minutes to walk around the site (I’m standing in what was once the crypt). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/09c7fde3-e81c-4651-a959-a4112b372c91/tempImageXDonRF.jpg Blog - White Cliffs of Dover - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ffccba73-4203-45e1-8986-e029ab32b3f3/tempImagefbc8vj.jpg Blog - White Cliffs of Dover - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d6f57cb0-3cdc-4d69-9719-d8797969f6e0/tempImagefA8e4P.jpg Blog - White Cliffs of Dover - Make it stand out What a spot! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5cb021fa-f508-4e58-bde0-2f7bebdb454e/tempImage9FmYcR.jpg Blog - White Cliffs of Dover - Make it stand out Queen Bertha https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d84a718e-f8a8-40a3-bf77-2dec6adb9948/tempImagenVK13L.jpg Blog - White Cliffs of Dover - Make it stand out The portion of the church closest to the camera originates in Roman times. The slightly taller roof was added later and the tower was added in Norman times. The clouds are today’s magic. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8e9adcde-3e0f-473e-a195-010f498009f8/tempImageQYE9Fm.jpg Blog - White Cliffs of Dover - Make it stand out The graveyard is beautiful. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a79cc881-d7ea-46ea-95a6-373924901802/tempImage2ndtfJ.jpg Blog - White Cliffs of Dover - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/fd80a28e-35e0-4f16-8c00-ad0551f38e1c/tempImagesvpn2b.jpg Blog - White Cliffs of Dover - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2b080f4d-54de-4a1f-950e-612a750c51f0/tempImageOP96LV.jpg Blog - White Cliffs of Dover - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c5fe207e-271c-498d-a4f7-63022db65fcf/tempImagejGVAtZ.jpg Blog - White Cliffs of Dover - Make it stand out Speaking of claims of being the oldest, founded in 1370, The Parrot is allegedly the oldest pub in Canterbury. We stopped in for a pint to wrap up our Saturday night. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4bc1786d-4dc2-4ae5-8366-ac061f6a9cbb/tempImageKhM2C6.jpg Blog - White Cliffs of Dover - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/835a1553-205f-47a8-882f-b629c1446936/tempImagewsBIti.jpg Blog - White Cliffs of Dover - Make it stand out We each drank a lager from Whitstable Brewery, the coastal town just up the road from Canterbury. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a0e41eb6-97ca-4254-b842-f48a36f5c0e1/tempImagerLEuyk.jpg Blog - White Cliffs of Dover - Make it stand out This is some old shiznit! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e8e5834a-3927-4876-b422-8a9459b41e64/tempImagenbhu4b.jpg Blog - White Cliffs of Dover - Make it stand out Such a great place to hang out. Goodnight Everyone! https://www.overthehillandacrossthepond.com/blog/tales-from-canterbury monthly 0.5 2023-11-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/529d6bee-7dcb-45d5-9012-7dc59f7c9822/tempImageGUNQXi.jpg Blog - Tales From Canterbury - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7b8fd1b3-f0b0-41d7-be17-d639fe306a6c/tempImageH4wQAI.jpg Blog - Tales From Canterbury - Make it stand out Surveying Canterbury Cathedral it’s difficult to imagine it does not even make the top 10 of largest cathedrals in the world. It does hold the distinction of being England’s oldest cathedral however. St Augustine arrived in Kent in AD 597 and quickly established the first church site on English soil at the present-day site of Canterbury Cathedral. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/40debda2-bfab-487e-9b97-aec9e7f48a24/tempImageO5NDp3.jpg Blog - Tales From Canterbury - Make it stand out Looking up into the Southwest Spire. Canterbury Cathedral is the Mother Church of the worldwide Anglican Communion, seat of the Archbishop of Canterbury, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the resting place of royalty and saints. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/56dcc1b9-a2d8-4235-a2dc-34e851797b7f/tempImageMPcJRV.jpg Blog - Tales From Canterbury - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6176b335-21b8-4815-8b4f-470ab6327eab/tempImagerlBrRD.jpg Blog - Tales From Canterbury - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5576fb1f-7bf2-4e6d-ad2b-bb820dfa3459/tempImageGF2ixQ.jpg Blog - Tales From Canterbury - Make it stand out Throne from the Chapel of Edward the Confessor, one of the last Anglo-Saxon English kings, he ruled from 1042 to 1066. He was deposed by the Norman king William the Conquer. A nearly thousand-year-old relic! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c86cf8b0-b919-4025-8846-4374d2ba7f2b/tempImageYR2VIX.jpg Blog - Tales From Canterbury - Make it stand out Amnesty International Candle. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0b29da94-d2b2-40a7-93e1-06f04b0f3059/tempImagenMqTWT.jpg Blog - Tales From Canterbury - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/42ac0126-aead-4bc3-b9b7-a53774b50278/Eddie.jpeg Blog - Tales From Canterbury - Make it stand out “I'd like Frank Shirley, my boss, right here tonight. I want him brought from his happy holiday slumber over there on Melody Lane with all the other rich people, and I want him brought right here! With a big ribbon on his head!” - Clark Griswold https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6370a36c-3585-47f7-8ba1-378e34cba373/tempImageEGfVto.jpg Blog - Tales From Canterbury - Make it stand out Behind Will and Amanda a candle burns in the Trinity Chapel at the front of the Cathedral to mark the spot where the Shrine of St Thomas of Canterbury stood from 1220 to 1538—the shrine so many made a pilgrimage to visit. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1473b964-d812-447a-92e0-aca56a3d3fa5/tempImageGOsP82.jpg Blog - Tales From Canterbury - Make it stand out The candle marking the place of the Shrine (above)—its heavy lid being raised to allow pilgrims a glimpse of the gem-encrusted casket containing his remains. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2f3e5db5-67ad-4c53-8b2f-adc5bbd04781/tempImageQNO6lG.jpg Blog - Tales From Canterbury - Make it stand out The beautiful ceiling above where the Shrine once stood. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8ae0cdb2-4fbe-4026-9989-3178f094940f/tempImageVhQaSH.jpg Blog - Tales From Canterbury - Make it stand out Altar of the Sword's Point—the sculpture by Giles Blomfield represents the knights' four swords that killed Becket (two metal swords with reddened tips and their two shadows). It is named after the blade of the sword that killed Becket, which broke due to the force of the final blow. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b20f4c4d-96e3-4641-af60-2df193931168/tempImageqXe4Pb.jpg Blog - Tales From Canterbury - Make it stand out The Northwest Transept—the scene of Thomas Becket's murder on December 29, 1170. The fine stained-glass northwest window dating from 1482 depicts Edward IV and his family at prayer. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/938654db-cae7-4fce-9921-5bc4ed414601/tempImageOlYzbI.jpg Blog - Tales From Canterbury - Make it stand out Statue of Geoffrey Chaucer on High Street in Canterbury https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c5fc1ce2-a023-4f2c-85b7-1e38ab9faf1b/tempImageRbqgfG.jpg Blog - Tales From Canterbury - Make it stand out Stained glass window of St Thomas Becket. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9a7957cd-8a36-4917-afa8-dde7616268f1/tempImage5NcEkD.jpg Blog - Tales From Canterbury - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/278519ce-41a5-42ee-845d-e7de1b0ddaa3/tempImagesgWoLT.jpg Blog - Tales From Canterbury - Make it stand out Entering the crypt. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/11f48c90-c269-40e4-9c5c-9ee4f029ee28/tempImage4iZpBj.jpg Blog - Tales From Canterbury - Make it stand out A new (though far less grand) shrine to St Thomas Becket in the cathedral’s crypt. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ae962df8-f208-443a-a342-eebbfe86d61d/tempImageb84oKm.jpg Blog - Tales From Canterbury - Make it stand out Check out this tomb from the crypt. You may notice that the head of every carving has been removed. This was done by Henry VIII’s men during the Reformation started in 1534. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/26f9e8b9-379a-4cec-b63a-b9f0e4d79a67/tempImageNuGECj.jpg Blog - Tales From Canterbury - Make it stand out In the crypt. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/307fcdde-3ef4-49a3-9ed4-6f0e38d9423f/tempImagebcU1jc.jpg Blog - Tales From Canterbury - Make it stand out King William Everett of Paso Robles. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ee8366fc-a7e9-460d-be78-c54cbee04d6f/tempImageMhckrx.jpg Blog - Tales From Canterbury - Make it stand out The choir screen with its magnificent stone work, decorated with angels carrying shields and the crowned figures of six monarchs: Henry V, Richard II, Ethelbert of Kent, Edward the Confessor, Henry IV, and Henry VI. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9eacad0e-212a-4d60-9b58-564927970cd9/tempImagevjklaS.jpg Blog - Tales From Canterbury - Make it stand out The choir screen on the left and the magnificent view up into the spire. Just look at the detail all the way up in the top ceiling. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a722130c-c4e8-4a14-84de-a7b9037632d0/tempImageBkXZGg.jpg Blog - Tales From Canterbury - Make it stand out Standing in the choir looking up into the spire. Magnificent! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/059741f3-d91c-452c-8e0d-cc65a2d5ec19/tempImagef2Srtx.jpg Blog - Tales From Canterbury - Make it stand out The pulpit in the Choir. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/13812d63-e75c-4356-bca2-904fe5d08a04/tempImageznJzWJ.jpg Blog - Tales From Canterbury - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/988a9d18-e133-48c4-97fa-43e915f52e2b/tempImageDkYZsR.jpg Blog - Tales From Canterbury - Make it stand out The Canterbury War Horse—represents the over eight million horses that died during the First World War, of which many travelled through Kent on their way to the continent. The memorial honors loss of human and animal life without being overly literal, and is presented with dignity, its head bowed in respect and solemnity in this place of quiet contemplation, reflection, and remembrance. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d2a46241-1cd2-43a6-9b41-74094bb16b06/tempImagedfY4bB.jpg Blog - Tales From Canterbury - Make it stand out Wild-looking tree. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/48d9bb28-7b3f-44a4-8253-1f03d3ea3b23/tempImage832Zvl.jpg Blog - Tales From Canterbury - Make it stand out The cloisters https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5d07b9a4-e3ca-465e-b6b7-b0ef759cff49/tempImagezbsScy.jpg Blog - Tales From Canterbury - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/758e0298-3929-4819-b0a9-be553a6184f0/tempImage8pqtSL.jpg Blog - Tales From Canterbury - Make it stand out The Christchurch Gate off Buttermarket Court leading to the Cathedral grounds. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f636bd6d-fdec-4160-af52-4fe5e08718ec/tempImageJwCFiX.jpg Blog - Tales From Canterbury - Make it stand out A cool door the passes through the Christchurch Gate. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d46e537f-4721-4679-819e-0c0e03663c78/tempImagehCGnRq.jpg Blog - Tales From Canterbury - Make it stand out Will in Buttermarket Court. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c9209422-8593-461e-8228-61bfb0e3b637/tempImagevjNGiP.jpg Blog - Tales From Canterbury - Make it stand out Canterbury Cathedral beautifully illuminated at night. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/efdac5c1-fa94-4845-97d9-daaebd9965cc/tempImageEItzKG.jpg Blog - Tales From Canterbury - Make it stand out The spires are striking in the nighttime sky. Good night Canterbury! https://www.overthehillandacrossthepond.com/blog/londone monthly 0.5 2023-11-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/90735e85-e027-4547-9400-cd753b9f0f99/tempImageB5tEyT.jpg Blog - LonDone - Make it stand out From the beginning, we knew Tuesday (Jan 17) would start in our hotel room in London and end in our next flat in Canterbury. Sandwiched in the middle was everything we thought we could reasonably squeeze in. We began by packing up all our bags and checking them into the Hilton’s baggage hold. Then we hit the Tube and exited at St Pauls station. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/54620a6a-c33d-40ff-b55e-3f0aa430a3f1/tempImageYO1uI4.jpg Blog - LonDone - Make it stand out Before exploring the cathedral, we took a moment to reflect on family members we’ve lost, lighting candles in remembrance. (Not to take from the moment, but am I the only one who finds that the imagine of Jesus and Mary tips the scale toward creepy rather than comforting? I digress.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/825301d1-92e7-4d76-96dd-9d1ebe7e8bc6/tempImage04qsL6.jpg Blog - LonDone - Make it stand out It is for good reason that St Paul’s is considered Sir Christopher Wren’s masterpiece. The enormity of its scale and the grandeur of its design make it one of the most easily recognized buildings in London—its huge white dome an iconic piece of the London skyline over the River Thames. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e530c59a-69b6-48a4-8e85-b546accc3a36/tempImageUR7FXg.jpg Blog - LonDone - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0ce9a452-4743-4e16-ba56-9e4c63d5ce46/tempImageXgDcgv.jpg Blog - LonDone - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/74fd9ce4-2b7b-4b8f-a6ab-8ab2e62d2ee8/tempImageKCFrNV.jpg Blog - LonDone - Make it stand out The Quire—The cathedral guide was quick to point out that where Will is standing is called the quire. Of course, the area of a church or cathedral that provides seating for the clergy and church choir is most often called the “choir,” but whatever makes you happy. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ae4554c4-a5ef-4e4f-9397-f29a424b21b5/tempImageSI69WK.jpg Blog - LonDone - Make it stand out The stunning detail is everywhere! Say hello to the Reverend William. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/281baafc-2041-4da4-90f9-94cba3c55c72/Trforium.jpeg Blog - LonDone - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1209174b-7e6d-455f-8a3e-f0265b28fdab/tempImage3Bpnr0.jpg Blog - LonDone - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0f21d375-b211-4676-9c93-b73ed9ac9b5a/tempImageWfaBB7.jpg Blog - LonDone - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/be5f4771-0474-44ad-80b6-0e118d116ae6/tempImageWfIhS0.jpg Blog - LonDone - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/dd047e82-ebb7-4da6-9620-6175de3b0b73/Dome.jpeg Blog - LonDone - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6a17c66b-3af3-4f08-9d8f-c5e96bac5006/tempImagelKJUL6.jpg Blog - LonDone - Make it stand out Up… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/865e5536-06fb-4a06-9875-30520a03b85d/tempImagecJmEPd.jpg Blog - LonDone - Make it stand out …and up… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e377bdc6-8cbb-4faf-980e-e7891299b58f/tempImagegQD6Yv.jpg Blog - LonDone - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/dfb77785-8784-483a-8f31-b28465b9dd2c/tempImageNGuSK8.jpg Blog - LonDone - Make it stand out Looking through the platform very near the top all the way down to the floor of the nave below (you can make out the alter on the left and congregation chairs on the right). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/94336278-2377-4eee-91d4-f4d79fb51c11/tempImagehuG9O7.jpg Blog - LonDone - Make it stand out The stunning view from the Golden Gallery. Below the Millennium Bridge stretches out behind Will. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/66d4aa7b-c421-4422-9d3d-1d54af0046a9/tempImagezcBj7F.jpg Blog - LonDone - Make it stand out The Shard is clearly visible, but finding Tower Bridge (left) takes a little more effort. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/dd3d2265-d921-44de-abe4-e3823f7264e0/tempImageyOHfqn.jpg Blog - LonDone - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4ec2cfe6-ff2c-4383-b524-036fd8d70e16/tempImageCmXRYB.jpg Blog - LonDone - Make it stand out Stopping on the Stone Gallery on our way back down. The two front spires of the Cathedral rise behind the railing. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3d2ce3e5-d9b8-4227-a081-cfcf9dc710e7/tempImagekJjdEW.jpg Blog - LonDone - Make it stand out If you make it to London, don’t miss St Paul’s Cathedral! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7103895b-9dca-4ecc-89f6-90f7b2d2e3d9/tempImageiSeacb.jpg Blog - LonDone - Make it stand out The Millennium Bridge was destroyed by the three death eaters who descended on London during the opening scenes of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. No surprise then, that this was a must-see for Will. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1f6374bc-3df0-4fb3-bae6-1d7101c2c070/tempImage1D6X9w.jpg Blog - LonDone - Make it stand out Mid-way across the Millennium Bridge with Tower Bridge and the Shard in the background. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ee3380e2-4102-4d0b-9d03-6c6bb341ad22/tempImageqol3h8.jpg Blog - LonDone - Make it stand out On the Millennium Bridge with Shakespeare’s Globe Theater in the background. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/eac16d49-d474-4277-9224-1e5c70dac800/tempImageHoLH1A.jpg Blog - LonDone - Make it stand out Our final Harry Potter stop with Will was Leadenhall Market. The angle above shows the path Hagrid and Harry walked, coming out of the market toward where Will and I are standing. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0a5f0410-20bf-4b5d-a5d8-647bcd61ee29/tempImagefpZQGR.jpg Blog - LonDone - Make it stand out This angle shows the (now) white door that was the secret entrance into the Leaky Cauldron (such a clever name). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7ef269f8-1b6b-49ba-9448-02e1014c0718/tempImagebkKULX.jpg Blog - LonDone - Make it stand out Will standing at the entrance to the Leaky Cauldron (and certainly not a migraine clinic). (Some of you are probably begging for a migraine clinic after all this Harry Potter stuff!) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8c20b966-864f-4518-b1f1-47047b6e6b21/tempImageFCMkLM.jpg Blog - LonDone - Make it stand out Waiting to take the boat from the Tower Millennium Pier near the Tower of London. London City Hall is in the background and was featured in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/fdc8f7b4-1cb2-444c-8526-4ead728b4e31/tempImage4XwPGC.jpg Blog - LonDone - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a819fff1-8985-42ea-b645-e79d35ec81cd/tempImagesirD9L.jpg Blog - LonDone - Make it stand out Traitor’s Gate—As the name implies, perhaps the least desirable way to make your way into the Tower of London. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/83094c62-792c-4b6e-9e20-9a54aa544386/tempImage3XdFqN.jpg Blog - LonDone - Make it stand out Outside the Tower of London, where the spires of the White Tower dominate. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e3b63a2b-b181-4f9e-aaf9-6b138dd5c68c/IMG_0516.JPG Blog - LonDone - Make it stand out Selfie June 2015 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b6563f1f-9565-4cda-aab7-ed1b1a30dba3/tempImageJgdqCR.jpg Blog - LonDone - Make it stand out Selfie January 2023 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0c5c51b8-7af6-491c-b1ab-21a42317193d/tempImagefyBav2.jpg Blog - LonDone - Make it stand out On the River Thames, nearing the Millennium Bridge. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4a060f2e-77ec-4af9-a88d-5bc1f82d0eb7/tempImagerOBj5M.jpg Blog - LonDone - Make it stand out St Paul’s Cathedral, the Millennium Bridge, and not a death eater in sight. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6f5e2d4f-90a0-41a1-9d39-1fad88cfd44d/tempImage3KIA9t.jpg Blog - LonDone - Make it stand out The North Transept of Westminster Abbey. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/471b9e77-b1be-4012-bb03-72504d023959/tempImage0eVUrl.jpg Blog - LonDone - Make it stand out Does anyone else see a penguin? And now… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e02519a9-9221-4202-8e9d-ea30b1833ab5/tempImageTET41J.jpg Blog - LonDone - Make it stand out Our MG HS (a British automotive brand, originally associated with Morris Garages, thus MG). And, yes, I wimped out and got an automatic this time! https://www.overthehillandacrossthepond.com/blog/will-arrives monthly 0.5 2023-11-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0303138d-b08d-475c-9bf0-c26a2e58c9b4/IMG_2194.PNG Blog - Will Arrives - Make it stand out Find My shows Matt in the parking lot and Will inside the terminal waiting for departure. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/473cfda4-c475-4a81-9ca2-49d4c02ecdeb/tempImage4LDKnw.jpg Blog - Will Arrives - Make it stand out The view from Will’s window seat on his British Airways Boeing 777-300ER. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d398d970-a75d-432f-b78a-b15e86ae20e3/IMG_2196.jpg Blog - Will Arrives - Make it stand out Flight tracker shows Will’s flight departing LAX in the rain (the green overlay) on Sunday at 4:20 pm local, 9:20 am London time. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c590a39c-ece5-4e78-95fe-ceba7150ef6c/tempImageXLH1JF.jpg Blog - Will Arrives - Make it stand out Will skipped a day, arriving in London on Monday, January 16, at 10 am London time. Will is a Potterhead of course, so standby for a barrage of movie sites. For our first stop we took the Tube from Paddington to King’s Cross St Pancras where we walked Will outside to reveal the stunning St Pancras exterior. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/806497e5-4b67-4658-a36a-7639840dd1aa/St+4.png Blog - Will Arrives - Make it stand out You may recall that in Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, after missing their train to Hogwart's, Harry and Ron took the flying Ford Anglia from in front of St Pancras instead. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e28f297a-dbc9-4fff-846b-d2584c9c72fd/tempImageYpRND0.jpg Blog - Will Arrives - Make it stand out Out of the shoot with a big Harry Potter bang! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b9d3cb4d-5bcd-4e78-a277-8ea05bc153e2/tempImagedJ3xJ6.jpg Blog - Will Arrives - Make it stand out The obligatory British red phone box photo. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/05325b4b-0f44-4367-b353-b1619854ec6a/tempImageEBmWPz.jpg Blog - Will Arrives - Make it stand out Will and Amanda examine wands at the Harry Potter Shop inside King’s Cross Station (the station where Platform 9¾ is hidden). I couldn’t believe it when Will rattled off the owner of nearly every wand in the line up. Well done Will! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/80d45b53-d7a6-4bb1-8a13-2e940814b06a/tempImageyhv4nJ.jpg Blog - Will Arrives - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e6f706b4-3be9-4041-90a9-94486c92dc7c/tempImageFXvFUm.jpg Blog - Will Arrives - Make it stand out We were all stunned, to say the least. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/affe742f-b3a1-43be-83c2-0b1d25be3bae/tempImageOvDmQ2.jpg Blog - Will Arrives - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/84bcd5d7-1a82-4327-bd27-676058159883/tempImageCF7p48.jpg Blog - Will Arrives - Make it stand out There he is, none other than FDR. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/050f52df-d66b-4eaf-86cf-034c53fee6e0/tempImagetXDyAB.jpg Blog - Will Arrives - Make it stand out It was a place of significance, with a person of significance, that Pop Pop decided to sent a special message: “Well done Will; I’m so proud of you!” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/abadf371-d2e3-46ef-87bd-b327df62e4fa/tempImageA3ufQ6.jpg Blog - Will Arrives - Make it stand out In front of the Buckingham Palace main gates. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8c3b4622-7302-41d2-be7c-d833a3be52b3/tempImagefk1efl.jpg Blog - Will Arrives - Make it stand out Such a beautiful day! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8de09516-abcd-4270-a742-317f5cfc8b98/tempImagexF0PK1.jpg Blog - Will Arrives - Make it stand out In front of the Victoria Memorial in front of Buckingham Palace. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/30abf89c-94be-4053-88cb-4a117cfcc548/tempImagei8l3mZ.jpg Blog - Will Arrives - Make it stand out Will loves Winston Churchill, so we put off visiting Churchill War Rooms until he arrived. Here we are before heading inside. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c08f3e16-cc3d-45c7-a443-84648af69442/tempImagezLw6ir.jpg Blog - Will Arrives - Make it stand out Will hanging with the marine standing guard outside the Cabinet Room. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/795d2249-c23c-4f0a-a065-1cb826a41a21/tempImageUUuw5c.jpg Blog - Will Arrives - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/35f74917-7821-4c1f-bb68-77b7350669bf/tempImageHPO2Kp.jpg Blog - Will Arrives - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/bd425ff2-10b8-40a7-a5bd-1666a7c6cfcf/tempImageIkfOZ0.jpg Blog - Will Arrives - Make it stand out The room labeled Churchill’s private bathroom was, in fact, his secret room with a direct phone line to the US President. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8c400819-f03c-4e73-a1ae-d8a5e1029405/tempImage4y29Lf.jpg Blog - Will Arrives - Make it stand out One of the amazing artifacts preserved in the museum. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7efb01d2-8038-4685-b509-f55d8017f4a5/tempImage43xKW0.jpg Blog - Will Arrives - Make it stand out The front door to 10 Downing Street when Churchill was Prime Minister. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3f35d6dc-7f9a-4b45-8419-c1cf298f32ae/tempImageH9Qxja.jpg Blog - Will Arrives - Make it stand out The black phone with the blue handset is connected to a scrambler in the case on the floor. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1f0333fb-866a-4e22-87c6-53497545cb97/tempImagei2EeY3.jpg Blog - Will Arrives - Make it stand out Hundreds of tiny pin holes show where ship movements were mapped throughout the war. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a0e761f9-2793-4610-90e8-3498633ee34a/tempImageBqs1M9.jpg Blog - Will Arrives - Make it stand out These sugar cubes belonged to Wing Commander John Heagerty, one of the officers who worked in the Map Room from 1939 through to 1945. Sugar was in short supply during the war and it seems Heagerty hid his ration. It was found in an envelope at the back of one of his drawers in the early 1980s. From the shape of one of the cubes, it looks as if the officer may have been using his own rationing system, shaving off small amounts of sugar when he needed it. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/12024ba4-f69f-468e-8870-b9f7d3f021e2/tempImageApISQ3.jpg Blog - Will Arrives - Make it stand out Will in front of Churchill’s private quarters. Churchill made four speeches from this underground bedroom. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/51cfd05d-3b8b-41d2-b9a0-af8834fd2bc4/tempImageHKtacV.jpg Blog - Will Arrives - Make it stand out Amanda’s favorite Churchill quote. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5e976642-9904-4143-b3f0-78e9715fd851/tempImageTn0RAL.jpg Blog - Will Arrives - Make it stand out Will’s favorite Churchill quote. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5958053d-01a4-400b-9bdc-75bb5690b725/tempImagefUKExa.jpg Blog - Will Arrives - Make it stand out Will in front of the secured entrance to the Prime Minister's residence at 10 Downing Street. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3fdd784b-8626-46cf-b2dd-a38dba13be00/tempImageUmkFY6.jpg Blog - Will Arrives - Make it stand out How is that for a glorious backdrop?! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c973a976-5e6e-4577-837b-e5bb002a3bd1/tempImagep8jZ1Y.jpg Blog - Will Arrives - Make it stand out One of the many dragons guarding the entrances into The City; this one was at the west end of Fleet Street. The City of London, widely referred to simply as the City, is the original walled part of London from its settlement by the Romans in the 1st century through to the Middle Ages. Modern London has long since grown far beyond the City of London boundary, but the dragons mark the old perimeter. There are now fourteen dragons demarcating the City. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/08fc87e6-fc4f-4231-a631-e19b2f416602/tempImagedo1kzO.jpg Blog - Will Arrives - Make it stand out Crossing the River Thames on Tower Bridge. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/54657fe1-8a63-4571-a334-327e38c47e6e/tempImagelbcaZT.jpg Blog - Will Arrives - Make it stand out The Elizabeth Tower with Big Ben inside. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d0a9ecee-6dcf-4174-bb7f-7dded37d4c73/tempImageqjROO5.jpg Blog - Will Arrives - Make it stand out Can you believe you’re here Will?! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3bd925af-7564-43f3-a203-2768cc522cf8/tempImagegEvfX9.jpg Blog - Will Arrives - Make it stand out Westminster Abbey https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/90aebcaf-8dde-4fcc-83a3-582b7730eaea/tempImageEML2hX.jpg Blog - Will Arrives - Make it stand out The Palace of Westminster across the River Thames. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/13a1ce05-51ab-4127-b8d6-498c761399a0/tempImageNR50hD.jpg Blog - Will Arrives - Make it stand out The Palace of Westminster from Westminster Bridge. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/70b44aaf-5e7d-4a88-ac6d-125656d59c29/tempImageZ3wLo2.jpg Blog - Will Arrives - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d522a283-c407-41ee-aa48-6488c2daf914/tempImageqbAA69.jpg Blog - Will Arrives - Make it stand out The London Eye from Westminster Bridge. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e0fb337e-5b15-4c32-a1ee-b2426be6dc13/tempImagewa9SYh.jpg Blog - Will Arrives - Make it stand out The London Eye from Westminster Pier. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f7bee5c5-4dec-45f8-92fa-7cf08191f539/tempImage4LnjGb.jpg Blog - Will Arrives - Make it stand out Will and I pass through the same automated ticket gates in the Westminster Underground station that Mr Weasley struggled to operate in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1d46b8d3-dd5b-4d44-ba6a-ea3ef0990570/tempImagej1aqUu.jpg Blog - Will Arrives - Make it stand out Cheers! For he’s a jolly good fellow, at the Lamb and Flag pub in Covent Garden (you may recall our first visit to this pub in our Snapshots blog post). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/30dfc705-d37c-416a-8118-5bb70ee89409/tempImageeSoyvC.jpg Blog - Will Arrives - Make it stand out Dinner is served in the upstairs restaurant. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7b0e1bb2-ff27-4ec4-b2d1-3a1936f89e14/tempImageCf1BrH.jpg Blog - Will Arrives - Make it stand out A London Pride by the fire downstairs before heading back into the cold night air. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4718be6a-87d1-4c2d-bbef-f1c2e24d694c/tempImagehbl8ED.jpg Blog - Will Arrives - Make it stand out Such a great old pub for great friends. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d813771f-4ce6-4931-b27a-bf7e9fb55032/tempImage1tju6A.jpg Blog - Will Arrives - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f2e95c8a-4a9c-4615-8053-a566bb082bae/tempImagexE98KA.jpg Blog - Will Arrives - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2d9a5076-7704-434f-80be-5db046a0c7d5/tempImagepCQ5ma.jpg Blog - Will Arrives - Make it stand out The gate the death eaters blast through on their way to Diagon Alley to kidnap Mr Ollivander in Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f467cd11-ae13-4745-aff2-02068dd72515/tempImage5huKhK.jpg Blog - Will Arrives - Make it stand out The theater in Leicester Square where the Harry Potter films premiered (and the last photo with Will wearing my beanie). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/61e17f46-b46b-4eb3-9e12-ea14b5edf012/tempImageGBsDsq.jpg Blog - Will Arrives - Make it stand out Piccadilly Circus (and Will with his new Union Jack beanie). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/eb093350-a4c2-4c98-951e-85d2f8117c23/tempImageDpqESb.jpg Blog - Will Arrives - Make it stand out The Shaftesbury Memorial Fountain, popularly known as Eros, is a fountain surmounted by a winged statue of Anteros, located at the southeastern side of Piccadilly Circus. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/56796ecf-1499-4ef5-9493-4a7f7026745b/tempImageBLGajv.jpg Blog - Will Arrives - Make it stand out Heading back to our hotel on the Tube. It was so very exciting to welcome Will to one of the world’s greatest cities and to show him so many sights that have—until today—lived only in his imagination. Welcome William! https://www.overthehillandacrossthepond.com/blog/bits-and-bobs monthly 0.5 2023-11-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/60e1aa87-d4f0-46f2-a399-47ce8ee2d292/tempImage7un5dE.jpg Blog - Bits and Bobs - Make it stand out We’re on the second floor (they call it the first floor in the UK), with the white flag right outside our windows. The flag drove Pam crazy when she tried to sleep and it made noise in the wind. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6d275b14-56c5-47d2-8aaa-55acd7f62145/tempImage5Gnoet.jpg Blog - Bits and Bobs - Make it stand out We used the grey door on the right to enter the stairwell. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/adf539a6-7027-468b-8e53-5d1090575aa1/tempImageqs4wVh.jpg Blog - Bits and Bobs - Make it stand out We are now (Jan 16) at the Hilton London Paddington, waiting for Will to arrive tomorrow morning. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/cb9beb80-4289-40c9-a2f7-6f56a1b90661/tempImageE8UbG5.jpg Blog - Bits and Bobs - Make it stand out At the Baker Street Underground station on our way to visit the “consulting detective.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/da2261e1-2ec0-472e-8eb4-c4e57e4eeb57/tempImageOAeEwQ.jpg Blog - Bits and Bobs - Make it stand out The Baker Street Underground station has a wonderful Victoria vibe with just a hint of the Ministry of Magic mixed in for good measure. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1bcc945f-4375-4fed-b5c5-969bdf853a7d/tempImageiCTJeO.jpg Blog - Bits and Bobs - Make it stand out A statue of the Great Detective just outside the Baker Street Underground station. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3cdd4e75-5d28-425f-8366-ccff0ed03735/tempImagezWSWHu.jpg Blog - Bits and Bobs - Make it stand out One of the world’s most famous addresses—221B Baker Street. According to the stories of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, super sleuth Sherlock Holmes made this his residence from 1881 to 1904. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/459a1d84-c914-46ec-b5ff-27cf29021cb2/tempImageW0Qbuw.jpg Blog - Bits and Bobs - Make it stand out Fun fact: the numbers did not go higher than 85 in the much shorter Baker Street that existed at the time of the Holmes stories. The first occupants moved into 219-229 Baker Street in 1932 and immediately found they had to employ a secretary full-time to answer letters addressed to Holmes at 221B. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1fe63637-cf9e-472c-8733-f8d997b9c1f4/tempImages0nwCA.jpg Blog - Bits and Bobs - Make it stand out From Baker Street to Abbey Road https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/00799e14-9325-44f5-90d1-f3f6b23a60df/Abbey.jpeg Blog - Bits and Bobs - Make it stand out There are people being filmed crossing and re-crossing this crosswalk literally all day, every day! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/53816095-4c50-4326-97ad-392a09a97675/tempImageB3wa0X.jpg Blog - Bits and Bobs - Make it stand out In the steps of the Fab Four: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rt579i-P5P0 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/61a9d871-9cb0-42bc-9fbc-51d02c078074/tempImageRGdJnU.jpg Blog - Bits and Bobs - Make it stand out Abbey Road Studios, the shorter white building with the chimneys. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4b723d06-02e3-4598-ada6-a19b7bd47c7a/tempImagew2miSO.jpg Blog - Bits and Bobs - Make it stand out Abbey Road Studios https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ba0880e9-b48b-4f70-ad1f-5af1e1cbc053/tempImagekfYT9L.jpg Blog - Bits and Bobs - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6710e81c-ddd0-4172-a6af-24c92a802f3c/tempImageyZ7Zdy.jpg Blog - Bits and Bobs - Make it stand out One last view down Abbey Road with the famous crosswalk and Abbey Road Studios on the left. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/fa2a4187-c787-4d1b-b128-caab90ba23e4/tempImageY6wqQm.jpg Blog - Bits and Bobs - Make it stand out As with Unity Diner last night though, it was the desserts that stole the show. Amanda had a light and flaky pain au chocolat and I had an almond croissant with custard—both were absolutely delicious and we were utterly shocked both were vegan. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/71be91a9-97af-4945-957d-23467dd41afc/tempImageh2eiBC.jpg Blog - Bits and Bobs - Make it stand out Then it was on to the obligatory Notting Hill sites. I wonder what the locals think? If you can’t make it out, they read: “Tourists suck!” | “Shit film!” | “Shit door!” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/09a531eb-1017-482e-98c1-596ffe87c1bd/Notting+1.jpeg Blog - Bits and Bobs - Make it stand out These days the locals seem far less impressed with the door then these reporters from the film. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/14133bbe-808f-4de0-b5c7-6e8fc0f8f36c/tempImage16ergm.jpg Blog - Bits and Bobs - Make it stand out You could be easily forgiven for mistaking this as the bookshop from the 1999 Notting Hill film (yes, its been that long). If the paint and name wasn’t suggestive enough, there is what appears to be an official London’s Blue Plaque displayed. The plaque reads, “The Notting Hill Bookshop, The Travel Book Co featured in the film NOTTING HILL…” If you stop reading there, assumption has gotten the best of you. However, the sign continues: “was inspired by a bookshop established on this site in 1981. The original interior and shopfront remain today.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3faf2127-ea16-4e05-a3fa-2049fdf5a690/tempImageEx7ZC6.jpg Blog - Bits and Bobs - Make it stand out Apparent manipulation aside, this may be the more interesting of the two shops to visit because director Richard Curtis was inspired to write the film after frequently visiting a bookshop close to his home. If this is that shop (as the sign suggests), then it really is the more interesting place to visit—the true source of inspiration always trounces a movie prop. Plus this shop remains a quaint little bookstore, while the one actually used in the film is now a lousy souvenir shop filled with junk. In fact, the shop’s interior was recreated at Pinewood Studios for the movie after the owner refused to allow filming inside. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/698bf970-5954-4c77-b0b3-8e0cca20f640/tempImageJiKroF.jpg Blog - Bits and Bobs - Make it stand out Plus this bookshop carries more than just travel books. While William (High Grant) had to tell his customer he did not carry John Grisham and Winnie the Pooh, you can find those in this bookshop. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a22cadc9-1641-4d2d-9861-1ef206e439b0/tempImageDfoGuH.jpg Blog - Bits and Bobs - Make it stand out The actual building used as the exterior of the bookshop in the film. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/88edbba7-4575-4b3f-8a6a-14d5bf4ff474/tempImagenwt6fo.jpg Blog - Bits and Bobs - Make it stand out Like I said, filled with junk (my beautiful wife excluded, of course!). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/bc4e88ad-5076-4e47-a81f-ee7d06589030/tempImageyCss6Z.jpg Blog - Bits and Bobs - Make it stand out A happy accident—we walked past a store Amanda has always wanted to visit—LoveShackFancy. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/af15de76-c060-4075-91ef-d1d19c059947/tempImageQtNyHb.jpg Blog - Bits and Bobs - Make it stand out Très chic https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6f31822f-6efa-4a45-8c12-8698d8d5c353/tempImage3zus5o.jpg Blog - Bits and Bobs - Make it stand out The interior was even more elegant than the exterior. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/874971cd-291c-431d-8a7e-4a5812fcb598/tempImageqEKSFN.jpg Blog - Bits and Bobs - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e2665023-7498-4064-b5ed-1142b8d99a1f/tempImage5EFCRq.jpg Blog - Bits and Bobs - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5458f391-1f41-4fa7-9964-6d0fa3998f71/tempImageJV8nji.jpg Blog - Bits and Bobs - Make it stand out OMG—these shoes are so darling! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5c544e6a-41b8-4452-8277-b6975f273208/tempImagebvtpP8.jpg Blog - Bits and Bobs - Make it stand out We can’t wait to welcome William to London tomorrow morning—safe travels son! ✈️ https://www.overthehillandacrossthepond.com/blog/g1wbaqgcx629tplgvlycbsnynbt410 monthly 0.5 2023-11-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7ac83365-0fd7-4b12-ab90-2845aac2b48a/tempImageBaRqei.jpg Blog - Benjamin Franklin in London - Make it stand out On our walk to Benjamin Franklin’s London home, we walked past St James’s Palace. It was the residence of Kings and Queens of England for over 300 years, until the reign of Queen Victoria. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/507a131a-0dae-4adb-aaf2-926fcc225ba9/tempImagelJVGaS.jpg Blog - Benjamin Franklin in London - Make it stand out Today it is the home of several members of the Royal Family and their household offices. The Palace also hosts up to 100 receptions each year for charities associated with members of the Royal Family. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/742b79d9-778d-4129-a883-94d7811b7fd1/tempImageA1XVcS.jpg Blog - Benjamin Franklin in London - Make it stand out Today The Mall (rhymes with pal) was closed to vehicular traffic, so we could just stroll down the entire boulevard. The Victoria Memorial and Buckingham Palace are visible to the distant left. St James’s Palace (brick) and Clarence House (white), which is the official London residence of The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall, are behind me. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/616d62a1-99de-4703-b5e0-7ac21abdc84e/tempImageh7OUfw.jpg Blog - Benjamin Franklin in London - Make it stand out The Elizabeth Tower (Big Ben) in the background from The Mall. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0ee15550-013d-4480-938a-81e064d80495/tempImageBhWexu.jpg Blog - Benjamin Franklin in London - Make it stand out The Grand Old Duke of York, he had 10,000 men, he marched them up to the top of the steps… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/aac5826f-5d20-4904-b7c2-11f305db4a43/tempImageP8r5wg.jpg Blog - Benjamin Franklin in London - Make it stand out On the pages are the names of every police officer who died on the fourteenth of January (today’s date). The pages are turned daily. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/dc1fd2d8-dadb-4a73-a62c-b877199d7f89/tempImagekmEvV0.jpg Blog - Benjamin Franklin in London - Make it stand out The National Police Memorial https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0936f15e-dc0d-48a9-8c19-75a577cd5d0d/tempImageQsaBCY.jpg Blog - Benjamin Franklin in London - Make it stand out The Horse Guards Parade https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/300919ef-06e6-4676-8b35-180329a4aecb/tempImagef0kmQX.jpg Blog - Benjamin Franklin in London - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/09a53208-a410-4fab-9eae-61b4d11a60e2/tempImageScxB9q.jpg Blog - Benjamin Franklin in London - Make it stand out Great Scotland Yard is a street in Westminster, London, connecting Northumberland Avenue and Whitehall. By the 16th century, this “yard,” which was then a series of open courtyards within the Palace of Whitehall, was fronted by buildings used by diplomatic representatives of the Kingdom of Scotland. In the 19th century, it was a street and open space, which was the location of a public entrance to the original headquarters of the Metropolitan Police Service of London, causing the name “Scotland Yard” to become synonymous with the police service. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/eedd274d-8571-4f6a-88ef-4e6b67c15528/tempImagetxqcur.jpg Blog - Benjamin Franklin in London - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/450c9f01-9e13-48a4-967b-1032eb2d743d/tempImageSH49px.jpg Blog - Benjamin Franklin in London - Make it stand out Right next to the Great Scotland Yard is the spot where Harry and Mr Weazley enter the Ministry of Magic in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. The way in is via a telephone box which descends underground. Unfortunately, there is no telephone box there in real life. The bridge next to the booth was either a set or CG’d in to cover the brown door. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0e916183-5e0e-468e-a197-bfaa381c557b/Booth+1.jpeg Blog - Benjamin Franklin in London - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/54055f90-db08-4341-ac63-5165761ab159/tempImageKJ7IVw.jpg Blog - Benjamin Franklin in London - Make it stand out The street is seen again in Deathly Hallows Part 1, just before Harry, Hermione, & Ron use Polyjuice Potion to enter the Ministry undetected. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/45317ed8-35cc-4f11-920a-d5074ca7d2d7/Ron.jpeg Blog - Benjamin Franklin in London - Make it stand out There probably aren’t many of you out there, but maybe a small few will study the photos and notice the one inconsistency in the photo with me and the one with Ron. (I’d write this upside down at the bottom of the page if I could: the building near the small blue car in the photo with me has undergone a complete restructuring of the building’s façade since the film was made.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/01735090-50a5-4f79-a961-8133c2046d22/tempImagexknsUJ.jpg Blog - Benjamin Franklin in London - Make it stand out A few blocks later we arrived at our destination: 36 Craven Street. The is the only surviving house where Benjamin Franklin lived. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/48ecc9e7-6b26-4c39-9b0f-099898bc4555/tempImageUrlxq7.jpg Blog - Benjamin Franklin in London - Make it stand out Benjamin Franklin was born in Boston, Massachusetts in 1706 to an American mother, Abiah Folger, and a British father, Josiah. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/97c6db70-3d40-4c39-b1e2-146368f87a99/tempImageHGLHj4.jpg Blog - Benjamin Franklin in London - Make it stand out For nearly sixteen years between 1757 and 1775, Dr Benjamin Franklin—scientist, diplomat, philosopher, inventor, Founding Father of the United States, and more—lived in a rented flat at 36 Craven Street. In London he was chief colonial diplomat and this home was, in effect, the first US embassy. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/538588fe-83cb-479f-ad8c-62515a792fe1/tempImagegP7d7y.jpg Blog - Benjamin Franklin in London - Make it stand out The house was used as a stage to present a mini drama where an actor, lighting, and visual projection told the rich story of Franklin in London. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/850db68b-e12d-4aab-bb61-066e543a92bc/tempImage3gvg4L.jpg Blog - Benjamin Franklin in London - Make it stand out Keith was fond of learning about and visiting sites associated with the founders of the USA, so we added a note to the visitor’s book. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/74b0e559-a24c-4b0d-b650-3400638e932f/tempImage8K7Q34.jpg Blog - Benjamin Franklin in London - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8ca01906-1c0f-400f-a71f-844aae43ab7c/tempImageabbhRc.jpg Blog - Benjamin Franklin in London - Make it stand out For many years now Amanda has followed vegan educator Earthling Ed (Ed Winters) on social media. He is a leading expert of veganism as an ethical movement. Being Veganuary, Ed’s new book has been widely promoted throughout London, as in the window of this bookstore. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a26a56d4-18d7-41b0-968e-5b39161973b9/tempImagebd1Re5.jpg Blog - Benjamin Franklin in London - Make it stand out Unity Diner was founded in East London in September 2018 by a group of close friends (including Ed Winters) on a mission to make a positive difference. Amanda and I have wanted to visit for years, so this was a bit of a dream come true this afternoon. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/670a3382-3836-48ba-9890-3923e299d169/tempImagejjkv3G.jpg Blog - Benjamin Franklin in London - Make it stand out Unity Diner is now London’s biggest 100% vegan diner and cocktail bar. Unity Diner’s menu includes Redefine Meat, which is only available at a handful of restaurants in London, including Unity Diner. Redefine Meat's 3D printed steak has been featured in media across the world due to its mind-blowing realistic texture and taste. The “new meat” steak is considered the “holy grail” of the plant-based industry. Sorry, I had a hankering for a burger so I can’t report on the bacon-wrapped filet mignon. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0e74cb0b-8bfa-41eb-bf80-129f9c0bc72a/tempImagei88D9M.jpg Blog - Benjamin Franklin in London - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/91a3f6de-ae05-4a3d-a8d2-9ec6ccdfb7f5/tempImageZkCAwA.jpg Blog - Benjamin Franklin in London - Make it stand out Our dinners were delicious and lived up to the hype. However, it was the dessert of ice cream waffles, with fried chicken and bacon, that really stole the show—it was phenomenal! We forgot to take the picture before we had half devoured it and completely destroyed the presentation, but trust us, it was soooo good! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f4faf0b1-ff99-4597-a78e-c71d32cce81b/tempImageN1M8XE.jpg Blog - Benjamin Franklin in London - Make it stand out The perfect end to another perfect day! https://www.overthehillandacrossthepond.com/blog/richmond monthly 0.5 2023-11-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/462dd483-6827-48e7-903d-6fe9e26a6c72/tempImagepjhmME.jpg Blog - Richmond - Make it stand out The archway into the Old Palace Yard is one of the few remaining fragments of the old palace, which was destroyed under the Commonwealth in the seventeenth century (Thanks a lot Oliver Cromwell, you bellend!). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/34a864ca-0229-4307-b5e2-49d5bcb94dfc/tempImageucwoIO.jpg Blog - Richmond - Make it stand out Henry VII’s Coat of Arms consisted of a standing dog and dragon holding a crest decorated with lions and fleurs de lys surmounted by a crown. Henry took the dragon of Wales as his emblem in reference to his Welsh ancestry. I couldn't find anything to explain the dog. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c17398bd-bf1f-4c6e-969e-b51b5b067134/tempImageUpATrF.jpg Blog - Richmond - Make it stand out Today Richmond is well known for its gorgeous greens (this is Richmond Green above), but perhaps is now best known for its staring role in the hilarious Apple TV series Ted Lasso. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/980b8895-bc31-415a-8114-a6d3ab38b90b/tempImageaBZnYm.jpg Blog - Richmond - Make it stand out Standing in front of the now famous The Princes Head pub, which was renamed The Crown & Anchor in the show. Ted’s apartment is down the walkway to the right. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3d5cd875-5211-43ab-9c7d-3879119cd456/tempImageSPldOB.jpg Blog - Richmond - Make it stand out We sat in a cozy corner of the pub surrounded by Ted Lasso memorabilia (Amanda has a British Frontier lager and I have a Japanese Asahi lager). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/54b581c9-ca78-4f62-b06c-9a74f74dea1c/Ted+1.jpeg Blog - Richmond - Make it stand out The booth we’re seated in above is visible behind the cast. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/fc0e6c2d-8d6c-4436-b6b8-76320b2c31f4/tempImagenBQlzT.jpg Blog - Richmond - Make it stand out The iconic bar https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/88fa110c-16a6-4dc2-9db4-3e5d4e323f0c/tempImageoa4cBK.jpg Blog - Richmond - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5f27127d-85ab-4599-a6ad-35e10933cacf/Ted+4.jpeg Blog - Richmond - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/544e8ca0-6043-4d24-b828-70a907d86c00/tempImageKm3lzJ.jpg Blog - Richmond - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3c44f9d6-2bce-4454-b788-1164de108e06/tempImage7fTKnr.jpg Blog - Richmond - Make it stand out The iconic phone booths https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/fc31781c-1dbc-4492-87b2-37c299ebca76/Ted+3.jpeg Blog - Richmond - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/89029bc3-1797-47fd-b313-0db6c0416804/tempImagetBmSQU.jpg Blog - Richmond - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7f3c1bdd-d52e-45eb-94dd-774bc9c768c0/tempImagefN6S1x.jpg Blog - Richmond - Make it stand out The door to Ted’s apartment. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9adeac5e-1a67-42b1-b0f0-35d94cdd8a17/Ted+6.jpeg Blog - Richmond - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d44d6e28-23b9-4903-aa72-501bafc86625/tempImageEIpVa6.jpg Blog - Richmond - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f8a30741-2770-4f16-bd8f-01f6f9c68734/tempImageFksD8F.jpg Blog - Richmond - Make it stand out The connection with the show was super fun, but look at the photos above and below and you’ll see the true appeal of Richmond is its charm. From the moment we walked out of the train station, the city was charming. There is one “fly” in the ointment however: the city is on the final approach to Heathrow, with noisy planes passing overhead literally every 30 seconds. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5c2ce8fc-f07d-442a-b89f-88b55428db76/tempImage6dbeSH.jpg Blog - Richmond - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7614bd79-b26f-4a7a-bc2b-96ef629c3014/tempImageq494JN.jpg Blog - Richmond - Make it stand out After lunch we walked down the Kew Riverside Walk to see the Richmond Lock and Weir. This is the footpath over the River Thames and the lock. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d0f44782-ffc1-42b2-8762-cd230e168bea/tempImageSp44IW.jpg Blog - Richmond - Make it stand out The lock control house and bridge have such a Disneyland vibe, very Victorian. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5f5efbda-b1ce-4e3e-b178-aaaeebbe866e/tempImagetWevLM.jpg Blog - Richmond - Make it stand out Just south of the city center and overlooking the River Thames is Terrace Gardens. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5c78692b-096f-4677-b1a7-7d3e17626095/Painting.jpeg Blog - Richmond - Make it stand out In 1819, painter Joseph Mallord William Turner painted “England: Richmond Hill, on the Prince Regent’s Birthday” (above) from Terrace Garden. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/34f8ab3a-8359-48dc-98b6-b3b1d8cbd20f/tempImageMMf8nE.jpg Blog - Richmond - Make it stand out The pictures simply do not do justice to the gorgeous vistas. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5995d500-8ced-49bc-b11c-035ebc88ce58/tempImageGEKMvr.jpg Blog - Richmond - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d92afa9c-9f31-45ac-8372-5ef89f97668d/tempImagethdvRm.jpg Blog - Richmond - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/95208fa5-995d-49a5-bfd1-a7d09b97314d/tempImageBsKzfv.jpg Blog - Richmond - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0415df06-e7ca-4b83-9a0d-b01b67de44c9/tempImagesDQAr1.jpg Blog - Richmond - Make it stand out Twickenham Bridge https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9fc2e717-1f8a-4a2f-a301-ce2254343349/tempImagexbzujh.jpg Blog - Richmond - Make it stand out Thank you Richmond for a wonderful day! ☀️ https://www.overthehillandacrossthepond.com/blog/snapshots monthly 0.5 2023-11-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/de17206e-de43-4520-801a-1580fb83c7c0/tempImageqGpO90.jpg Blog - Snapshots - Make it stand out Inside the department store Fortnum & Mason on Monday, Jan 9. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/90ff4d11-ccb4-4ca9-93ae-4a8c543c1cb6/tempImagefvWV8k.jpg Blog - Snapshots - Make it stand out Practically perfect in every way (Mary Poppins too). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/64cd2232-8a65-42ca-974e-d817da9835b4/tempImagemUG349.jpg Blog - Snapshots - Make it stand out You’re a wizard Harry, and a thumping good one I'd wager, once you train up a little. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/35989d2f-584e-49c4-9c56-9cd21f8b0394/tempImagekpS0mX.jpg Blog - Snapshots - Make it stand out The ODEON theater in Leicester Square where the Harry Potter films premiered. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3575e6cb-3e37-457b-8502-66280f207a27/tempImageUpzF2P.jpg Blog - Snapshots - Make it stand out Look closely and you’ll see the Caped Crusader on the roof of the theater! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4bccb61a-4c8a-487d-b536-f7d504cc4ee1/tempImage2NoGeM.jpg Blog - Snapshots - Make it stand out Stepped inside Pret A Manger for a quick bite and found a dime. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/99d82eea-58e7-45e7-b3ea-e5945dcfb18a/tempImagesKinTE.jpg Blog - Snapshots - Make it stand out British Museum on Tuesday, Jan 10 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8ca97220-04fb-4b52-a7b1-73958c71ed2d/tempImageJHBaKW.jpg Blog - Snapshots - Make it stand out Such symmetry https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/85040522-023a-4898-b802-1cefa5bc1889/tempImagepj58JL.jpg Blog - Snapshots - Make it stand out Copy of Rosetta Stone https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/bae7bfbd-3c5f-4ce6-b8fb-59ef4870de79/tempImagesTuuge.jpg Blog - Snapshots - Make it stand out A recovered temple. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8e0bdd19-6d5b-4308-bbab-7b74192972eb/tempImagec0hroO.jpg Blog - Snapshots - Make it stand out If you watched the TV series Mr Selridge with Jeremy Piven, this is the actual store in London. It is massive on a scale that is hard to describe; this one store is literally the size of an entire shopping mall. It’s actually overwhelming to walk through and, essentially, if you’re not a millionaire, don’t even bother. A gigantic store, all disappointingly inaccessible to all but the very wealthy. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/02b0a287-44ee-4483-908e-c54c8a5ebb12/tempImageutXYGs.jpg Blog - Snapshots - Make it stand out Amanda bought Spare by Prince Harry from Hatchard’s—booksellers since 1797. On Wednesday morning (Jan 11) she bought the book and quickly hid it in her new Kensington Palace canvas book bag, for fear of being stoned by the Brits. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/76d825f6-44e4-4369-b978-eb4488871604/tempImagegkb7V3.jpg Blog - Snapshots - Make it stand out She exposed the book briefly before entering the door to our apartment. We made it! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0359ae04-bdcd-4076-94d6-df45df69bbce/tempImagedfuSs2.jpg Blog - Snapshots - Make it stand out Despite the book purchase, we were still able to get near the Changing of the Guard ceremony at Buckingham Palace. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e9d2f00c-8470-4d90-b026-2d0ab32d2ea1/tempImage5nfv8k.jpg Blog - Snapshots - Make it stand out Victoria Memorial outside Buckingham Palace https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/74138ace-cad2-4ff9-be60-a7e005ca3ad1/tempImageEZazEI.jpg Blog - Snapshots - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5b094466-54d4-4698-8b03-e70594c41ce5/tempImageooxOGW.jpg Blog - Snapshots - Make it stand out The gates at Buckingham Palace. If the Union Jack is flying above Buckingham Palace, as it is here, the King is not in residence. When the King is at the Palace, the Royal Standard flies. Likewise, when he goes to Parliament, the Royal Standard flies from Victoria Tower. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ec089e6b-be50-4fbc-9c6f-6e780bd3d0f2/tempImageEEPJLT.jpg Blog - Snapshots - Make it stand out Harrods department store is massive on the same scale as Selfridge & Co. Sadly, I found the extravagant display of wealth in both stores extremely off-putting. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/95c16314-bff6-4df4-b253-e2d639517f67/tempImageUqY36G.jpg Blog - Snapshots - Make it stand out The only enjoyable part of Harrods were the food halls. Harrods is every bit as snooty as Selfridge & Co, but the array of high-quality foods was stunning. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/535402ec-2191-4d03-9712-e5fc65dbd528/tempImageLkeoZx.jpg Blog - Snapshots - Make it stand out Here is the truffle and artichoke sandwich on olive bread (shockingly only £12) from Harrods. While the store was generally a temple of vapid consumerism, the sandwich was truly an experience! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ed99516d-00ed-4290-8f7e-e1dff68e2b20/tempImageEc6PCF.jpg Blog - Snapshots - Make it stand out On the viewing platform at the Wellington Arch looking down Constitution Hill toward Buckingham Palace on Thursday, Jan 12. The Shard and London Eye are just visible to the left and the top of the Elizabeth Tower (Big Ben) is poking up on the right. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c32495e6-3020-46cf-b6fb-e8fdcf165399/tempImageCTIMcj.jpg Blog - Snapshots - Make it stand out Despite the sign, I still hit my head! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/55c8a315-fdd7-4e5b-ae56-0adc539df8fc/tempImageQ0AGO8.jpg Blog - Snapshots - Make it stand out The stairwell down from the top of the Wellington Arch. The Wellington Arch is also known as the Constitution Arch or the Green Park Arch. From its construction (1826–1830) the arch stood in a different location nearby; it was moved to its current site in 1882–1883. Marble Arch is its compliment. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/446132d0-526f-4d65-9266-dedbc84c0ff0/tempImagegD6p4G.jpg Blog - Snapshots - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3b3b4d7e-eba3-4fe5-ba03-3ea608e2e17e/Wellington_on_Arch_2.jpg Blog - Snapshots - Make it stand out The arch originally had a colossal statue with Duke Wellington on his horse. The statue was widely considered to be oversized for the arch and was hugely unpopular. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/63065000-15bc-4741-9c54-8fdb3fca9ba7/tempImagehs1gUb.jpg Blog - Snapshots - Make it stand out The Duke was removed and eventually replaced in 1912 by Peace Descending on the Quadriga of War—a bronze quadriga (an ancient four-horse chariot) ridden by the Goddess of Victory Nike. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5dcce21b-bfeb-426b-a8f6-62b2e3985a4d/tempImageVfAjwj.jpg Blog - Snapshots - Make it stand out We’ve passed St James’s Church Piccadilly several times and finally decided to go inside. Initially its seems very plain, but closer inspection reveals an ornate and understated beauty. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/be4de444-2211-4b6c-90b8-5edf6b39547b/tempImageZPLdGf.jpg Blog - Snapshots - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a558cc4c-5f11-4528-ac86-1c322bcc1fc4/tempImage819NaZ.jpg Blog - Snapshots - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2cddf6fa-77ff-4013-a74d-2557fe735d9a/tempImageREDlmv.jpg Blog - Snapshots - Make it stand out You may recall the stained glass window and alter from Anthony and Edwina's wedding during the deeply disappointing session 2 of Bridgerton . https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/fb5c67b8-c85f-43c6-9dd4-ac78775cbec4/6792_bridgerton_st+james%27s+church+piccadilly_4.png Blog - Snapshots - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/099c373e-9570-47ed-9d10-d0a61b8607d3/tempImage0bRas7.jpg Blog - Snapshots - Make it stand out Lighting a candle for Keith and Nita. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4c003d79-3239-4afa-bbf3-0693a124a3d5/tempImage8Tvv7v.jpg Blog - Snapshots - Make it stand out The stunning organ. The image gets a little dark toward the top, but the detail is simply amazing. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4accbab6-edac-47a5-834a-d2d6d2ee9c2e/tempImagepneRvO.jpg Blog - Snapshots - Make it stand out This is Great Newport Street in Covent Garden. During the opening scenes of Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, three death eaters descend from the sky and fly past Trafalgar Square, up Charing Cross Road, and blast through this gate and into Diagon Alley, where they kidnap Mr Ollivander. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3e13c5a7-1c45-4aca-93cb-0d25ea7b844e/tempImageO3vh7G.jpg Blog - Snapshots - Make it stand out We tried to enter Diagon Alley, but I guess no muggles are allowed. Just up the road is where the West End play of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child is on stage. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8406db24-55f3-4d3f-af84-6e1d8c6980ab/tempImage4G1Q3G.jpg Blog - Snapshots - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/499d3857-dba6-4192-9032-aef81b1ba4f6/tempImageyOWNa3.jpg Blog - Snapshots - Make it stand out The building is gorgeous. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6111fd49-9476-4c68-88b3-d6280364da57/tempImage9gvjpK.jpg Blog - Snapshots - Make it stand out We were tempted to attend, but the tickets were steep. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/fc1c97a7-f245-413b-8e8b-c9762296ebda/tempImageMqp6WC.jpg Blog - Snapshots - Make it stand out Music shops on the famous Denmark Street in Soho. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8e43d976-3778-47fb-b743-a9852a6e67a7/tempImageOLqGH9.jpg Blog - Snapshots - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d54236da-7bed-4a19-8322-679725cf628a/tempImage0JLAHC.jpg Blog - Snapshots - Make it stand out Pretty clever. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/329d482c-ff2a-42c6-913f-c83e55049455/tempImageo7BL2k.jpg Blog - Snapshots - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c34e4504-6272-4337-89cd-018bbc3bb250/tempImageCO3ZJw.jpg Blog - Snapshots - Make it stand out Amazing door adornment. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0c4ca827-c5c9-4b0d-a908-36b7a69f1b11/tempImageDjnQmX.jpg Blog - Snapshots - Make it stand out We randomly turned down a street because it looked beautiful and then we turned down a tiny alley because we saw a Lamb and Flag logo. Amazing choices because they led us to the Lamb and Flag pub, which claims to be the oldest in Covent Garden and allegedly frequented by Charles Dickens. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e7cf3239-35ea-4322-90e4-be79999c585c/tempImagekylRPw.jpg Blog - Snapshots - Make it stand out This sign is on the slanted roof of the narrow alleyway that leads to the scene of an attack on the poet John Dryden in 1679 by thugs hired by John Wilmot, 2nd Earl of Rochester, with whom he had a long-standing conflict https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ad357c8d-bb43-46ad-aaa9-9c96efffaf94/tempImageg5aSKL.jpg Blog - Snapshots - Make it stand out The ambiance inside seems little changed from days of old—an exceptionally atmospheric interior! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/016a5d63-7987-471e-bfc0-912e615d078d/tempImageoDg9Om.jpg Blog - Snapshots - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/97b46d24-63e4-4c41-a748-610472c9ca5a/tempImageTYsMbh.jpg Blog - Snapshots - Make it stand out Warm mulled cider with spiced rum. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4fd59a14-15b5-4a05-a5a3-d0dcb353312f/tempImageHg4EaN.jpg Blog - Snapshots - Make it stand out Hi Dad!! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/61eb81d6-1f4b-4078-84f2-b20f8bc1cef0/tempImageam6kt4.jpg Blog - Snapshots - Make it stand out Random beautiful architecture is everywhere you look. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/db1328c9-a36f-4257-abf4-bd45fc03d6fa/tempImage65dCfd.jpg Blog - Snapshots - Make it stand out The glorious marble interior of Australia House became the interior for Gringotts, the wizards bank run by goblins in the Harry Potter films. You cannot go inside, but by briefly looking through the glass doors, you can see the magnificent crystal chandeliers that are a prominent feature of the Gringotts banking hall in the films. “Well, there's your money, Harry, Gringotts, the wizard bank. Aint no safer place, not one, 'xcept, perhaps, Hogwarts.” - Hagrid London: Endlessly Entertaining! https://www.overthehillandacrossthepond.com/blog/beauty monthly 0.5 2023-11-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d8795df2-e895-4575-b80b-44d686501669/tempImage9HCczs.jpg Blog - Beauty - Make it stand out Leaving the Old Street Tube station on our way to the Columbia Road Flower Market (Sunday, May 8). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/14f2fc2b-bebb-4290-a9ce-e9fe3c2d4cfb/tempImagedXV1AW.jpg Blog - Beauty - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/cff26643-d13e-4edc-8b34-c1013df41949/tempImageV11doV.jpg Blog - Beauty - Make it stand out Hidcote Blue Lavender produces one of the most amazing lavender scents. This bunch was so powerful we could smell it from across the street. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/954c3c3f-5469-4a73-95c8-3172ddb20c75/tempImaged1hvWQ.jpg Blog - Beauty - Make it stand out “Flowers always make people better, happier, and more helpful; they are sunshine, food, and medicine for the soul.” - Luther Burbank https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/bc6e2146-fa69-4359-ad2a-c36d64ed81ee/tempImageGCkt6v.jpg Blog - Beauty - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/fcf7e875-622e-4ec9-81eb-54d04e0d35aa/tempImagepYYll3.jpg Blog - Beauty - Make it stand out Not into cactus, but wow! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0e70e820-3c19-4688-8aca-4bcf418d654d/tempImagedgfJQh.jpg Blog - Beauty - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ad4aac73-ecf7-4e8e-9a36-a45c9c6fc2f6/tempImageKbV9bG.jpg Blog - Beauty - Make it stand out “Roses do not bloom hurriedly, for beauty, like any masterpiece, takes time to blossom.” -Matshona Dhilwayo https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/da5aedc9-2b5f-4eeb-b473-f1c230154b71/tempImage8dqvOK.jpg Blog - Beauty - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2499879c-10c4-42e0-a0c6-30271065c050/tempImageXRQtjy.jpg Blog - Beauty - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/793295d2-5b46-4203-8dad-d64a751005f2/tempImageWYUkqN.jpg Blog - Beauty - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f4fed826-21f1-4cae-b80f-5f044ad82be7/tempImageymRrXs.jpg Blog - Beauty - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/729db46a-f223-4110-b6be-11976baf6014/tempImageBiyKln.jpg Blog - Beauty - Make it stand out “Consider the lilies of the field, how they grow; they toil not, neither do they spin. And yet I say unto you that even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like one of these.” - Matthew 6:28-29 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6aefef0a-12a9-48a7-9fd2-91fb0538aa8e/tempImagezZBi51.jpg Blog - Beauty - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5efc5e38-3ef4-4fcb-852a-893b06b2aec5/tempImageGQJqwO.jpg Blog - Beauty - Make it stand out “You’re only here for a short visit. Don’t hurry. Don’t worry. And be sure to smell the flowers along the way.” - Walter Hagen https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/804ed1bc-4eb4-401d-9eb6-521ef4a12333/tempImageuoYWdk.jpg Blog - Beauty - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/70935199-fae7-42f1-90ea-846d9ca4951c/tempImageWvfFtL.jpg Blog - Beauty - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4cee3a04-649c-4ccd-bc98-07f1ab9a46c7/tempImagepMGd48.jpg Blog - Beauty - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0780077b-1d94-4767-b483-272775e7cd35/tempImage49JDgm.jpg Blog - Beauty - Make it stand out Crazy Rich Asians https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/76d2661f-65c9-42ef-b866-249173754bbf/tempImage6w1DfJ.jpg Blog - Beauty - Make it stand out From the flower market we walked to Brick Lane, famous for its concentration of Indian restaurants—”having a curry.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0f22d02f-bdb4-472f-91cc-75dabaac1414/tempImagem9n6FW.jpg Blog - Beauty - Make it stand out Along the way we encountered a flurry of Sunday street markets. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7bc01ad8-e459-4a62-b429-e7e2598074f7/tempImagech4dNS.jpg Blog - Beauty - Make it stand out Old cab as mobile coffee shop. The roof lifts and he stands inside and makes the coffees. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/dc015329-e29d-42b5-8144-a4895a598258/tempImageZTGx29.jpg Blog - Beauty - Make it stand out And then we discovered this stunnin’ shop. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c4928db7-df42-4666-b5ab-7ecb10e87f20/tempImageegDVaj.jpg Blog - Beauty - Make it stand out As we entered we were enveloped with the most delicious chocolate aroma you can imagine. You think Willy Wonka might appear at any moment. Every imaginable chocolate confection was there! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d5e3204f-5ff6-4ae1-a74f-4580308abbd2/tempImageodybK2.jpg Blog - Beauty - Make it stand out Chocolate growing on trees. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a5eca5d5-61f3-4470-b407-ee5e11cdda2a/tempImage8R0L1c.jpg Blog - Beauty - Make it stand out https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/bedc8995-fa50-4b0f-a473-f25a1587d918/tempImageMCdYdx.jpg Blog - Beauty - Make it stand out We continued down Brick Lane and had lunch at Aladin Indian Restaurant (No, that’s not a typo. Click the link; that’s how they spell it. ). Amanda had chana masala (of course) and I had vegetable biriyani. Both dishes were good but we confess ourselves underwhelmed, particularly with regard to spice. The restaurant wins awards every year, including 2022, so I’m not sure what happened today. Amanda even had her dish prepared Balti style, which is prepared in a cast iron dish with added spices and herbs to adds extra flavor. No such luck I’m afraid. OK, now we’re just dreaming of Dishoom—which they also have in London! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/652cb4ca-5e10-4998-ba00-1e8b16b2f5c2/tempImage6sw5dq.jpg Blog - Beauty - Make it stand out I did finally get a Bangla beer again. I had this on our trip with Dan and Elizabeth in 2015 and loved it. Since then I have searched high and low everywhere I’ve traveled in the US and never could find a single bottle. The verdict 7½ years later? Well, it was very good, but at Dishoom in Edinburgh we ordered Kingfisher beer for the first time and I have to say I enjoyed the Kingfisher more. Another benefit of course being that Kingfisher is widely available in the States. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3ea5e81f-0dcd-4609-8813-889dd407a51e/tempImage9847CV.jpg Blog - Beauty - Make it stand out After lunch we walked to the Ten Bells pub but the upstairs was closed, so we moved on and wandered through the Spitalfields Market to get out of the rain. The rain showed no sign of letting up so we pushed on toward Leadenhall Market. On the way we passed the Kraken-sized suppository known as The Gherkin (the pickle). It is one of the most easily-recognized buildings in London’s modern skyline. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1bb57eec-220d-4d81-bda6-7e0ba521e7c4/tempImageDEHtCg.jpg Blog - Beauty - Make it stand out More modern architecture. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e0c0469b-66f2-4260-9f06-70e270ed2046/tempImageIH83qg.jpg Blog - Beauty - Make it stand out Of course we passed a TK Maxx and just had to go in (different name, same crap!). I survived; she came out empty-handed. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a13454f4-1512-4962-b91d-f35d93d37c4a/tempImage8092wa.jpg Blog - Beauty - Make it stand out We finally arrived at Leadenhall Market. While Sunday had greeted us with lively street markets all day, nearly every shop at Leadenhall was dark. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/220e37f3-a296-498c-9f9f-1d3695b54ab9/tempImagesxMvri.jpg Blog - Beauty - Make it stand out Leadenhall Market dates back to 1321 and is situated in what was the center of Roman London. The current design dates back to 1881. Enjoying the beautiful cobbled streets and grand Victorian facades, is it any wonder the director chose this as one of the first scenes you ever see watching the Harry Potter movies? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/65915000-9dae-4973-852e-e547bd753c20/tempImage8VvemS.jpg Blog - Beauty - Make it stand out This is the door used by Hagrid and Harry to enter the Leaky Cauldron (and Diagon Alley beyond). The building was abandoned when we visited. Hmm…maybe we should open a Leaky Cauldron; it would be amazing! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/effa4be4-7c75-41d7-a73f-2578914fcb45/Cauldron.jpeg Blog - Beauty - Make it stand out It was painted black in the movie, but very much the same place. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8a293bef-85f0-41b0-b21c-3f6e9f35c268/tempImagerE1CYB.jpg Blog - Beauty - Make it stand out We crossed the London Bridge in the pouring rain to get to the Shard. (If we were in the US, there would be a Country music song waiting to be written there.) Starting to feel pretty soaked through by this point. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e1393c46-588d-48f7-831e-aa7ffaa8ba82/Shard.jpeg Blog - Beauty - Make it stand out The Shard https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a7613a62-5a3e-4419-b3f2-deb4066219f5/tempImagejEuhuM.jpg Blog - Beauty - Make it stand out The Shard comprises 26 floors of office space, three floors of restaurants, the 19-floor five-star Shangri-La Hotel, 13 floors of residential apartments, and London’s highest public viewing gallery on the 72nd floor. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b2baf346-6374-48fd-9146-63b5cf4ca10f/tempImageZLLJDb.jpg Blog - Beauty - Make it stand out We'‘re head up to The View From The Shard. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/25aba00b-2ce2-4803-8d85-0e2b0b829dac/tempImageXMqlFB.jpg Blog - Beauty - Make it stand out The Christmas wreath on the Level 72 observation deck. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d0896e11-8a52-420d-b9a5-83ad3283902f/tempImagectDvsq.jpg Blog - Beauty - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7ba4eb52-058b-4b1f-a5e8-4fc38696d78e/tempImagelH7R2u.jpg Blog - Beauty - Make it stand out More Christmas decorations on the Level 72 observation deck. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/348474d4-164a-407b-af9a-2d2921d3cec1/tempImageH7udkd.jpg Blog - Beauty - Make it stand out The Christmas tree on the enclosed Level 68 (sorry boys!) observation deck. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e0bfb6f9-a1aa-4430-9a52-d42258849112/tempImageruqi1j.jpg Blog - Beauty - Make it stand out The view east—HMS Belfast, Tower of London, Tower Bridge, and London City Hall in the foreground. Canary Wharf in the distance. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6797fae6-2516-4f6b-ad23-8931ec8449d1/tempImagelvpHQe.jpg Blog - Beauty - Make it stand out The view west—London Bridge (right), Cannon Street Railway Bridge, Southwark Bridge, Millennium Bridge, and Blackfriars Bridges. St Paul’s Cathedral can just be made out in the center on the far bank. At 364 feet at its highest point, St Paul’s Cathedral was London’s tallest building from 1710 until 1963. The first true "skyscraper" to be built in London was in 1980 in the City of London, not far from St Paul’s Cathedral. The Shard's construction began in March 2009; ironically, this was precisely when we first visited London. Construction was completed at the end of 2012. At 1,016 feet tall, the Shard is the tallest building in the UK and the 7th tallest in Europe. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9a88a130-afa4-4344-8c56-336704c40374/tempImagerivtfY.jpg Blog - Beauty - Make it stand out You really have to zoom in to see the London Eye (right) and Westminster Palace (left) further west. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b936d89a-86f8-46d9-8d67-84b8e72afca6/tempImagepm9T3d.jpg Blog - Beauty - Make it stand out The open-air view up from Level 72, with the peak of one of the “glass shards” on the right and another, taller shard continuing up to the left. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6d5c8c8e-41a3-4504-bb96-d2f31d1bbfdf/tempImageq9P1Hw.jpg Blog - Beauty - Make it stand out As the sun set. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/13cc226e-c63e-4bf2-8e60-d9f0f8be3bb2/tempImageLK8Jv4.jpg Blog - Beauty - Make it stand out Tower Bridge illuminated https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/761cce89-be43-4d41-95d2-a5755a2d3449/tempImagegZRywI.jpg Blog - Beauty - Make it stand out As the sun begins to make it’s way to all of you, all the bridges to the west light up. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3e2be767-921e-4acc-b021-187afcad92f9/tempImageCCfgHs.jpg Blog - Beauty - Make it stand out St Paul’s Cathedral in noir. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/dcf3f294-3146-4013-8d7d-85eb2798049c/tempImageY4uBbL.jpg Blog - Beauty - Make it stand out Tower of London and Tower Bridge in noir. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/495c66df-c4ea-4630-9725-0ca93f531949/tempImagezdvFJS.jpg Blog - Beauty - Make it stand out Loo with a View! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c814a758-f085-4a9a-bd03-2feeaa1e2008/tempImageUM3WDG.jpg Blog - Beauty - Make it stand out Great story. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b7df7684-1953-47fe-9067-822068ec584d/tempImagegYSa3F.jpg Blog - Beauty - Make it stand out Back on terra firma. “Never lose an opportunity of seeing anything beautiful, for beauty is God's handwriting.” - Ralph Waldo Emerson From its flower markets to its curry to its skyscrapers—London’s beauty is around every corner. https://www.overthehillandacrossthepond.com/blog/kensington monthly 0.5 2023-11-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/bb69980f-4037-4401-8a65-e5fd6fd2168e/tempImageVGMt9w.jpg Blog - Kensington Palace - Make it stand out British Royalty is not necessarily known for their close relationships (especially these days), but I think it’s significant that both William III and Mary II, and Victoria and Albert, were deeply in love with one another. Above you can see the beautifully intertwined monogram W & M that Mary had engraved into the cornice in the Queen’s Drawing Room. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/74d8e168-f9db-4e72-9846-d8d7ad4dcc1d/tempImageLTnk6y.jpg Blog - Kensington Palace - Make it stand out On display just outside the Queen’s Apartment was a copy of the final photograph taken of Queen Elizabeth II while at Balmoral. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a345f337-9fef-4b44-9a08-82125f93772a/tempImagepxdKiy.jpg Blog - Kensington Palace - Make it stand out The King’s Grand Staircase is the first link to the circuit of rooms making up the King's State Apartments. You could take an hour just to explore this stairway alone. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/622eda7d-8b01-4899-a984-c0c6b44c65e1/tempImageJuVGqA.jpg Blog - Kensington Palace - Make it stand out The amazing paintings along the stairway. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a9c7abb8-8dff-4597-b3e1-799063a088ea/tempImagegDmnfq.jpg Blog - Kensington Palace - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/46a4477f-1508-4d39-8e65-9790f10d667f/tempImagelxvUo7.jpg Blog - Kensington Palace - Make it stand out Curtsy at the throne in the Presence Room. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/552a2e83-1aff-4dba-ab4b-2b0005ccc8e9/tempImageFRNl1c.jpg Blog - Kensington Palace - Make it stand out The Queen decorated much of the Palace. Caroline was a great lover of the arts and sciences. She met and was so impressed by Issac Newton that she had his bust added to the Privy Chamber. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a8cbd7a4-3a01-4f20-bfa5-241a710f30cf/tempImagehOUv64.jpg Blog - Kensington Palace - Make it stand out The spectacular ceiling in the Privy Chamber, depicting Mars, the Roman God of War, and Minerva, the Goddess of Wisdom. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/165906e5-9d92-45d4-9739-587da63a727d/tempImageUZ30F6.jpg Blog - Kensington Palace - Make it stand out The Cupola Room is the most splendidly decorated room in the palace. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/315a2a3b-8dca-4d4e-ad78-4e4239e22a6b/tempImagesGNjxA.jpg Blog - Kensington Palace - Make it stand out The Temple of the Four Grand Monarchies is an exquisitely decorated clock with a hand-painted clockface, silver reliefs, and bronzes representing the Four Grand Monarchies (Assyrian, Persian, Grecian, and Roman). The clock originally played music by George Handel, Arcangelo Corelli, and Francesco Geminiani. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/af15b4e7-f11d-4b8a-8370-bb4138ebbf55/tempImage5m6Sj2.jpg Blog - Kensington Palace - Make it stand out I can hardly do justice in attempting to describe the stunning detail and geometry of the ceiling. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3aad2689-c692-464e-9652-a5fa10281014/tempImageTwuPJh.jpg Blog - Kensington Palace - Make it stand out The huge star of the Order of the Garter, the oldest English order of chivalry, was placed in the center of the ceiling to send the message that even though he was German, King George I was the rightful British monarch. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/78728247-cd22-4f2f-bd17-47d4e5508ff7/tempImageQxHifn.jpg Blog - Kensington Palace - Make it stand out The ceiling in the King’s Drawing Room took inspiration from Ovid’s Metamorphoses. In the central panel, Jupiter, King of the Olympian gods, appears to his lover Semele. The imagery of grapes, wine, and vine leaves that surround them reference the room’s function as a space for lavish entertainment. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2371e22b-13bc-480a-8896-7a1da68ff878/tempImage6XVcu3.jpg Blog - Kensington Palace - Make it stand out Princess Louise's Diamond Necklace Tiara (c. 1890)—This tiara was a wedding gift to Queen Victoria's granddaughter Princess Louise from her parents, Bertie and Alexandra, Prince and Princess of Wales. The design was inspired by traditional Russian costume. Family ties between British and Russian Royals meant the style became popular in Europe in the 19th century. Its clever construction means it can also be worn as a necklace. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/dd4e2edc-090e-4e4c-8e37-af63a012409f/tempImagePxBX9x.jpg Blog - Kensington Palace - Make it stand out The Fife Diamond Tiara (1887)—Princess Louise, Queen Victoria's granddaughter, was given this tiara on her wedding day by her husband, the Duke of Fife. Designed by popular Parisian jeweler Oscar Massin, the pear shaped diamonds are “swing-set” allowing them to move and catch the light when the tiara is worn. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/fd374091-e8da-4d49-a70b-8181d7bf495b/tempImageS1ZhRS.jpg Blog - Kensington Palace - Make it stand out Queen Victoria's Emerald Necklace, Earrings, and Brooch (1843)—Prince Albert designed this matching set of jewels, called a parure, for Victoria. The Queen wore the set to a banquet at Trinity College Cambridge to celebrate her husband's appointment as chancellor. Victoria noted other occasions on which she wore this set including to Prince Alfred's christening, when she paired them with the lace from her wedding dress. Queen Victoria's Emerald Tiara (1845). Prince Albert worked closely with the Queen's Jeweler, Joseph Kitching, to design a tiara that would complement Victoria's emerald and diamond parure. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3bcba4db-2cf0-41e5-b402-e873fdfc5218/tempImageDggkqr.jpg Blog - Kensington Palace - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6c752665-61d4-443a-8884-5d9abed0023c/tempImage8TrXBO.jpg Blog - Kensington Palace - Make it stand out Because Victoria loved to build and play with dolls and dollhouses, a replica Kensington dollhouse was used to show Victoria’s early life at the Palace. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5147b759-d4d1-41e1-afec-b959e4da08a1/tempImageA1NNsf.jpg Blog - Kensington Palace - Make it stand out Vincenzo Bellini’s opera I Puritani (The Puritans) debuted in Paris in 1835 and came to London later that same year, where the young Queen attended several performances. The opera she called “Dear Puritani” became a life-long favorite, perhaps because it was the first she attended with her husband-to-be, the young Prince Albert. The stage above represents the plays Victoria put on as a child. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/97483090-5cbb-4ba5-a5da-858a65cd899d/tempImagefNuGxw.jpg Blog - Kensington Palace - Make it stand out The Ball Room was where Victoria and Albert were first introduced and danced. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e9990048-8ab7-44dd-b9eb-5cc57469910c/tempImagefGEgTw.jpg Blog - Kensington Palace - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5a0f1e4e-3138-4980-ba29-99c931643333/Screenshot+2023-01-09+at+5.06.48+PM.png Blog - Kensington Palace - Make it stand out At 6 a.m. on June 20, 1837, an 18-year-old Victoria was roused from her sleep and told that her 71-year-old uncle, King William IV, had died during the early morning hours of an apparent heart attack. Victoria was now—quite suddenly—Queen of England. The final room on the tour was the Red Saloon, where Victoria made her first public appearance as Queen. Despite being physically tiny (4-11), her confident manner made a great impression on the men gathered at the Accession Council meeting. As the Duke of Wellington described, “She not only filled her chair, she filled the room.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3b4118e4-97da-43fa-b804-c7f02bc78b1c/tempImagePiOTq6.jpg Blog - Kensington Palace - Make it stand out Just outside the Red Saloon, are the portraits of Victoria and Albert. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d5ee71f0-634c-4c21-832c-02158b3ae982/tempImageOrJbXf.jpg Blog - Kensington Palace - Make it stand out Amanda is at the top of the stairs where Victoria stood when she saw Albert for the first time. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d4619979-0c98-4eb8-bfae-2730196d7e63/tempImageixcG8O.jpg Blog - Kensington Palace - Make it stand out Albert sees Victoria for the first time from the bottom of these stairs. When Victoria took the throne, few would ever have guessed that the inexperienced, diminutive royal would rule for as long as she did—63 years and 216 days, to be exact. She remained Britain’s longest-reigning monarch before her great-great-granddaughter, Queen Elizabeth II, served for 70 years. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8b95a879-cddf-4950-9b86-ed8538be39f9/tempImageSSiIE7.jpg Blog - Kensington Palace - Make it stand out A truly glorious backdrop as we view the Princess Diana Memorial Garden with the Statue of Diana, Princess of Wales. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a6820810-2dd2-47c6-b5b3-03b04cdde4b0/tempImageAz7Z81.jpg Blog - Kensington Palace - Make it stand out In the statue, Diana is surrounded by three children who, according to Kensington Palace, together represent the universality and generational impact of the princess' work. Diana was renowned for her philanthropy, having been a patron to more than 100 charities during her lifetime. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4ca36f1f-cbb8-4c42-85c3-1d93231e509c/tempImagePEMxc1.jpg Blog - Kensington Palace - Make it stand out My Amanda, Queen of Paso Robles, with the Round Pond in the background and her new tote bag. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c3a8ed24-c446-493b-8d07-9866a0a88a6c/tempImage4wXkyU.jpg Blog - Kensington Palace - Make it stand out Outside Kensington Palace and the Queen Victoria statue. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/603a4d99-fbc2-4049-ba19-624475f67533/The+Hurting+1.jpeg Blog - Kensington Palace - Make it stand out As best I can recall, The Hurting is the first album (actually cassette tape) I ever owned. I was obsessed with its moody tone, powerful lyrics, and intricate musical sounds. Although the album cover is now the one in all white with a small, seated child—the version shown above was the original. As it turns out, Roland and Curt were photographed at the Round Pond just outside Kensington Palace. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f841f82c-35dc-4c57-9e14-50d427fb041a/tempImage6Gc6AM.jpg Blog - Kensington Palace - Make it stand out It was incredible to stand where the amazing duo posed for the album cover, which was released nearly 40 years ago on March 7, 1983! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2cba5f66-62a6-4673-a98d-60f71846e6f7/tempImageRkHCm5.jpg Blog - Kensington Palace - Make it stand out On our way out of the Kensington Gardens, we stopped by the Peter Pan statue. It’s really amazing with the detailed figures shown all around the base. Peter Pan creator and local resident JM Barrie was inspired by Kensington Gardens. He commissioned Sir George Frampton to build the statue which has been a favourite feature of the gardens since 1912. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9ed312ea-1d88-4ba5-b423-ae72a63730aa/tempImageo0w9Um.jpg Blog - Kensington Palace - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/bd10d4a6-6dd0-4c5c-ae46-8320bf7e2801/tempImage02EPT4.jpg Blog - Kensington Palace - Make it stand out Hyde Park, the Italian Garden, Kensington Park, and Kensington Palace made for a great day in London. https://www.overthehillandacrossthepond.com/blog/7lygwy6vanyjdvhv914bhvoq5pst5z monthly 0.5 2023-11-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/66583492-99ca-44e4-83bc-42326b82f641/tempImaget3O0gS.jpg Blog - Can’t Win ‘em All - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1e54e019-ee47-40fe-a15c-1eca93ebb610/TOKENS.jpg Blog - Can’t Win ‘em All - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/89751bf5-1875-437d-9371-c89c61917fc3/tempImageJdkAsp.jpg Blog - Can’t Win ‘em All - Make it stand out After the Foundling Museum, we went to the Stranger Things Experience. Amanda had found out about this before we left and we bought tickets while still in the States. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c58dac69-ef15-4e3f-bfe2-492c8f2ef513/tempImageswlZlR.jpg Blog - Can’t Win ‘em All - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d7ca9ae6-9d18-4f5a-b010-9b0773298fae/tempImagerpYzs0.jpg Blog - Can’t Win ‘em All - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1201f40a-5fe8-4dc1-84e1-db204abc6f1f/tempImageC0gF9t.jpg Blog - Can’t Win ‘em All - Make it stand out Rock on Billy! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7d47597e-8236-4cb7-a5bb-f527a577a73c/tempImageE0eOA1.jpg Blog - Can’t Win ‘em All - Make it stand out This room was pretty cool! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f4fa4f76-d15a-41db-bd84-d6185e641cfd/tempImagekssQHl.jpg Blog - Can’t Win ‘em All - Make it stand out Hey kids, this is called a phone booth. Not that long ago, the only way to call someone while away from home was to put coins into the phone and pay to make a call. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/eccaf615-3327-4985-a67d-820874cf5886/tempImagesbGKG1.jpg Blog - Can’t Win ‘em All - Make it stand out All 80’s vintage VHS video store. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9400bc17-10c8-4b86-83a3-4042164ae0e6/tempImagegKjSCD.jpg Blog - Can’t Win ‘em All - Make it stand out As if they didn't get enough of our money already! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d0bccfbe-9e83-4714-b7c2-1782c8dcea2a/tempImage9NR9Cm.jpg Blog - Can’t Win ‘em All - Make it stand out Surf’s up my dude! https://www.overthehillandacrossthepond.com/blog/fare-thee-well monthly 0.5 2023-10-29 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/79e3a339-1be8-4543-8421-3a3b03ecc26d/tempImageYbR8iF.jpg Blog - Fare Thee Well - Make it stand out A tearful goodbye. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c22e04e0-d31d-4a93-9c99-c5c2328249cb/tempImagedPRS4Z.jpg Blog - Fare Thee Well - Make it stand out Wexi and Sadie too. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/97db3b45-6f0c-4641-881f-7d162cc563c7/tempImagex9CPSq.jpg Blog - Fare Thee Well - Make it stand out Ready to board https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/389c1ba4-ee9a-4e97-8767-f13ce67d2717/IMG_1612.jpg Blog - Fare Thee Well - Make it stand out Pam’s flight over Hudson Bay on its way to LAX. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/cc83372e-07cf-46ca-b5ef-c47f31362189/tempImageu2PIjK.jpg Blog - Fare Thee Well - Make it stand out Home safe and sound, and reunited with the puppies—we’re so jealous! https://www.overthehillandacrossthepond.com/blog/2kz2oujjnzrenmi3e0bj8j457f3hcl monthly 0.5 2023-11-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f9316081-f029-43ef-bc52-26bb6f1e95f5/tempImageQBgQwu.jpg Blog - Palace of Westminster - Make it stand out Tuesday & Wednesday With a bit of a late start, our first full day in London (Jan 3) began with lunch. Always on the hunt for amazing new places to eat, Keith clearly applauded our choice of Italian. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/20f102ef-6f50-4c6c-8124-2ad20fb9abd3/tempImagevE64qi.jpg Blog - Palace of Westminster - Make it stand out We had an amazing lunch at ASK Italian. It was a chain, but the food seemed really authentic and was absolutely delicious. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3647fee4-8dba-45ec-8aac-2a18f798f53a/tempImagejAWeaW.jpg Blog - Palace of Westminster - Make it stand out Regent Street https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d05f913e-f8e9-4bc0-a1d8-8825db77881c/tempImagegV45aB.jpg Blog - Palace of Westminster - Make it stand out Piccadilly Circus https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/19c7b77c-04aa-4c87-82e2-b497209b6394/tempImageroSdyC.jpg Blog - Palace of Westminster - Make it stand out Westminster Abbey (right) & Houses of Parliament (left) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/69a0a73f-036c-41b3-a579-758fbd246a8f/tempImagefzZ15r.jpg Blog - Palace of Westminster - Make it stand out The Elizabeth Tower with Big Ben inside. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c164678d-2442-4bb5-a418-e549961418ac/tempImageRa0dtu.jpg Blog - Palace of Westminster - Make it stand out London Eye https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7877abe5-3c66-4379-b3cf-04a3afb5ca07/tempImagelYo9AV.jpg Blog - Palace of Westminster - Make it stand out St Paul’s Cathedral. We noticed people walking around on the upper balcony, which was closed during our last visit. We’ll have to go back and hope we can make it up to the balcony this time. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ada1d7e7-4b49-4022-bdc8-23886d482750/tempImagegvUld0.jpg Blog - Palace of Westminster - Make it stand out Rain coat? Yes. Warm coat? Warm hat? No and no! I pulled my hood down for this picture; it was all I had to keep me warm. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/34544a43-97aa-4f43-bc96-63f0f70eeca4/tempImageuBMpmm.jpg Blog - Palace of Westminster - Make it stand out The Shard. Amanda and Pam have been to the top, so I’ll need to do that on this trip. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/fe3fc68d-e298-4f6e-8e3e-52e3ef91694c/tempImageinAlCK.jpg Blog - Palace of Westminster - Make it stand out Tower Bridge https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/dce6a433-c715-470b-a65c-b24db083a410/tempImageMEYQoP.jpg Blog - Palace of Westminster - Make it stand out Elizabeth Tower illuminated and a Union Jack. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/bb2c385a-af8a-420d-9c06-f8fffa66546a/tempImagefseTIG.jpg Blog - Palace of Westminster - Make it stand out Westminster Abbey https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/babd2861-5d9b-4957-9a11-19e039b479b4/tempImageULzmux.jpg Blog - Palace of Westminster - Make it stand out London Eye illuminated Amanda: “Hey mom, I think we better get Steve home and warmed up.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8a3ad854-891e-4f18-83ba-a8dc26456e99/tempImagegbRFa4.jpg Blog - Palace of Westminster - Make it stand out To celebrate the wonderful experience we all had, Amanda and I booked a reservation at Côte Brasserie in Covent Garden for us to enjoy lunch together. For apéritifs, Pam had a French 75 (Blanc de Blancs Brut, gin, sugar, & lemon juice) and Amanda and I had a Fleur Spritz (St-Germain elderflower liqueur, Blanc de Blancs, & soda)—delicious! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7dda1354-7bfc-47ab-8706-e4259c99f241/tempImage77h8DY.jpg Blog - Palace of Westminster - Make it stand out Pam enjoyed a wonderful fillet. It was a great chance to look back on our time together and be grateful we were able to enjoy so many memorable experiences! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/817b7946-9fa2-47ea-96b6-4063da81c35b/tempImageptut67.jpg Blog - Palace of Westminster - Make it stand out Tower Bridge from the boat’s upper deck while still docked at the Tower Millennium Pier. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/400c6055-2d3a-4657-8e56-174dae04d43e/tempImageHmLLvU.jpg Blog - Palace of Westminster - Make it stand out London City Hall (left), familiar from the opening scenes of Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/53851791-de29-4af9-8ff7-56b4f7a8b045/tempImageg7cu2l.jpg Blog - Palace of Westminster - Make it stand out The Shard https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c9b107c6-cc97-46b3-9ff4-4ce5bfbf38f6/tempImagesVIKCe.jpg Blog - Palace of Westminster - Make it stand out Passing under the current London Bridge. The Roman founders of London built wooden bridges across the Thames from AD 50–1176. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a56dae65-581a-424f-9f6f-2cbea7dc8483/old-london-bridge-1209-AD.jpg Blog - Palace of Westminster - Make it stand out The "Old" London Bridge of nursery rhyme fame (above) was a stone bridge built between 1176 and 1209, covered with massive structures. The head of William Wallace was placed on a spike at the southern gateway of this bridge. Due to uneven construction, the bridge required frequent repairs yet survived more than 600 years. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/34964d21-510c-4fe9-afa4-9c184543ac6b/New+London+Bridge.jpeg Blog - Palace of Westminster - Make it stand out The "New" London Bridge (above) was dedicated on August 1, 1831. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e09f84f5-58b7-4e82-8ed0-ee5d20c80140/Havasu.jpeg Blog - Palace of Westminster - Make it stand out London Bridge reassembled in Havasu. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/204de9b1-f5f5-4974-82ad-5ef81f372ab5/lomdon-bridge-lamppost.jpg Blog - Palace of Westminster - Make it stand out The purchase included ornate lampposts made from the melted-down cannons captured by the British from Napoleon's army, after the Battle of Waterloo in 1815. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/bbaa98e9-0efe-43d5-a087-5a94b85e98b5/tempImage2qktHA.jpg Blog - Palace of Westminster - Make it stand out Passing under the iconic Millennium Bridge—all fixed after the Death Eaters destroyed it in the opening scenes of Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/044e48af-ae3f-4e41-af5d-cc3380daecb3/tempImageIOPa3Y.jpg Blog - Palace of Westminster - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/740b82a7-eb27-4257-9b98-59f45bad628a/tempImageVOoqBd.jpg Blog - Palace of Westminster - Make it stand out Blackfriars Bridge was featured in Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix when the Order passes under it on their flight from number four, Privet Drive to Grimmauld Place. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/20e84ad5-9eeb-4723-acd9-9b362ec2b4b8/tempImageLQAVIs.jpg Blog - Palace of Westminster - Make it stand out The London Eye, Palace of Westminster, and double-decker bus on Westminster Bridge. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/27c63b56-a298-4718-a3bd-78bcbc84d3e5/tempImageWdSGRW.jpg Blog - Palace of Westminster - Make it stand out Too many pictures? Sorry! I’m not a great photographer, but the lighting was so spectacular. It’s a snapshot of iconic London (there’s even an airplane on final for Heathrow). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/fa5daabc-6e5f-4a0d-8957-86017161c94d/tempImageCShRYn.jpg Blog - Palace of Westminster - Make it stand out Arriving at Westminster Pier. Given the beauty of modern London’s skyline, it’s interesting to remember that the word “smog” was born here (viz smoke + fog). In fact, an old nickname for London is “the smoke,” from when the infamous London Fog trapped the coal smoke over the city, culminating in the disastrous Great Smog of 1952, which lasted for five days and killed over 4,000 people. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0422815e-cb85-4cfa-a967-3e9eeec169f3/tempImageUCXA6n.jpg Blog - Palace of Westminster - Make it stand out So glad they cleaned up their act; just look at this day! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2df80a9a-3901-49ee-aeca-86d0bbf02eb2/tempImage0OEO9I.jpg Blog - Palace of Westminster - Make it stand out The crowning jewel of our brief time together in London was a guided tour of the Palace of Westminster. The Palace is the seat of the UK government and, because they were on recess, we were able to tour the entire grounds. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/93af4501-fc11-4e30-aaae-9e46214a4237/tempImageavEbEe.jpg Blog - Palace of Westminster - Make it stand out Here we are outside the public entrance. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/44b0c71b-0c82-4c53-a4c2-fcf11ad0b0e4/tempImagenf9Jqw.jpg Blog - Palace of Westminster - Make it stand out You enter down Cromwell Green. Why you would give Oliver Cromwell such a place of distinction is well beyond my comprehension, so we offered him the only gesture befitting his brutal self-imposed rein as “Lord Protector.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4698ec07-ea0e-4a2a-b86a-830100ab7f6a/tempImageEswPZr.jpg Blog - Palace of Westminster - Make it stand out After security, you enter Westminster Hall, which is the oldest building on the Parliamentary estate and almost the only part of the ancient Palace of Westminster which survives largely its original form. The Hall was built in 1097 under William II (Rufus), the son of William the Conqueror. The magnificent hammer-beam roof was commissioned in 1393 by Richard II, and is a masterpiece of design; it is the largest medieval timber roof in Northern Europe. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b6ab16e8-8955-4bdb-aae2-9478db9e7b6e/tempImagehnAne7.jpg Blog - Palace of Westminster - Make it stand out Lying-in-state in the UK is given to the Sovereign, as Head of State, current or past consorts, and rarely major public figures. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9dc61953-22f3-4bd4-8ead-2a13e66b190c/tempImagemn5wDt.jpg Blog - Palace of Westminster - Make it stand out This is where Queen Elizabeth II lay-in-state this past September. You may recall that we also visited where she lay in state at St Giles Cathedral in Edinburgh prior to arriving at Westminster Hall. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/22d8e9d9-52a2-497e-8461-6a68c031aa00/tempImageyKiOkc.jpg Blog - Palace of Westminster - Make it stand out All of these lyings-in-state are commemorated by tablets on the floor of the Hall. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a76f8e68-4915-4c22-83b0-8ac941faf8dc/tempImagepEVIEC.jpg Blog - Palace of Westminster - Make it stand out The tablet for where Winston Churchill lay-in-state in the Hall. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f73da923-578d-4747-91b2-699447252af7/tempImageMp7FeU.jpg Blog - Palace of Westminster - Make it stand out The plaque marking where in the Hall King Charles I was convicted of treason and sentenced to death in 1649. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/83fba35b-f532-482a-b87c-fd7f3ef63682/tempImageg76zDF.jpg Blog - Palace of Westminster - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/59f2497b-e438-4d8e-8879-8eb3203cc20d/tempImageKgmN3V.jpg Blog - Palace of Westminster - Make it stand out A number of foreign heads of state or government have addressed both Houses in the Hall: President Barack Obama in 2011, Pope Benedict XVI in 2010, President Nelson Mandela in 1996, President Charles de Gaulle in 1960, and President Albert Lebrun in 1939. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/016b29dc-aab4-4075-a729-5d4b7b8b3cdd/House_of_Lords_2011.jpg Blog - Palace of Westminster - Make it stand out The King’s Speech is delivered in the House of Lords during the State Opening of Parliament. His throne is at the back of the room. Interestingly, the throne is as far as a monarch is ever allowed into the Palace. It’s a really interesting history if you ever want to look it up. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/269e590f-aed9-41bb-b559-055bce464948/House_of_Commons_Chamber_1.png Blog - Palace of Westminster - Make it stand out The name “Commons” refers to those who were not ennobled (i.e.: not powerful bishops, abbots, earls, & barons who already had the King’s ear). These representatives came from the common people of the realm. Far pre-dating our Constitution in the US, this system sprang up from habeas corpus in 1166 and the Magna Carta of 1215. Just an amazing history and you and I should be immensely grateful for those who developed the foundations of habeas corpus and then to those who stood up to King John and drafted the blessed Magna Carta. Democracy sprouted from these events. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/bad8a141-e901-4cde-acc2-49af88f2a6ef/tempImageO7ZvoS.jpg Blog - Palace of Westminster - Make it stand out As we left our tour we were greeted by this stunning moon over the House of Commons. Such a fitting end to a magnificent day. Thank you London! https://www.overthehillandacrossthepond.com/blog/london-calling monthly 0.5 2023-11-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a2a66744-55d3-47fe-87ee-264e873a226c/tempImageHcDOHD.jpg Blog - London Calling - Make it stand out Snow amongst the cobbles. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1672953439389-V02HULIMH64L6N3L3WTW/St+Anthony%E2%80%99s+Chapel.jpeg Blog - London Calling https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1672953589164-KNRBWUSE65B5YAMJ4A0G/IMG_0568.jpg Blog - London Calling https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1672953743639-G7OWBCQHC2PZ6ORKFS8A/St+Margarets.jpeg Blog - London Calling https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1672953963434-JI3PPY2LRGXNXQY2OJWB/IMG_2503.jpg Blog - London Calling https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/31b825e1-3b40-4a45-8805-8d7ec83a7079/tempImageIfaS6x.jpg Blog - London Calling - Make it stand out First Dinner of 2023 Fittingly, Keith joined us on our way to dinner on New Year’s Day, our last night in Edinburgh. Pictures from our final dinner at Markars Mash Bar: https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1672955216197-A1U9DHX39XXNQQ8PAZWE/IMG_2689.jpg Blog - London Calling https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1672955237731-G2G5T8M8K7INANXGI9UK/IMG_2692.jpg Blog - London Calling https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1672955249116-9BM8I3E56ZUW26MCY55L/IMG_2694.jpg Blog - London Calling https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9134b0da-e10c-452f-a40e-2b2d2ba5161f/tempImage86j0GH.jpg Blog - London Calling - Make it stand out Departing from Edinburgh Waverley rail station (named after Sir Walter Scott’s first novel) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ffd47ab1-9231-48b3-9b3f-bc69a7319601/tempImageAlHfgH.jpg Blog - London Calling - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/aab143e5-84ec-4a02-9e13-b8f0d6989292/tempImageWlesUk.jpg Blog - London Calling - Make it stand out Arriving at London King’s Cross rail station before entering entering the King Cross Underground for a short journey to Green Park. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8f1d9f51-b53b-4b4b-bf70-9d6b2cf97549/tempImageJE0Y3h.jpg Blog - London Calling - Make it stand out One of the greatest things about the UK is the naming of their pubs. The Goat Tavern is a few hundred streps from our London Apartment in Mayfair. Dinner was very good, although we’re finding that, like so much in our modern world, corporations have gobbled up many of the pubs. Consequently, we saw identical menus at multiple pubs in Edinburgh and now we’re seeing the exact same menus here in London. The names and locations may be very different, but the meal options are very limited. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/869e3bb2-64ff-46b8-b6da-8cb2058ec4e2/tempImageEjTtXp.jpg Blog - London Calling - Make it stand out After dinner we went for a walk and no, we’re not in Amsterdam. We’re staying in Mayfair, which is a very exclusive part of London, where every imaginable high-end designer has a storefront. Thankfully even Amanda knows better than to walk into any of these shops. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/825d6faf-99f2-4767-9768-97b41c74e599/tempImageulCSYq.jpg Blog - London Calling - Make it stand out The great part of being in such a nice area is they really go all out with Christmas decorations (and they follow the twelve days of Christmas, so everything will be up through January 6). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a15350e6-3fdf-4637-9d29-99da8587b784/tempImageRJzyrx.jpg Blog - London Calling - Make it stand out Flowing from the Eros status in Piccadilly Circus' Eros statue are the winged creatures which glide down Piccadilly. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2da48f0c-ed1c-45d6-a4df-9a01a1a20a7b/tempImagegopA7O.jpg Blog - London Calling - Make it stand out Winged creatures of Piccadilly https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/fb6aadba-5bac-4e14-8583-af78e9e9f68b/tempImageeuTuIY.jpg Blog - London Calling - Make it stand out Also on Piccadilly is the Fortnum & Mason department store, the entire building designed to look like an Advent calendar—and it’s animated (see the video at the end of the post): https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/35865e23-e39e-4644-be2a-320ee68ac50d/tempImagef1QFsb.jpg Blog - London Calling - Make it stand out Nearby, 45 angels soar over Regent Street. The original 1954 Christmas light display on Regent Street featured lit up angels, and the updated version is called Spirit of Christmas. Each Spirit of Christmas angel has a 45-foot wingspan and a 50-foot train. In total they are covered in 300,000 LED lights that pulse to give the impression of flight. The wings are barely lit above… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3144b17c-dcc8-435f-a49c-3a78c35060b9/tempImageUpWfRv.jpg Blog - London Calling - Make it stand out ….mostly lit here… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/dda51a7b-a300-4a47-80d7-2a8e24374257/tempImageYiUbX8.jpg Blog - London Calling - Make it stand out …and fully illuminated here. You can see the wings nicely at the very beginning of the following video clip: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3jgISSpRrok London: Simply Magical at Christmas! https://www.overthehillandacrossthepond.com/blog/hogmanay monthly 0.5 2023-11-15 https://www.overthehillandacrossthepond.com/blog/this-may-be-the-scotch-talking monthly 0.5 2023-11-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/98a51303-f701-47e1-a1ea-32a6c78eeb89/tempImagecc7UPW.jpg Blog - This May Be The Whisky Talking - Make it stand out Pam had pineapple (vey refreshing) and Amanda and I had dark chocolate (rich and velvety). ✅ Then she was off to complete #2: take picture in front of the lighted Edinburgh sign and Christmas tree on The Mound. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/976d717a-e7d6-4043-87a2-f83c01ace973/tempImagelplalh.jpg Blog - This May Be The Whisky Talking - Make it stand out ✅ ✅ On our way to see the final item—the Ross Fountain—we took a peek at the stage where The Pet Shop Boys will play on Hogmanay (what a backdrop!). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8b1ff2e0-93b9-4754-8188-b551bf51acfb/tempImagefuwpg3.jpg Blog - This May Be The Whisky Talking - Make it stand out And then she finally made it to The Ross Fountain. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a871a2c2-8e01-48ad-85ed-9b12f8372b59/tempImagehg5C2e.jpg Blog - This May Be The Whisky Talking - Make it stand out If you hadn’t guessed it yet, this part of the Princes Street Gardens was set up as a kid’s play area—thus Santa’s sleigh and the North Pole, uh, pole. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f362b207-9998-464a-b965-10f8147c7f4c/tempImagebGLSx5.jpg Blog - This May Be The Whisky Talking - Make it stand out ✅ ✅ ✅ https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/35aa4339-af15-4e6a-90da-10b51cb1ecd0/tempImageaIJ4Fs.jpg Blog - This May Be The Whisky Talking - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/68959c84-f8ef-40a6-8653-0666148d49a9/tempImageq2oPHk.jpg Blog - This May Be The Whisky Talking - Make it stand out On our way to the bus for The Scotch Whisky Experience, we found another dime! Scotch Whisky Experience I’ll be honest, I wasn’t eager to do this tour. I expected it to be an easy way to grab money from tourists who are enamored with Scotch whisky. In reality, they put a lot of time and energy into the presentation and it was both informative and fun. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8572ee6d-ddc1-4325-9097-03f1f1fbea71/tempImageWAPTny.jpg Blog - This May Be The Whisky Talking - Make it stand out Cool image that changes as you move past it, showing the different flavor profiles of Scotch. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/99933702-46db-41f7-bbf9-7cc2b5442912/tempImageWjc5YF.jpg Blog - This May Be The Whisky Talking - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5eac4c9c-136d-496e-8a0e-974d60953583/tempImageb0fhlZ.jpg Blog - This May Be The Whisky Talking - Make it stand out Ah yes, the charcoal, floral, iodine, peat, and smoke that is uniquely Islay malt! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6644dd11-95c5-4fba-99f0-a6545247ef5d/tempImagejxatY2.jpg Blog - This May Be The Whisky Talking - Make it stand out You start the tour with a ride through the Scotch-whisky-making process, a la the Haunted Mansion from Disneyland. Like I said, they really went all out. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c45192b1-41de-48e0-98c5-6ec580341a89/tempImageQd30Nt.jpg Blog - This May Be The Whisky Talking - Make it stand out In this room we learned more about the unique distinctions of the 5 regions where Scotch is made—Lowlands, Highlands, Campbelltown, Islay, & Speyside. We selected a region and they brought us a wee dram, that we took with us into the next room before drinking. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/960fe2bd-18a2-4e44-b14f-6b41ce002213/tempImagelcjAhG.jpg Blog - This May Be The Whisky Talking - Make it stand out And this is the next room—Sláinte! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d1a34d64-0267-444b-8f31-b38a30260bec/tempImage5sRtj5.jpg Blog - This May Be The Whisky Talking - Make it stand out In the 1970s, Claive Vidiz, a whisky enthusiast and founder member of the Brazilian Association of Whisky Collectors, started to acquire Scotch whisky of varying type, cost, and rarity. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/bc63043a-16b4-4bf3-bc72-6637673a48f3/tempImagey3Q3lr.jpg Blog - This May Be The Whisky Talking - Make it stand out He amassed almost 3,400 bottles over 35 years. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/cfe6388a-e34d-47ea-b5dd-0af831c58d2b/tempImageMpqHOR.jpg Blog - This May Be The Whisky Talking - Make it stand out The six original bottles: https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/737c7d9c-1c13-4ec6-b338-edbe71faadd4/tempImagebgGCln.jpg Blog - This May Be The Whisky Talking - Make it stand out The two oldest bottles: c. 1897 & c. 1904 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/82afbd10-9528-475c-867e-ffda780a0f09/tempImageQR3uyx.jpg Blog - This May Be The Whisky Talking - Make it stand out Almost 3,400 bottles! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4e3aebd9-6ace-425a-a8bd-a73103d4f5e9/tempImage69n6By.jpg Blog - This May Be The Whisky Talking - Make it stand out Glen Vegan https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0e12aacc-8d11-425d-a3a6-e84e09ddc810/tempImagealq1Mp.jpg Blog - This May Be The Whisky Talking - Make it stand out Amazing bottles https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/be8f729b-61ed-4a2a-9258-bb29c4fe01a3/tempImagem0VYXa.jpg Blog - This May Be The Whisky Talking - Make it stand out Regal Langside https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/279e5e75-a1bc-45f5-af77-094c88c9535e/tempImage4IF1mH.jpg Blog - This May Be The Whisky Talking - Make it stand out We took the Gold Tour so we had four additional tastings after the tour—Lowland single malt (Auchentoshan), Highland single malt (Glengoyne 10 year old), Speyside single malt (The GlenAllachie 8 year old), and Islay single malt (Bunnahabhain Toiteach A Dhà). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9ead4a1e-6a14-42d3-a11c-c17414615a3d/tempImageUF2LD5.jpg Blog - This May Be The Whisky Talking - Make it stand out I have to say, I really did enjoy the peaty Islay Scotch from Bunnahabhain; although, we all agreed our favorite was the Speyside from The GlenAllachie. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8fa7fe93-eaf6-48d2-a593-5e42d34ca68d/tempImageTQHMeN.jpg Blog - This May Be The Whisky Talking - Make it stand out This is our tour guide Matt and he really made the tour great. Afterward Amanda asked if he knew Callum Woodhouse from Durrells in Corfu and All Creatures Great and Small. He was wasn’t familiar. It may have been the whisky talking, but Amanda showed him a picture of Callum and he had to agree the similarity was uncanny. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c097d82a-c2f0-4eb3-849f-76e187688fcf/IMG_3226.jpg Blog - This May Be The Whisky Talking - Make it stand out Huh? Not bad eh? Actor by day and whisky tour guide by night. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a5ca4fe1-a4d4-49cc-a7e1-ad80b242d501/tempImageqlzZ37.jpg Blog - This May Be The Whisky Talking - Make it stand out This may be the whisky talking again, but we really had a lot of fun and even I have to say it was worth the money (now that’s saying something)! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a1ba6dac-0f26-44a0-8498-45675b541152/tempImageY4T9XK.jpg Blog - This May Be The Whisky Talking - Make it stand out Good night Edinburgh! If we stumble home in one piece, it’ll be Hogmanay tomorrow! https://www.overthehillandacrossthepond.com/blog/pzxymxdddhkzdf3yf2z42d776h5cpk monthly 0.5 2023-11-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5f4b1073-fa5d-426a-826c-1409f95474eb/tempImagehz79pH.jpg Blog - Ghosts & Pubs - Make it stand out Victoria Street On Wednesday (Dec 28) we were finally able to take Pam to see the beautiful Victoria Street. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/45d9dcbe-8b41-49b7-b4d2-34d4e5d32d3f/tempImageg8ZZ4H.jpg Blog - Ghosts & Pubs - Make it stand out Bertie’s Proper Fish and Chips (What?) is an iconic shop on Victoria Street. Of course we also wandered through The Great Wizard Shop but there was a queue at the Museum Context Harry Potter shop. Definitely best to visit this area during non-peak hours if possible. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0b1f2172-e6a0-4eb7-989d-6cc14c27a10e/tempImagedT2mom.jpg Blog - Ghosts & Pubs - Make it stand out Brollies down ladies for the famous view on West Bow looking up Victoria Street. Watch out for the curb Pam! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b33a06bf-5f41-4fa1-9027-f4f720bba087/tempImageFFsHUi.jpg Blog - Ghosts & Pubs - Make it stand out A foreign concept for people who essentially reside in a desert. Throughout Great Britain, umbrellas are frequently called brollies. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c457ee92-83c7-4da1-94a5-45524fd2a6a7/tempImagerbluUC.jpg Blog - Ghosts & Pubs - Make it stand out Women and their love of brawny, manly men! I feel so inadequate. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f9baa8e0-4a12-4097-80f8-aa754370a9fb/tempImagegpbBrz.jpg Blog - Ghosts & Pubs - Make it stand out At the bottom of West Bow/Victoria Street is Grassmarket Square. Home to Edinburgh’s oldest pubs, the Square has a quaint and charming appeal—an appeal that did not exist back in the 1500s. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1bb7cbad-67b8-407e-99e9-57cdc284ce99/tempImagegz3a3y.jpg Blog - Ghosts & Pubs - Make it stand out Dad, since you mentioned The Last Drop in your comments, here is the sign near their front door. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f825b45d-aa83-47bc-9694-5e86a3ef999d/tempImagelDtzrg.jpg Blog - Ghosts & Pubs - Make it stand out We’re getting a bit side-tracked here, but since we’re on the topic of Robert Burns (“Sylvander”) and Agnes Maclehose (“Clarinda”), there is a tea shop named Clarinda’s Tea House on Canongate along the Royal Mile. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/75f2f5d6-3c1c-4bbe-a0c7-8fede253228b/tempImageLCa15D.jpg Blog - Ghosts & Pubs - Make it stand out Oh yes…and Clarinda’s headstone is in the Canongate Kirkyard, right next to Clarissa’s Tea House. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/13de671f-181d-477a-8fed-c810d76fe5c8/tempImageiqRwAi.jpg Blog - Ghosts & Pubs - Make it stand out You simply cannot open an establishment in Edinburgh without some backstory. Mamma’s story is far more modern than those of her ancient pub neighbors, but it’s still quite fun. It was founded by Angus MacInnes, the Canadian actor who played Gold Leader in Star Wars: Episode IV A New Hope and Rogue One: A Star Wars Story. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4f024a75-5f19-4d85-9db0-6dfca7ba2a16/tempImageSdlmKg.jpg Blog - Ghosts & Pubs - Make it stand out The pizza was actually very good. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5027f923-08ca-4c89-8501-71ee9b22dcd3/tempImagefnBvUz.jpg Blog - Ghosts & Pubs - Make it stand out No UK beers on tap here, only Coors. Now that’s devotion to your brand! (See the blue mountain logo—proof they do serve cold beer in the UK!) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7628d5c5-fd82-4c0d-b27f-068eed8c6a96/tempImageRzGQTi.jpg Blog - Ghosts & Pubs - Make it stand out After lunch we finished out our tour of Grassmarket Square, including this photo under the amazing display of Christmas presents. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/93d25d83-6602-4442-b05b-c7fff59b48df/tempImageTAt4b9.jpg Blog - Ghosts & Pubs - Make it stand out Pam in The Vennel. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b4d8c019-42d7-4eb0-a43a-7e3657f2a428/tempImageYBz3Rt.jpg Blog - Ghosts & Pubs - Make it stand out And for all you cat lovers reading, just off Grassmarket you can stop in the Maison de Moggy cat café and pay £10 to play with their cats for an hour. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ea453619-8db8-4e13-8625-e39c76578a89/tempImage7tduC2.jpg Blog - Ghosts & Pubs - Make it stand out Such an odd form of therapy if you ask me, but as far as therapy goes, £10 is a bargin. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8ecd5913-62a7-4052-8325-c52c00dc54ef/tempImageSdSG6N.jpg Blog - Ghosts & Pubs - Make it stand out The owner of our current rental is Slawomir (a Polish name if you’re wondering), and he said if we love coffee we just had to go to The Source Coffee Roaster for the “best coffee in Edinburgh.” I’m a coffee drinking poser who only like mochas, so what do I know really? I’m just going to say that my experience did not live up to the hype. The ladies had hot chocolates that were “good, but nothing to write home about.” I say don’t waste your time here—go to Bastard Barista! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a827c42d-527c-475f-8e9d-fb820a6462ec/tempImageo2rAUh.jpg Blog - Ghosts & Pubs - Make it stand out We signed up for the Ghost Bus Tour and while we waited to board we did receive a sign from the other side: https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/45a8013b-ba52-4b3a-9711-857652ecf5d8/tempImageLBvssf.jpg Blog - Ghosts & Pubs - Make it stand out Amanda was walking through Deacon Brodies pub when she spotted a dime on the floor. As a bus driver, we think Keith particularly enjoyed this evening’s choice of entertainment. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c0c7fcc6-6de8-4c02-ac2b-4ab513468975/tempImagegGBaOb.jpg Blog - Ghosts & Pubs - Make it stand out We sat upstairs on the vintage double-decker bus. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/da7d2df3-1edb-4e5c-9b38-a378a52c6f7a/tempImageUOXqEc.jpg Blog - Ghosts & Pubs - Make it stand out Partway through the tour the bus died, so we had to kill some time amongst the dearly departed in Edinburgh’s oldest kirkyard at The Parish Church of St Cuthbert. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6b11ce0b-a3e5-48fb-916c-7f92afae5a6b/tempImagej1ZLeJ.jpg Blog - Ghosts & Pubs - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1612fae2-539d-4513-afb5-b062ce16df49/tempImageRVJ6ic.jpg Blog - Ghosts & Pubs - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d924ecb5-ae19-4f91-a6f7-032e7fdbbcee/tempImagec6HDwd.jpg Blog - Ghosts & Pubs - Make it stand out While in the kirkyard, our bus conductor told us tales of hauntings and grave robbers. He showed us St Cuthbert’s watch tower and told us, if you spent the night there alert for body snatchers, you were said to work the “graveyard” shift. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/70b5ac8b-1389-409f-bf65-82a89c68fd86/tempImageXGZhJk.jpg Blog - Ghosts & Pubs - Make it stand out Due to the poor medical knowledge of the times, people were sometimes only “mostly dead” when they were buried. They took to tying bells to the hands of the dead and graveyard workers would listen for bells so they could unearth someone who woke up buried. In that case you were “saved by the bell” and you were considered a “dead ringer.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/dcceab60-c86d-49db-9fa2-cc4d40b39014/tempImagen4oGdT.jpg Blog - Ghosts & Pubs - Make it stand out Not surprisingly the tour was campy, but what else would you expect? Our conductor made lots of puns, so that kept Amanda happy. Overall we gave it a B and it was a fun way to tour the city at night. Spoiler Alert—If you take time to research graveyard shift, saved by the bell, and dead ringer, you’ll find they make for a seemingly cohesive narrative, but they have nothing to do with old burials and the terms are not connected in any way. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/944d9f35-4a8e-4f81-8a00-a05895084887/tempImagePRgm5e.jpg Blog - Ghosts & Pubs - Make it stand out After being frightened nearly to death, we were ready for a drink and some live music. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/380fa60a-188f-40cf-9ea9-7e6f040f562f/tempImagembm2Pd.jpg Blog - Ghosts & Pubs - Make it stand out Deacon Brodies pub is near where the ghost bus tour ends and, as it turned out, they had live music going on in about 30 minutes. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d4d7efe9-31ab-48a2-8bf4-6a8c617a8b26/tempImageMJfkl5.jpg Blog - Ghosts & Pubs - Make it stand out Even if they have fun things to look at in the pub, what happens when the guy starts singing mellow top 40 hits from the 1990s and early 2000s? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e34f8b42-e8b4-420c-baae-738e8b7dacad/tempImageSsCiOh.jpg Blog - Ghosts & Pubs - Make it stand out You leave and look for another pub of course! We didn’t go all the way to Edinburgh to sit in an old pub and hear some guy sing Layla (a horrible song to be subjected to at any time or place). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/bc65bf92-fbd6-46e9-8731-446561c4c4ee/tempImages4oBgO.jpg Blog - Ghosts & Pubs - Make it stand out We walked up to the Ensign Ewart pub at the foot of the castle and found the authentic atmosphere and experience we were looking for! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8465d6fc-1a3e-463f-b934-45e7cc56bb3b/tempImagecN2Ox3.jpg Blog - Ghosts & Pubs - Make it stand out I mean, just look around this place! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ef8c614f-d791-4a43-bf03-21646054badd/tempImageiy4jtB.jpg Blog - Ghosts & Pubs - Make it stand out AND…they had live folk music about to begin! Now that’s how you end the night in Edinburgh! Put yourself in the middle of the music: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0QckX_CHg_g Slàinte Mhath! https://www.overthehillandacrossthepond.com/blog/not monthly 0.5 2023-11-04 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d62e27b3-6fbe-4ffe-b87c-3ac8753ea3db/tempImageAZLCyt.jpg Blog - Oops! - Make it stand out Looking sharp, I crossed the street and had a mocha at Valvona & Crolla. Despite its close proximity to our place, we had completely missed the shop these many days. As a truly authentic Italian deli, it is well known locally. The only way I found out about it was several characters in 44 Scotland Street visited the deli and had coffee in the café in the back. Gotta love books! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e0168ae4-92c4-49aa-9d52-b7f6c5cdd3f0/tempImage4FWO5p.jpg Blog - Oops! - Make it stand out Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh—The Caledonian https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9c41173c-5ed0-4b4e-a75f-f344c1ed718c/tempImagei8hhby.jpg Blog - Oops! - Make it stand out The Johnnie Walker shop had dynamic 3D graphics across the entire building. Don’t know how they do it, but it’s pretty amazing! (The same building above and below.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/95929c4d-a506-4fc2-ac35-51875c8cffa4/tempImage1C1zAI.jpg Blog - Oops! - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1f686d71-c95e-47ae-8dc1-8ad599d406ee/tempImagek5aTym.jpg Blog - Oops! - Make it stand out The Huxley Bar & Restaurant—”Inspired by our friends across the pond, we’ve taken our favourite American dishes and recreated them with a Scottish twist.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5ea4a6c0-ccaa-46af-b2c3-0de79a84cc7c/tempImagexcsaKI.jpg Blog - Oops! - Make it stand out Edinburgh Castle, of course. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ae8039e4-bfa8-42cf-ad3d-b4165d7d9b9e/tempImagewLQWCn.jpg Blog - Oops! - Make it stand out A festive heeland coo. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/99afa9d2-8474-4063-b7b9-2e9226196eea/tempImageY5kdmU.jpg Blog - Oops! - Make it stand out The Cold Town House beer shop (see—they do actually like their beer cold). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4e77d01e-6db4-4785-a45a-919b99fbb9e2/tempImagezzltr3.jpg Blog - Oops! - Make it stand out Cleverly ironic name for a pub adjacent the old Grassmarket Square public execution site. (Not particularly festive, but I thought it was interesting nonetheless.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/749302af-40fe-4b14-be79-c120bc6efca6/tempImageQF6Goo.jpg Blog - Oops! - Make it stand out The iconic Victoria Street. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2d223d30-4d34-490a-9d95-34395a69290e/tempImageH782PM.jpg Blog - Oops! - Make it stand out Don’t know the name of this building on Cowgate, but thought the lights looked cool. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2474fcbf-d545-4dec-92a5-fc994fb861bc/tempImageloSLuj.jpg Blog - Oops! - Make it stand out Looking up the cobbled (and slightly spooky) Old Fishmarket Close. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/be005162-39f4-4677-8b61-859e2cfbcc60/tempImagevSCY7f.jpg Blog - Oops! - Make it stand out The top of Cockburn Street, as seen from the Royal Mile. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/21369672-615f-4628-969e-984a519fc31a/tempImageQ0Atyi.jpg Blog - Oops! - Make it stand out Tron Kirk and its famous clock. Another Wonderful Winter Night! https://www.overthehillandacrossthepond.com/blog/boxing-day monthly 0.5 2023-11-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c0dfd9b0-eb8a-46f3-a9d8-0e0b8a2ba7cb/IMG_1108.PNG Blog - Boxing Day - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3598aede-12ab-4fed-ba0a-3d3ed63aab8d/tempImagea7ZeHR.jpg Blog - Boxing Day - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/46db0b32-011a-491b-9aa4-54108b0e28d1/tempImageuEyox5.jpg Blog - Boxing Day - Make it stand out When the slate was removed, it revealed a little niche wherein hid seventeen tiny coffins, each three or four inches long. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e257f594-826e-4638-9e60-e56568382135/tempImageAE9hX7.jpg Blog - Boxing Day - Make it stand out In the coffins were miniature wooden figures, each dressed differently in both style and material. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e74d97b3-c7c6-4a59-b2f5-0df22fdeec2b/tempImaget0hPPa.jpg Blog - Boxing Day - Make it stand out There were two tiers of eight coffins each, and a third one begun, with one coffin. What made the coffins even more mysterious was that they had been deposited one at a time in the miniature cave, over the course of many years. In the first tier, the coffins were quite decayed, and the wrappings had moldered away. In the second tier, the effects of age had not advanced so far. And the top coffin looked quite recent. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ba1ad0c1-5586-4f68-bf3c-0c7136d40f2a/tempImageSYQgZd.jpg Blog - Boxing Day - Make it stand out Who made them and their purpose remains a mystery. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3baeebf1-8169-41ed-8e1c-3fcd9569dc16/tempImage0EUmHF.jpg Blog - Boxing Day - Make it stand out In 2005, however, George Dalgliesh, principal curator of Scottish history at the National Museum of Scotland, stated that he believed “the most credible theory is that [they] were made by someone who knew Burke and Hare,” and so had a strong motive to make amends for their crimes. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/61fb774f-1f07-417d-9a6b-dbe758a24b53/tempImageVYIcN8.jpg Blog - Boxing Day - Make it stand out William Burke and William Hare were two serial killers active in Edinburgh between 1827 and 1828. They famously sold their victims' bodies to Dr Robert Knox, an influential lecturer in the Anatomy department at the University of Edinburgh. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/23ef662b-a398-4b50-ada1-892daa72be66/tempImage8iHzwy.jpg Blog - Boxing Day - Make it stand out On our way we stopped by the gate leading to the Covenanter’s Prison. In 1679 over a thousand Covenanters—Scottish Christians who were battling for a new style of worship and church organization—were kept prisoner in this corner of the graveyard. They were left out of doors for over four months, surviving on scraps of bread and any extra food which kindly locals were able to sneak in to them. Not surprisingly many died, and more were later executed. The melancholy spot now bears a memorial to those who lost their lives in this atrocity. According the City of the Dead Tour’s website, one such Covenanter still haunts the kirkyard as a spectre: Over the last several years, one small tomb in Edinburgh’s Greyfriars Cemetery has become famous as the lair of a malevolent paranormal entity. The tomb is known as the “Black Mausoleum” and is located behind the high walls and locked gates of an area known as the Covenanter’s Prison. The entity has been named “The Mackenzie Poltergeist.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f4f87771-1676-4918-aafa-9d09675bc20c/tempImage6QeNQI.jpg Blog - Boxing Day - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/10a5de5a-0786-4fad-b943-8f84e39d1083/tempImageGnMamH.jpg Blog - Boxing Day - Make it stand out Thankfully, touching the stones did not transport anyone to another century. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/394e8c31-cecd-431c-b85f-882033c0efba/tempImagegajRnD.jpg Blog - Boxing Day - Make it stand out Well, Thomas Riddell did die in the early 19th Century, so in a way passing through the stones did take us back. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/12393db9-e1cc-4ec0-8640-37be16a138c2/tempImageaJyB1i.jpg Blog - Boxing Day - Make it stand out How our view of death has changed over the years. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c3af2f44-d2c4-4bc5-a68c-0f6577b92e27/tempImageVAO3Zc.jpg Blog - Boxing Day - Make it stand out These old graveyards are an endless source of fascination. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ef8deff1-c037-4b19-8221-e1563a30b895/tempImageM0s610.jpg Blog - Boxing Day - Make it stand out So called Mortsafes to prevent bodysnatchers from exhuming the recently buried. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/57905429-d5cd-47b5-ac86-0b4da816b80e/tempImageLuUYi4.jpg Blog - Boxing Day - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/af9c7f78-e921-49c1-a2b4-4b3b78bde356/tempImagehMzDmm.jpg Blog - Boxing Day - Make it stand out A mortsafe from inside the National Museum of Scotland. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/984e2f5c-1572-451f-b6ea-5c509fa462cb/tempImageYPWtIL.jpg Blog - Boxing Day - Make it stand out A dancing skeleton carrying a scythe on the headstone of the grave of James Borthwick of Stow. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0e50275d-c82e-41e9-9f3f-9baed814ae75/tempImagexbWuvQ.jpg Blog - Boxing Day - Make it stand out Mary King’s Close We ended the afternoon with the Real Mary King’s Close tour. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5263e99b-6c4c-4b76-b988-a3059a08f11e/City+Chambers.jpeg Blog - Boxing Day - Make it stand out The main part of the building known today as the City Chambers (above) was built in 1753 and was originally called The Royal Exchange. Prior to its construction, you have to imagine looking toward the building above and instead seeing four closes that departed the Royal Mile and followed the rapidly sloping hillside that drops behind the building. One such close was named Mary King’s Close, taking its name from one Mary King, a merchant burgess who resided on the close in the 17th century. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f40b148e-232e-4d09-b890-5addb7299809/tempImagebml8BG.jpg Blog - Boxing Day - Make it stand out This is looking from the opposite direction: toward the Royal Mile. The tall buildings at the top of the image above faced the Royal Mile. The rows of houses—and the closes between them—ran down the slope behind the Royal Mile and are now covered over by the City Chambers. Mary King’s Close is the walkway at the very right edge of the photo above, and Allan’s Close is next to the left (as shown below). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a33d97df-e25b-4e35-84ce-4276f8713acd/tempImage0495AA.jpg Blog - Boxing Day - Make it stand out The Royal Exchange (now City Chambers) was built over top Mary King’s Close along with the other three closes. But all is not gone and forgotten, because the four old closes and the homes that one existed between them, are still intact under the present-day buildings. Because the tour takes place under a government building, photographs are not allowed (or that is the excuse they gave us). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c2eb474f-8e53-45ed-970e-5c600c8306c5/tempImage8d5hyJ.jpg Blog - Boxing Day - Make it stand out The steps and walkway shown above are Mary King’s Close and on the tour you walk down the old Close as it was in the 1500s. Pretty amazing! The tour was really fascinating and I highly recommend you follow the link or just search Real Mary King’s Close. Unlike our previous tour of the vaults under South Bridge, the streets and homes are very much visible and discernible in Mary King’s Close. You can easily imagine everything as it was, even the sky that is no longer visible over the close. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4105209a-563e-45a6-9350-c949405abdf7/tempImageUSb8gA.jpg Blog - Boxing Day - Make it stand out We’re on the move! Tomorrow we have to move homes. We’re sad as the Old Merchant’s House has been our home for 45 days and we’ve loved our time here. But all good things must come to an end. We’ll give you a tour of our new place tomorrow. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6eeba9a7-8482-424b-8daa-9e31b33f75af/tempImageu2PGB2.jpg Blog - Boxing Day - Make it stand out Farewell Gayfield Square! https://www.overthehillandacrossthepond.com/blog/merry-christmas monthly 0.5 2023-11-04 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/dabf538d-3d7a-42cb-ab59-6a3880f3e190/tempImageU8Fbf5.jpg Blog - Merry Christmas! - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.overthehillandacrossthepond.com/blog/all-is-well monthly 0.5 2023-10-29 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2d85fd56-a4a5-4adc-af2c-55deaf859b8b/tempImagevfvFau.jpg Blog - All Is Well - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e50823e4-eaae-4958-a011-9943a6ee7daa/Screenshot+2022-12-24+at+2.14.51+PM.jpg Blog - All Is Well - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.overthehillandacrossthepond.com/blog/eve-eve monthly 0.5 2023-11-21 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4291413f-f252-44c8-bfd4-23ec141fb066/tempImageEgwLTn.jpg Blog - Eve Eve - Make it stand out No more than a few minutes out the door… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/88243db3-427c-4272-8dc8-761518e36285/tempImageJzSIkM.jpg Blog - Eve Eve - Make it stand out We started the morning wandering through the Princes Street Gardens Christmas market stalls. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/57ba72f4-b4c4-48b2-9d47-d8732950ffa2/tempImagelQ0yU0.jpg Blog - Eve Eve - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7b6893c9-d95b-4ab3-8807-2e7162694b1b/tempImageFntBJI.jpg Blog - Eve Eve - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/fcb11ddb-2245-42de-8d64-18fc42e6d172/tempImageeLovG2.jpg Blog - Eve Eve - Make it stand out Shopping inside the Tron Kirk, or Christ’s Kirk at the Tron. The Kirk has stood in the heart of Edinburgh’s Old Town for almost 400 years. Its towering spire can be seen across the city, and for many years this was the landmark that brought the city’s population together at Hogmanay. The kirk takes its name from the public weighing beam that once stood outside of the building. Beneath the Tron are archaeological remains of Marlin’s Wynd, the earliest paved street in Scotland. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d8dbe700-e0fe-4d79-a795-02420673d0d1/tempImageOg5ToU.jpg Blog - Eve Eve - Make it stand out The Tron boasts one of Scotland’s two surviving hammerbeam roofs. The building is being temporarily used as a market while they raise funds to try and save the building. Imagine having so many amazing historical buildings that you have to choose which ones to repair while other are ignored. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6e4f21d7-b808-491a-929e-79d1b730e07c/tempImage5rQLP0.jpg Blog - Eve Eve - Make it stand out The Dome on George Street all decked out for Christmas. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/694625da-d70e-4523-a722-1a49ce7b9378/tempImageM3oyCQ.jpg Blog - Eve Eve - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f7958e03-23b7-4f69-8e59-8076d413a045/Dishoom.jpeg Blog - Eve Eve - Make it stand out Lunch at our favorite: Dishoom. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d51aa1c1-c49c-4bf2-a1b7-c81b7892165d/tempImageN7WMGk.jpg Blog - Eve Eve - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6cfa061f-3b94-40e5-ba84-364bdcf6b2a9/tempImageUrgkk7.jpg Blog - Eve Eve - Make it stand out Amanda ordered her absolute favorite: Chole Chawal and Roomali Roti. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/47e7c68e-47ea-409e-9a59-0fb21b508f45/tempImageFRpF7m.jpg Blog - Eve Eve - Make it stand out I ordered the Dishoom House Chaat and Chaat Pineapple Tikka. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/96f981bb-30a2-437c-93ce-d1a9227f36a2/tempImage0hbIDV.jpg Blog - Eve Eve - Make it stand out Pam ordered the Chicken Ruby. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8f3a2a0e-93cd-4863-812d-65ceb4420d49/tempImageD7pB3X.jpg Blog - Eve Eve - Make it stand out This was our super nice waiter. Grandma was trying to set up Karina with a Scottish husband. (No joke; she really was!) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a07b96c2-88a6-4e4c-97bd-77395127239b/tempImageibdJML.jpg Blog - Eve Eve - Make it stand out The Museum on the Mound all lit up for Christmas…check out the alternating colors. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3d3eab5e-12cc-4c38-b634-b229d4737134/tempImageQRz0VD.jpg Blog - Eve Eve - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6487595b-fdfd-4c5e-9ff4-e4577ccfd8fe/tempImageqV4Is4.jpg Blog - Eve Eve - Make it stand out Edinburgh sign and Christmas tree along The Mound. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4c82fedc-3019-407d-bbe7-926b2d13c9f6/tempImage0P4rzR.jpg Blog - Eve Eve - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ebcd1065-097f-4149-a65f-b6b9da6a2dd4/tempImageoWeCfF.jpg Blog - Eve Eve - Make it stand out Even the castle is ready for Christmas. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/dd559fa9-a270-4271-ba7e-37d749c57e4c/tempImagenfnAnq.jpg Blog - Eve Eve - Make it stand out The Ross Mountain and the castle. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3336028d-8fd1-4468-8138-3e8663a1e27b/tempImageFnMlxV.jpg Blog - Eve Eve - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.overthehillandacrossthepond.com/blog/lallybroch monthly 0.5 2023-11-21 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ef545877-ed0d-49af-98da-2f2a0c85b615/tempImageXnufeS.jpg Blog - Lallybroch - Make it stand out Lallybroch https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b88934b1-d988-4f1e-a321-50e5cc3c36a6/tempImageNCCyXI.jpg Blog - Lallybroch - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9a951ade-1d92-4ccc-9dbf-e6bae073f004/Lally+13.jpeg Blog - Lallybroch - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d2b8a4a4-7fbb-4ad9-84d5-59b558c8a22d/tempImagetaywO0.jpg Blog - Lallybroch - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ae0de805-89cd-45b0-ab75-bf8b38f735f0/tempImageUTfbom.jpg Blog - Lallybroch - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a9856ddb-03ed-47c3-928e-051253ed72a0/Lally+14.jpeg Blog - Lallybroch - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7784358b-c26f-4d98-a23d-bdebcee2e1a0/Lally+17.jpeg Blog - Lallybroch - Make it stand out I’ll be your Jamie! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5ff4a9cc-3ecf-4c8c-9a70-56bfdccfa509/tempImageqg8CI9.jpg Blog - Lallybroch - Make it stand out See? Almost as sexy as Sam Hugh! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/44fef514-9032-4cc5-9b37-48705cf3bc23/tempImager91QeX.jpg Blog - Lallybroch - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7c065b22-8c16-451e-a0b6-2e148719fa7c/tempImageddHMKX.jpg Blog - Lallybroch - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/174d7cf0-5edd-4173-a9be-04a445b2d39e/tempImage5OzVrq.jpg Blog - Lallybroch - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/271942ea-e407-4062-b3a5-acf4dae92ba6/tempImage1Bn8fm.jpg Blog - Lallybroch - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/fc5e8d85-5998-4426-8e04-5ed3badb4e33/Lally+20.jpeg Blog - Lallybroch - Make it stand out Claire returns to Lallybroch in the 20th Century with the roof removed by CG magic. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8a4a6012-7cc6-49b0-abc0-ddd0e9a01936/Lally+16.jpeg Blog - Lallybroch - Make it stand out Claire remembers. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b4b7b467-0038-47d5-85f5-2516344036d7/Lally+19.jpeg Blog - Lallybroch - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/29e49108-752b-4b66-8c0a-7432eb1635d0/Lally+9.jpeg Blog - Lallybroch - Make it stand out Claire and Jenny on the front steps in the 18th Century. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/da3922a9-9f38-4988-a34c-1d05e6906a99/tempImageFITxVT.jpg Blog - Lallybroch - Make it stand out The courtyard in 2022. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d3ef5af2-14b5-4b51-9591-82c6268db299/Lally+15.jpeg Blog - Lallybroch - Make it stand out The courtyard set as the 18th century. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/724bf785-9faa-46e4-907d-d0c5ac64d6b8/tempImageNGCgOk.jpg Blog - Lallybroch - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8f0de9b5-179e-4217-bee0-580851603ebc/tempImageoczwx0.jpg Blog - Lallybroch - Make it stand out The house was built in 1458. After the death of the second owner in 1478, Midhope was passed to Alexander Drummond and his wife Marjorie Bruce in 1587. Drummond rebuilt the tower and turrets and a date stone containing their initials (above) commemorates their ownership. Originally located in the lintel of the front door, the date stone is now part of the gateway arch. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5dc9bcbc-21ff-41dd-b6f7-e7c3aa91f7f9/tempImagenGAof9.jpg Blog - Lallybroch - Make it stand out As it is… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/32162f1f-0282-4580-b3ad-77a6264d687b/Lally+11.jpeg Blog - Lallybroch - Make it stand out As it looks with some CG magic! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/438348a6-7bc4-47b1-995d-e3409c4d7772/tempImageKG0zDd.jpg Blog - Lallybroch - Make it stand out Goodbye Lallybroch! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4c7bdd7f-3e2b-4d2a-b098-0ef2c6c99c78/Black+3.jpeg Blog - Lallybroch - Make it stand out Blackness Castle—”The Ship That Never Sailed.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/81dbf8d6-ac7d-4aa6-8f57-2e575dbf0f30/tempImageVnUtJM.jpg Blog - Lallybroch - Make it stand out The entrance and its impressive iron yett. Fun fact: yett is an Old English and Scottish word for a gate or grille of latticed wrought iron bars used for defensive purposes in castles and tower houses. Unlike a portcullis (from yesterday at Edinburgh Castle), which is raised and lowered vertically using mechanical means, yetts are hinged in the manner of a traditional gate or door, and secured by bolts attached to the yett, or by long bars drawn out from the wall or gateway. Now you know. And knowing is half the battle. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ad35b76a-0367-4d9e-aab1-9b889d76fe69/tempImageQpQmTl.jpg Blog - Lallybroch - Make it stand out Amanda and Pam pass through the open yett and take in the scene, remembering poor Jamie. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7980bcee-9e67-4a1c-89c0-387f5f437dbb/tempImageymcNuK.jpg Blog - Lallybroch - Make it stand out If you made it past the yett (to the right), you would enter this tunnel. The only problem was, there is a small hole in the wall behind you where soldiers hid and would shoot you in the back. Those clever Scots! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f49eb43a-b70e-4363-9065-290125a119a1/tempImageyGd4Wf.jpg Blog - Lallybroch - Make it stand out The Keep https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b1c01147-e256-433d-abe6-8a96800688d8/tempImageTe2HBO.jpg Blog - Lallybroch - Make it stand out Three Bridges in the distance, as seen from the roof of the Keep. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/19e395d2-ada4-41ff-bd15-a13446c82424/tempImageqHYMx9.jpg Blog - Lallybroch - Make it stand out A working drawbridge—yes! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6044df06-7e4e-4f9a-a03b-891a73956592/tempImagenkeWoJ.jpg Blog - Lallybroch - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3e15bf12-77f5-4a28-856a-8507ab0a93d4/tempImageVFMf0W.jpg Blog - Lallybroch - Make it stand out Amanda and Pam thinking about poor Jamie! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b4cbb773-3966-487e-9929-2d63cbdde7b5/Black+2.jpeg Blog - Lallybroch - Make it stand out The castle is unmistakably between the this image and the one above. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6098d5bd-1e96-482b-a6b0-dda2b5734d34/tempImageYhoscp.jpg Blog - Lallybroch - Make it stand out At the prow of the ship, looking back on the courtyard. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a6025062-166f-49ee-9ac0-2fe940ae5533/tempImage7PQhWb.jpg Blog - Lallybroch - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/cd0d00f7-030a-45a5-a674-b9338421ce4d/tempImagevVWPMM.jpg Blog - Lallybroch - Make it stand out The amazing Great Hall. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f602697e-92f6-4fd6-97f0-3ef369c69519/tempImage1xLd9Z.jpg Blog - Lallybroch - Make it stand out After all that eating in the Great Hall… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a38d87da-ed21-440e-b602-583a9997ddc8/tempImageXEMPZA.jpg Blog - Lallybroch - Make it stand out Pam waits patiently while Amanda and I went up and down all the narrow and treacherous stairs, and around the wall walk. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/90c6cf68-3594-4103-a105-ccb8e012c947/tempImagehYmHus.jpg Blog - Lallybroch - Make it stand out A grand entrance. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c230ff4f-3376-4047-b195-170d582cfad2/tempImageHuub3L.jpg Blog - Lallybroch - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d4532ea9-1915-4e0d-ab01-d1d0ecf04b52/tempImagePZUlD6.jpg Blog - Lallybroch - Make it stand out This is the palace where Mary Queen of Scots was born to James V of Scotland and Mary of Guise. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7ce16a8c-208d-4e5a-97bc-97069e3cf9fe/tempImagePTXcAe.jpg Blog - Lallybroch - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/320ae25e-51f7-4929-b133-cf7b5fee415f/tempImageE8TNih.jpg Blog - Lallybroch - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0e83c549-228b-4c3e-b2c1-28bb1efb191a/tempImageq5BVvg.jpg Blog - Lallybroch - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0a792944-0835-4db6-b5c7-60f59d88afde/tempImagefhMZPG.jpg Blog - Lallybroch - Make it stand out They have a lot of work in front of them, but let’s hope they are able to restore this magnificent loch-side castle! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5ff76a97-3d5e-4117-be23-c6dff7f7b248/tempImagePhcYHW.jpg Blog - Lallybroch - Make it stand out As a rule, serendipity should come in threes. First the café, then the palace, and then we walked into an Oxfam thrift store and I found the Ian Rankin book I learned about when we were at Rosslyn Chapel a few days ago. 1-2-3! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4abbc9b1-56ae-4841-873a-9a4c5ddadcde/tempImagerdSwtP.jpg Blog - Lallybroch - Make it stand out To top it all off, we were almost back to our car in the Tesco car park when Amanda spotted a dime. https://www.overthehillandacrossthepond.com/blog/winters-morn monthly 0.5 2023-11-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/28861493-8292-4f81-ba55-66d559f85ec3/tempImageyxvSXR.jpg Blog - Winter’s Morn - Make it stand out Standing on a bridge over a moat, and flanked on the left by Sir William Wallace (Braveheart) and on the right by Robert the Bruce, Pam and Amanda prepare to enter the fortress of Edinburgh Castle. The statues were only erected outside the castle in 1929, but both men had been celebrated for centuries before. Both were prominent leaders during the First War of Scottish Independence, which began in 1296 and lasted for roughly three decades. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1e5bbb15-52a9-474a-8a86-59bd5916fefc/tempImageVcXuwS.jpg Blog - Winter’s Morn - Make it stand out Inside the main gate, you arrive at the Portcullis Gate. Built after the long siege of 1571-3 as the main gateway into the castle, it stands on the site of the medieval constable’s tower. The top story was added in 1887. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/bf631bf8-d4b3-40cd-9d5a-c706b0c16d54/tempImageZLjTC9.jpg Blog - Winter’s Morn - Make it stand out Not a silly pretend gate from the Sleeping Beauty’s Castle at Disneyland, this is the genuine article. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/71dfe4d6-181e-4d27-9558-73fedca6e0e9/tempImageLX2aNl.jpg Blog - Winter’s Morn - Make it stand out Get it: Lang Stairs…Langstaff. Hey, close enough! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/784a6ffd-80f5-487e-a308-a266196fefd0/tempImageOfaakl.jpg Blog - Winter’s Morn - Make it stand out The Argyle Battery’s six guns, plus the adjacent Mill’s Mount Battery, formed the main artillery defense on the north side of castle, and offers commanding views over the present day Princes Street Gardens and on to the Firth of Forth. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/640a245e-2332-4795-b557-05c1241bba8b/tempImageEy58np.jpg Blog - Winter’s Morn - Make it stand out These 18-pounder muzzle-loaders are from the Napoleonic era, built in 1810. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9c1d5c2b-caee-4c2f-820a-1cd6f51b6f7a/tempImageYUeJZP.jpg Blog - Winter’s Morn - Make it stand out On the top of each barrel is the royal cipher GR3—George III. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/bfa060b8-8cc6-411d-99d3-2060f8c611d8/tempImageEE5gwN.jpg Blog - Winter’s Morn - Make it stand out The Argyle Battery and the Low Defense. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0b04b8b3-3f51-4caf-964f-69ac0af27507/tempImageLbCknn.jpg Blog - Winter’s Morn - Make it stand out The path down to the Low Defense. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4e7039e1-f730-401b-ab96-16b2c1b5c53b/tempImage04F8ZA.jpg Blog - Winter’s Morn - Make it stand out Waverly train station and Calton Hill through a cannon slit in the Low Defense. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/fac94017-5b74-41d0-a1d7-2d6e493028d0/tempImageexz450.jpg Blog - Winter’s Morn - Make it stand out When you hear “castle,” you imagine a single building; in reality, it’s more like a fortress city on top of the rock. Within the castle walls, there are at least three full-scale museums dedicated to one facet of war or another. There are simply too many things to mention, but I’ll include just a few photos that interested me (one can only take so much death and dismemberment anyway). The pistols above came as a set in a custom case. It made me think of every duel scene I’ve ever watched where they open a case and ask you to select your weapon. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/edcaf108-208b-47b6-b12c-3be918beb938/tempImagewTBLQh.jpg Blog - Winter’s Morn - Make it stand out Here is a cool assortment of traditional Scottish knives known as sgian-dubh (anglicized as skene), sporran, swords, and kilt pins. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/584250b2-8857-44fc-a78a-122ccb938839/tempImageXOjBaJ.jpg Blog - Winter’s Morn - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b3503a45-c1cc-4ee2-974b-f0144da7509d/tempImageozkkWD.jpg Blog - Winter’s Morn - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ef2f8fb1-f064-44c1-ac9e-58a0e04ad8f4/tempImageFfOQhg.jpg Blog - Winter’s Morn - Make it stand out Scottish military drum. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3290c1f8-5a9b-4903-9cfa-3704822b6f85/tempImageASgcXP.jpg Blog - Winter’s Morn - Make it stand out Dragoon Guards refers to certain heavy calvary regimens. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e778322b-525f-42bc-bc52-81089a9bb96e/tempImagep3a9qy.jpg Blog - Winter’s Morn - Make it stand out In a bookshop halfway through the castle grounds I came upon this copy of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stane (for the American version of the book, they replaced Philosopher’s with Sorcerer’s.) As Harry Potter fans, this sounds like an amazing gift, something truly worth owning. And then you open the book to page 1 and start reading… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/29aaedae-f887-4ab0-8729-f7ba0a60693a/tempImagesOBqJD.jpg Blog - Winter’s Morn - Make it stand out Ahhh, no! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/08bf1b89-86ae-49ca-b9cc-06db2cd246f1/tempImagesl1wRb.jpg Blog - Winter’s Morn - Make it stand out Prisoner barracks. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7e846414-c339-499b-9183-2da4ca7e4d19/tempImageDK4RvX.jpg Blog - Winter’s Morn - Make it stand out Foog’s Gate was the principle gate to the Upper Ward. The perimeter wall on either side was built during King Charles II reign (1649-85) to bolster the castle's defences. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9e2148db-eb0e-461d-8756-8624a7b3920f/tempImage0jg1ah.jpg Blog - Winter’s Morn - Make it stand out Beautiful exterior of The Scottish National War Memorial building inside the castle grounds. It commemorates Scottish service personnel and civilians, and those serving with Scottish regiments, who died in the two world wars and subsequent conflicts. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5c476fac-0d20-4aa4-83d0-30aee6583fd9/tempImage5Lf0P7.jpg Blog - Winter’s Morn - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4f3e5b98-1dce-469f-b7ae-6a32e38e0352/tempImagezkfvKn.jpg Blog - Winter’s Morn - Make it stand out The entrance to The Scottish National War Memorial building (no photos are permitted inside). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/cb3a53f2-9320-459a-9a61-09933854de7b/tempImageNgntuN.jpg Blog - Winter’s Morn - Make it stand out A contemplative horse at the Memorial’s entrance. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2a95104a-8fba-4ace-90b2-04723de43d47/tempImageonrghO.jpg Blog - Winter’s Morn - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2aa3b1ea-5f1c-4d50-a3c3-e2fe5024c95e/tempImageO9hBvZ.jpg Blog - Winter’s Morn - Make it stand out A wonder of medieval Scotland, the Great Hall was completed in 1511 for King James IV. Its wooden roof is one of the most superb in Britain. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/71c17f19-2332-4f98-b3d3-f021fb695730/tempImageyz4s6w.jpg Blog - Winter’s Morn - Make it stand out Grand banquets and state events took place here. Restored to its medieval splendour, the Great Hall today displays weapons and armour that hint at its military past. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e185eb8a-4406-429d-b907-5e9f5ad71dc2/tempImagedsvoSW.jpg Blog - Winter’s Morn - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d0616b7e-1466-4da0-8071-61b1242f14f6/tempImagefGjmED.jpg Blog - Winter’s Morn - Make it stand out Merry Christmas from the Great Hall. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0bf9169d-c6ec-4143-ab82-0a05ea533cbb/tempImagepYNyTV.jpg Blog - Winter’s Morn - Make it stand out Overlooking Crown Square and the queue outside the Royal Palace to enter the Crown Room to see the Honours of Scotland—the oldest Crown jewels in Britain. Made of gold, silver, and precious gems, the priceless crown, sceptre, and sword of state are objects of immense significance. (There were definitely no photos allowed inside the room.) The crown was made for James V, who first wore it at the coronation of Queen Mary of Guise in 1540. Mary Queen of Scots was the first to be crowned using the new crown and sceptre together, in 1543. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/51885125-a145-41bc-8c65-e844978cc23c/148d1d82761f586c89d67eac32704a00aeb4a218.jpg Blog - Winter’s Morn - Make it stand out The Honours have had a turbulent past. They were removed from the castle and hidden in 1651–60 to keep them from Oliver Cromwell’s army. In 1707, following the Act of Union between England and Scotland, they were locked in a chest and sealed away. In 1818, Sir Walter Scott, the famous novelist, rediscovered the Honours—along with a mysterious silver wand. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a288e16c-8845-4cc7-a5e8-a6afebb74fd9/Stone.jpeg Blog - Winter’s Morn - Make it stand out Inside the same enclosure that houses the Honours, also sits the Stone of Destiny—an ancient symbol of Scotland’s monarchy, used for centuries in the inauguration of its kings. Seen as a sacred object, its earliest origins are now unknown. In 1296, King Edward I of England seized the stone from the Scots, and had it built into a new throne at Westminster Abbey in London. From then on, it was used in the coronation ceremonies of the monarchs of England and then Great Britain. On Christmas Day 1950, four Scottish students removed the stone from Westminster. Three months later it turned up 500 miles away—at the high altar of Arbroath Abbey in Perth, Scotland. (You can rent the 2008 film Stone of Destiny on Amazon Prime if you want to see all about the Scots stealing the stone and bringing it back to Scotland. We just watched it again last night and it was really fun.) In 1996, the stone was officially returned to Scotland and will only leave Scotland again for the coronation of King Charles III in Westminster Abbey on May 6, 2023. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ad07824d-5af3-424b-8e60-b9c6c8e2d98c/tempImageLOd5tM.jpg Blog - Winter’s Morn - Make it stand out After viewing the Honours and the Stone, you are directed into the Royal Palace, where Mary Queen of Scots gave birth to her son James in the small room shown above—his birth chamber was a highlight. Crowned king of Scotland at just 13 months old, James became the first monarch of both Scotland (James VI) and England (James I) in 1603. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ec44c77a-951b-422d-982c-ede6046eaebb/tempImageJSIpA9.jpg Blog - Winter’s Morn - Make it stand out As king, James VI and I commissioned a new translation of the Bible—the King James Version. It is considered one of the most influential books ever published in the English language. A copy on display in Mary’s bedchamber is shown above. When the first guidebooks to the castle were published in the 1800s, Mary rather than her more successful son James, was usually the central character. The queen had become a cultural icon, inspiring writers, artists, playwrights, and musicians, with particular appeal to Victorian sentimentality. Public pressure for access to the castle grew after the discovery of the Honours of Scotland in 1818. The military gradually retreated from the palace. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/eddfefc6-ff4e-4a92-8a56-ae05e1d1e83e/tempImagee6cUmX.jpg Blog - Winter’s Morn - Make it stand out Above the door to the Royal Palace are the gilded initials MAH—for Mary Queen of Scots and her second husband Henry Stewart, Lord Darnley. They married in 1565 and moved into this palace in 1566. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9ddbf686-caa6-4d16-af90-333982f3596f/tempImageMA4Zjf.jpg Blog - Winter’s Morn - Make it stand out Cemetery for Regimental Mascots & Officers’ Dogs—This small garden space holds a soldiers’ dog cemetery that dates back to 1837. The year marks the ascent of Queen Victoria to the British throne, and her reign (until 1901) was noted by several cultural traits, among which was an appreciation of pets and companion animals. The same appreciation for animals that led to the story of Greyfriars Bobby could also have led to the establishment of this cemetery, especially since burial plots in castles were often considered exclusive to military personnel and nobles. The small graveyard is home to about 20 headstones. Many of the engravings have worn away over time, but the oldest visible inscription is from 1881, a dedication to Jess, band pet of the Black Watch 42nd Royal Highlanders. The youngest headstone commemorates Winkle, who died in 1980 and was the “dear and faithful friend of Lady Gow and the Governor.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b5c70516-f42e-4531-961b-ccb499a8f2ee/tempImageEpzfem.jpg Blog - Winter’s Morn - Make it stand out Bob regimental pet of the 1st Battalion, Scots Fusilier Guards, preserved after his death in 1860 (not in the least bit creepy). Bob is wearing the special medal he was awarded during the Crimean War. Pets were often kept under the communal ownership of a regiment. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9ac50f87-f5c3-423e-8469-0a67d6b160f1/tempImageLlalFl.jpg Blog - Winter’s Morn - Make it stand out St Margaret’s Chapel—King David I built the chapel in about 1130, probably as part of a great stone tower. He dedicated it to his saintly mother, Margaret. Scotland’s royal family once knelt to worship in this serene private chapel. Today, the doors of Edinburgh’s oldest building are open to all castle visitors, and the chapel continues to host weddings and christenings. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5055a12c-5b17-4843-bc03-d550217c5c68/tempImageoHWCFb.jpg Blog - Winter’s Morn - Make it stand out The chapel is the oldest building in all Edinburgh. After the Protestant Reformation in the 1560s. the chapel was converted into a gunpowder store and its origins forgotten. It endured many sieges before being rediscovered in 1845. Queen Victoria supported the chapel's restoration in 1851-2. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/dcecd4e9-52aa-476b-9fc0-f1664ae56fff/tempImageHJUuPN.jpg Blog - Winter’s Morn - Make it stand out Scottish saints and heroes, including St Margaret and William Wallace, are shown in the stained glass installed in 1922. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7f7d683f-c970-42e5-b583-d4595137fafe/Mons+Meg.jpg Blog - Winter’s Morn - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6dca2f85-b2bd-4f38-93e6-12e60ec750d9/tempImage6OFVp0.jpg Blog - Winter’s Morn - Make it stand out “I got big balls.” -Amanda https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/00212242-709f-4a79-a321-18547250be54/tempImagetti0oe.jpg Blog - Winter’s Morn - Make it stand out Meg and a full rainbow. God’s only promise with today’s rainbow was, “It will be cold and windy.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ba69a8d6-d994-4460-be38-cdc100448878/tempImageC356EE.jpg Blog - Winter’s Morn - Make it stand out Looking east over the Forewall Battery, across the esplanade (where we will see the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo in August), past and toward Arthur’s Seat. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/53c0bd5c-ebf2-46ec-9fb7-b9300d0ac596/tempImagefkRQhc.jpg Blog - Winter’s Morn - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6062b742-884f-4fd7-a14a-f84b7124bcf6/tempImagenA7CPa.jpg Blog - Winter’s Morn - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/06a2ebff-246f-441f-b311-314dd8356b25/tempImageBWaa1w.jpg Blog - Winter’s Morn - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/fe24dad1-5e77-482c-9200-3773436fd2f9/tempImagep50mBn.jpg Blog - Winter’s Morn - Make it stand out At long last, we’ve come full circle. Now it’s down the Lang Stairs toward the Way Out (how they say Exit here). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/43ea9046-4dea-4e1c-af39-1416228f9a06/tempImageGX4wpr.jpg Blog - Winter’s Morn - Make it stand out Bye bye Edinburgh Castle! (If only it was still a drawbridge…no worries we’ll see a drawbridge tomorrow at Blackness Castle!) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d82bf326-73bd-463a-a9f0-8abdc8754786/tempImageUQ7YkY.jpg Blog - Winter’s Morn - Make it stand out Dinner with the dogs and the Canucks at Down the Hatch, right around the corner from our house. When Pam first arrived and was unfamiliar with the lay of the land, she kept seeing this restaurant and saying, “There’s another Down the Hatch.” We figured we should stop in for dinner. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f1bb54c3-e74d-4fad-ab7a-55cd84dfc46f/tempImages6eaiL.jpg Blog - Winter’s Morn - Make it stand out Bad Sadie! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/058064e3-1f18-4847-9944-ac15e1844510/tempImageOG36tQ.jpg Blog - Winter’s Morn - Make it stand out Old fashioneds are only for mommy! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1ad40625-08fe-4e54-abf5-320a4d9061e3/tempImageEnWS4M.jpg Blog - Winter’s Morn - Make it stand out Here you go girls; that’s better. https://www.overthehillandacrossthepond.com/blog/edinburgh-costco monthly 0.5 2023-11-21 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f0123aad-affc-43d5-be94-325e3724f13b/tempImageq3C50e.jpg Blog - Edinburgh Costco - Make it stand out It’s Tuesday morning (Dec 20) and that can mean only one thing—sourdough is back on the shelf at Archipelagø Bakery! Above: the walk down our street to buy bread this morning. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e6c4ab73-b605-4b7e-a120-89d3b580e01f/tempImagesELNyv.jpg Blog - Edinburgh Costco - Make it stand out Erica, close your eyes and please try to ignore the gluttony of gluten! For those of you wondering, the soda bread had “stuff” in it, so it received an A+ from me, a C from Amanda, and an “Avoid-at-all-costs” from Pam. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/914d14b3-e2c8-4ac2-9822-ca37b7359978/tempImageCkVjWO.jpg Blog - Edinburgh Costco - Make it stand out Keith letting us know everything would be alright after the unexpected detour. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/994ea289-35d5-4646-b966-460df0b9d5e4/tempImagednZNA2.jpg Blog - Edinburgh Costco - Make it stand out Pam outside the incomparable Rosslyn Chapel. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5c762ba4-cb39-45e7-bada-3f31299461f6/tempImagetju4l0.jpg Blog - Edinburgh Costco - Make it stand out Now look who’s being bad! Amanda snapped this illicit photo of Pam inside the Rosslyn Chapel’s basement sacristy. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/59319c05-db5b-4efb-aee1-7beb351d1243/tempImage3pWFn6.jpg Blog - Edinburgh Costco - Make it stand out While they were inside Rosslyn Chapel (I didn’t want to pay the entrance fee again), I wandered down the hill to see what can be seen of Rosslyn Castle. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9034b34a-301e-49b1-a19f-9bce8b01b072/tempImageRUWSRk.jpg Blog - Edinburgh Costco - Make it stand out Near the River North Esk looking up at the bridge leading to the castle on the left. The parting shot from The Da Vinci Code movie was shot across the bridge toward the two prominent towers. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/39d52a97-777e-45ec-9858-3152dc7a7900/tempImageBajTP1.jpg Blog - Edinburgh Costco - Make it stand out Under the bridge and not a troll in sight. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9fc291aa-38f0-4821-a801-a26de0d6eaea/tempImage1YrUMm.jpg Blog - Edinburgh Costco - Make it stand out The castle’s east wall. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b2ed4219-476c-4444-816a-bafbd9b281c5/tempImageFtnOR5.jpg Blog - Edinburgh Costco - Make it stand out The view that inspired poet Robert Burns. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7f5c0119-de6b-4a48-88c6-1f33123f6f23/tempImage9oWw9Z.jpg Blog - Edinburgh Costco - Make it stand out How it looked in its heyday. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c2d7ce91-dd1d-422b-be49-8a65dcce9ba3/tempImageUCT91M.jpg Blog - Edinburgh Costco - Make it stand out If these walls could speak. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/19ed4217-b765-41b3-af79-845143af26e1/tempImageYHULra.jpg Blog - Edinburgh Costco - Make it stand out The River North Esk. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/573c2741-889c-4d4d-88a5-bdfd6ae2e2ec/tempImageQJd6tB.jpg Blog - Edinburgh Costco - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9ff71e05-1c23-4176-9ade-722b84a37a76/tempImagezTVIpL.jpg Blog - Edinburgh Costco - Make it stand out Tori and Kiera this might be a fun story to read up on. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a07bf391-a5a5-46a2-9431-fc6ebfccb87b/tempImagexAq7Az.jpg Blog - Edinburgh Costco - Make it stand out Add it to the list! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/927b3617-7766-4643-86d4-8b49aa41405e/tempImagewfxEGO.jpg Blog - Edinburgh Costco - Make it stand out OK, OK, OK, without further ado, the moment you’ve all waited for with bated breath! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/70aecfe8-3e76-4d07-8d5c-76acce230f89/tempImagefrBF2T.jpg Blog - Edinburgh Costco - Make it stand out Silly Brits, you misspelled your sign. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/558218ee-4391-4236-861d-958e80587837/tempImageZfy1Vl.jpg Blog - Edinburgh Costco - Make it stand out Ops, there they go again. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5fda0b8a-5ee0-4c18-9f6e-f3d7b719d84e/tempImagewhmE46.jpg Blog - Edinburgh Costco - Make it stand out This was my number 1 question and now I have my answer, you can buy Costco-sized haggis. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e2cf4b5a-ef06-41b1-be3a-a57b1d4614ee/tempImagevK7nm7.jpg Blog - Edinburgh Costco - Make it stand out Square sausage? What is this, Wendy’s? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e9632939-5420-4b24-ad5d-f6fd73f99220/tempImagehsWfmh.jpg Blog - Edinburgh Costco - Make it stand out I think they mean the pig was pampered…right up until the moment it wasn’t. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/bcc5fb18-16f0-499f-a516-f1f64a03dbf8/tempImagezN030p.jpg Blog - Edinburgh Costco - Make it stand out Yum, suckers and all! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1431246c-ca39-43ff-aaea-02796dbf8e5a/tempImageF7Obbx.jpg Blog - Edinburgh Costco - Make it stand out Maybe not our best, but hey, it’s still Paso Robles in Edinburgh. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/77f160c2-3f0e-4ce5-9561-236b9312d091/tempImageyGWi7D.jpg Blog - Edinburgh Costco - Make it stand out I’ve seen massive cheese wheels, but this is the biggest dang block of cheese I’ve ever seen.. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f9789320-4ed7-4f2f-8951-f1c02ae836eb/tempImage4fYcZs.jpg Blog - Edinburgh Costco - Make it stand out Now that’s a bag of French fries. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e18801cb-76e4-44f1-a6e0-54eee5685af0/tempImageTgsVoz.jpg Blog - Edinburgh Costco - Make it stand out Ginormous quad-packs of Scottish or English tea anyone? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8ef371e2-d9d4-4c42-b700-ec8fe7d36dcd/tempImage7HFno6.jpg Blog - Edinburgh Costco - Make it stand out Scotland’s very own soda Irn Bru in bulk. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d1f1ed1c-1270-4f9f-9642-9f10bd2693ae/tempImagebsLyJO.jpg Blog - Edinburgh Costco - Make it stand out Tea’s best friend—oh so hard to find in the States, but available in bulk in the UK. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5fcd45c9-3736-4a51-9e94-b4c3853671eb/tempImage0vLo0Q.jpg Blog - Edinburgh Costco - Make it stand out Special delivery for Alex! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9b3b0608-1736-4a39-9b95-7f0ba0c29895/tempImageySEPSo.jpg Blog - Edinburgh Costco - Make it stand out Extra large cans for you Karina! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/03ac55a9-cb7c-4ed9-b2f9-2a65aea43373/tempImagehpJ9QU.jpg Blog - Edinburgh Costco - Make it stand out Bulk potato scones, like Norwegian lefsa, only better. Wish we had these in the US. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/72c0d516-cda9-4a6e-a53a-aed8a8d4adf8/tempImageFsIGnJ.jpg Blog - Edinburgh Costco - Make it stand out Please pull your trolley forward dear. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1249c318-9237-41c3-8833-68d62d5eb450/tempImager3xm4M.jpg Blog - Edinburgh Costco - Make it stand out The food court UK style. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0696080e-c6fb-4029-a6c0-99157a3de6ff/tempImagelGS978.jpg Blog - Edinburgh Costco - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/05eb56bf-0e5b-45d4-9425-51e6b73bdb60/tempImageKnRjVe.jpg Blog - Edinburgh Costco - Make it stand out Sorry, I don’t know how to do this math yet, but Jason says it’s $6.43 per US gallon for gasoline & $7.38 for diesel. Yikes! Makes California gas seem like a real bargain! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6df88654-1619-4f7e-9cbf-00fabdc8f951/tempImageauHP56.jpg Blog - Edinburgh Costco - Make it stand out Whether it’s in the UK or the USA, Costco is always a fun experience. By day’s end, Pam had recorded 7,839 steps, 3.14 miles, & 28 flights of stairs. Congratulations and well done Pam! https://www.overthehillandacrossthepond.com/blog/palace-of-holyrood monthly 0.5 2023-11-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/45a5561b-778c-4bd4-a1b7-ffe152fc8017/tempImage6qN8w0.jpg Blog - Palace of Holyroodhouse - Make it stand out Amanda finished reading Shadow of Night (from the A Discovery of Witches series) and I finished The Distant Hours. Since I’m currently reading 44 Scotland Street by Alexander McCall Smith, on the way to the bakery I thought it would be fun to deposit our finished books in the Little Free Library outside 43 Scotland Street (the highest address on the street in actuality). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4ab551ee-86a8-45ff-b314-2ce317997480/tempImagelZJmZV.jpg Blog - Palace of Holyroodhouse - Make it stand out Hope you find good homes! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2de0a8eb-5f6c-4474-8dbb-66b6459c435e/tempImage5p0fUu.jpg Blog - Palace of Holyroodhouse - Make it stand out Walking from the bus stop (a little further than hoped) to the Palace. The weather underwent a marked change with the high temperature on Monday soaring from where it has hovered for weeks at or below freezing to a balmy 55° F. It won’t last long, but it made for a very pleasant day on Monday. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/78686f2f-2de7-49bc-916c-ddd37483b9e2/tempImagebn8XOo.jpg Blog - Palace of Holyroodhouse - Make it stand out A spectacular morning to walk through Holyrood Park with Salisbury Crags rising to the right. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/172bf47a-772a-4e4d-88a7-f18a7338d403/tempImagetjwEsW.jpg Blog - Palace of Holyroodhouse - Make it stand out Audio tour headphone in place, ready to begin our tour at the courtyard fountain. King James V, who was born in the palace, added an ornate fountain to the courtyard. This fountain is a 19th century replica, commissioned by Queen Victoria. Among the carvings of lions and soldiers are historic figures in Scotland’s history. The abbey ruins (mentioned below) are beside the palace at the left side of this photo. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3f4e9e01-9ce1-4736-9ba2-3ee822957785/tempImageKDNh1S.jpg Blog - Palace of Holyroodhouse - Make it stand out Holyroodhouse is the official Scottish residence for the British monarch. It’s located at the bottom of the Royal Mile, opposite Edinburgh Castle, and has served as the principal royal residence in Scotland since the 16th century. It is still used for state occasions and official entertaining. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b969235e-3fe7-4ec9-a931-8f191dffda48/Palace+%26+Abbey+2.png Blog - Palace of Holyroodhouse - Make it stand out As mentioned, long before the palace was built, Holyrood was an Augustinian abbey founded by King David I in 1128. What’s left of the abbey ruins stands at the corner of the palace as shown above. (You can orient yourself using the fountain from the previous photos and thank you Apple Maps for the cool 3D perspective). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5d6f45c1-496d-403a-85c9-3641954b69b8/tempImagea6fIVx.jpg Blog - Palace of Holyroodhouse - Make it stand out The original Holyrood Abbey was altered and expanded over the centuries, and by 1500 this was one of the largest and most impressive monasteries in Scotland. (You may recall that the lower part of the Royal Mile is named Canongate, after the Augustinian canons who called this abbey home.) The nave is the only surviving part of the once much larger abbey complex. The abbey church was used for many important royal ceremonies, including the coronations of James V and Charles l. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f82b3ea3-884f-481e-a4d3-4b1c2f300906/Abbey.jpg Blog - Palace of Holyroodhouse - Make it stand out Hints of opulence survive in the intricate architecture of the nave. We can only imagine the brightly painted walls and ceilings, jewel-like stained glass, and sacred images illuminated by candlelight—as envisioned in the image above. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/bb466f49-56dd-47b9-977e-416bb1082603/tempImage3xxiTV.jpg Blog - Palace of Holyroodhouse - Make it stand out The abbey must have been simply stunning and you wish it had not been lost to time. Felix Mendelssohn, was inspired to write Symphony No.3, Op.56, about the abbey. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/772406a6-6773-4c04-957c-004fa1f23485/tempImagemDEBRR.jpg Blog - Palace of Holyroodhouse - Make it stand out This is probably a good place to explain the name Holyrood. The first kings of Scotland lived at Edinburgh Castle and enjoyed hunting in the area beneath what is now known as Arthur's Seat. Legend has it that when King David I was out hunting, he had a vision of a stag with a glowing cross (or rood) between its antlers. Interpreting this as a message from God, in 1128 he had an Augustinian abbey built on the spot where he had seen the stag and dedicated it to the Holy Rood. You’ll see the “holy rood” in many places throughout the grounds (above and below). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/adb97dc2-7d26-43a6-aebf-6841fb4aa11f/tempImage1achbC.jpg Blog - Palace of Holyroodhouse - Make it stand out Others say that the name derives from a supposed fragment of the True Cross which had been brought to Scotland by David's mother, St Margaret. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/10d91556-bc50-4522-93d8-622ff43a3637/tempImage8iuysY.jpg Blog - Palace of Holyroodhouse - Make it stand out You may recall the stained glass window from inside St Giles Cathedral, depicting David's mother St Margaret, St Giles, and King David I. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/89e8e554-cea2-44a9-9600-b366fbad9bb1/tempImage3kKigd.jpg Blog - Palace of Holyroodhouse - Make it stand out What a day! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/17b43fbb-f6f5-451c-924d-a7fc53caa529/tempImage8QfJYE.jpg Blog - Palace of Holyroodhouse - Make it stand out The palace entrance. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7d04f6cf-7c44-4580-95da-9e15f19642be/tempImageqhCYVB.jpg Blog - Palace of Holyroodhouse - Make it stand out As mentioned in our A Red, Red Rose post on December 9, the unicorn is the enduring symbol of Scotland. Scots love unicorns because they are proud, untameable creatures, fiercely independent and famously difficult to capture or conquer. I failed to mention in that post that you will always see their unicorns with a gold chain around their body. The chain represents the king’s ability to control these wild creatures. Based on the image above, the kings were also keen for others to know just how male the unicorns are (and one must suppose, by extension, how virile the king was). The inscription Nemo me impune lacesset (No one provokes me with impunity) was the Latin motto of the Royal Stuart dynasty of Scotland from at least the reign of James VI when it appeared on the reverse side of merk coins minted in 1578 and 1580. It is the adopted motto of the Order of the Thistle and of three Scottish regiments of the British Army. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4361cad7-ea73-4bdd-a44b-95f1050ac440/tempImageqkUYt6.jpg Blog - Palace of Holyroodhouse - Make it stand out The Palace’s inner courtyard was designed to mimic the original abbey’s cloister. The columns are Doric at the ground level, Ionic around the second floor, and Corinthian around the third floor. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8bbd22ff-a525-4572-8c8a-71eb02c2e6c2/tempImaget5g2VT.jpg Blog - Palace of Holyroodhouse - Make it stand out You weren’t supposed to take photographs inside, so I quickly snapped this shot of Amanda ascending the impressive stone staircase built for Charles II. (If you follow this link you can see more photos from inside.) This is still the way guests arrive at the palace, greeted by spectacular ceiling plasterwork—where a life-size angel holds the Scottish crown—as well as amazing Tapestries on the walls, which were sent to the Palace by Prince Albert. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/db7ffee8-b930-4a0f-a3b9-db4f7cc0548e/tempImageLgICfA.jpg Blog - Palace of Holyroodhouse - Make it stand out Another magnificent reception room. (Yeah, I know, I’m a bad boy.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ff7118c0-71a1-4f57-a48d-9ce5aa6f5d71/tempImage3xu0sm.jpg Blog - Palace of Holyroodhouse - Make it stand out This is Lord Darnley’s bed. He slept on the second floor, below Queen Mary’s bedchamber. There is a small, private spiral stairwell connecting their rooms (just beyond the left edge of the above photo). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6a4b9e76-7a68-49fc-9f07-79b2e70baa76/tempImagejz5EAy.jpg Blog - Palace of Holyroodhouse - Make it stand out There is a main entrance into Queen Mary’s room of course, but this is the private and relatively secret back entrance, up this narrow spiral stairwell from Darnley’s bedroom. Darnley and his men used this secret entrance to sneak into Mary’s room unnoticed. The men accused Rizzio of plotting against the queen and ordered him to come with them. Mary tried to protect Rizzio, but a gun was held to the young queen’s head and Rizzio was dragged away from the queen, out of her bedchamber, and into her ante-chamber where the mob viciously stabbed Rizzio to death. So much for Darnley’s allegiance to Scotland and Mary! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e7340228-220f-4008-9b02-365af00e5810/tempImagewE18Md.jpg Blog - Palace of Holyroodhouse - Make it stand out This is Mary’s room. The room’s main entrance is to the right. I didn’t snap my unauthorized photo super well, so you can only catch the smallest glimpse of the secret staircase at the photo’s left edge. The small sitting room was just left of the staircase. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9b02b7a9-e16b-45ad-b77b-a43d7c517b3c/MQS+Bedchamber+crop_1.jpg Blog - Palace of Holyroodhouse - Make it stand out Here is an inter-webs photo showing Mary’s bed and the small turret Supper Room behind the tapestry. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3eae83f8-bb5b-4228-be06-179b4076e28e/Screenshot+2022-12-20+at+8.59.42+PM.png Blog - Palace of Holyroodhouse - Make it stand out This is where Rizzo’s body was found in the queen’s ante-chamber. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c6713f6c-6639-434d-8062-8481013e3f18/tempImageD4ZPJD.jpg Blog - Palace of Holyroodhouse - Make it stand out A bus transfer meant time for the obligatory visit to see Greyfriars Bobby. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/40815c66-2cd8-480f-888c-c422f9fabed4/tempImageEzOtGu.jpg Blog - Palace of Holyroodhouse - Make it stand out With just enough light left in the day, I decided to summit Arthur’s Seat one more time before we leave the city. Perhaps the following video can best capture the conditions at the summit: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i3EVFVJ1FeI Bakery to Palace to Peak Quite a Day! https://www.overthehillandacrossthepond.com/blog/bmbeabas7fwepfn7f7r8wr9cmpnf6j monthly 0.5 2023-11-04 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/dccb96f0-d71a-49a3-a6e9-4bf317085681/tempImageUkOaoi.jpg Blog - Hark, the Herald-Angels Sing - Make it stand out Wandering through the Christmas market stalls along Princes Street on our way to the Scottish National Gallery on Saturday, December 17. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/edf5fc5f-4254-4cc7-a533-fab3d396d0c0/tempImageSOwLVu.jpg Blog - Hark, the Herald-Angels Sing - Make it stand out A self portrait of Sandro Botticelli’s portrait The Virgin Adoring the Sleeping Christ Child. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/98332501-b523-4000-b3a7-7b0ccfab3254/tempImages6k5iW.jpg Blog - Hark, the Herald-Angels Sing - Make it stand out Madonna of the Yarnwinder by Leonardo da Vinci. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/156da049-12b5-4230-b4b6-94009c8f4e30/tempImagegSocIC.jpg Blog - Hark, the Herald-Angels Sing - Make it stand out The Reverend Robert Walker Skating on Duddingston Loch, better known by its shorter title The Skating Minister, is an oil painting attributed to Henry Rayburn. You may recall on our post Bring Out Your Dead that we visited Duddingston Loch, along with Dr. Neil’s Garden and the Sheep Head Inn, on November 22. The painting is quite famous locally and you’ll find its image on everything imaginable. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/794ddf4f-09fe-4651-92d4-f8618a1efb4b/tempImageZV6oll.jpg Blog - Hark, the Herald-Angels Sing - Make it stand out The Monarch of the Glen is an oil-on-canvas painting of a red deer stag completed in 1851 by English painter Sir Edwin Landseer. This painting is now one of the most iconic representations of Scotland worldwide. It has been repeated to such an extent that it also appears on the Challenge butter logo, Glenfiddich single malt Scotch whisky, and (perhaps most importantly) as the backdrop for the front desk of the Rosebudd Motel from the Canadian television sitcom, Schitt’s Creek. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/cfda0c66-91f3-4c9e-bbeb-b571fd803180/tempImageT7cuKW.jpg Blog - Hark, the Herald-Angels Sing - Make it stand out In the spirit of Christmas, this strange painting is Three Legends of St Nicholas. St Nicholas, the Patron of Children, is better known as Santa Claus. He appears in the left-hand panel as a baby standing up in a basin, thanking God for his birth. In the center, he saves three impoverished girls from prostitution by giving money for their dowries. On the right, the saint, dressed as a bishop, revives three boys who had been murdered and salted down as meat during a famine (Yikes—rough times!). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/67dd8e28-a16d-4eb4-9d96-f3c6c678b777/tempImageEyjjAB.jpg Blog - Hark, the Herald-Angels Sing - Make it stand out Summoned by an angel, a group of awestruck shepherds crowd round to admire the new-born baby Jesus, who bathes the scene in divine light in Domenico Zampieri’s The Adoration of the Shepherds. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/aa92e466-c760-4d86-a81a-b1e8f3110c7d/tempImageM3cJIT.jpg Blog - Hark, the Herald-Angels Sing - Make it stand out That night Amanda and I walked to the local Superdrug to get Pam some cough medicine and found this “dime” at the till. (It’s not a “cash register” but a “till.”) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/718e17e9-3666-4d5e-b11c-11fb574b9e1a/tempImage4zqlcy.jpg Blog - Hark, the Herald-Angels Sing - Make it stand out This morning, we were walking to St Giles Cathedral for the 11 am Sunday morning service when we found yet another lone “dime” in front of our path. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/45de08b8-3720-4929-9abf-d5717775d0b4/tempImageFS0mRw.jpg Blog - Hark, the Herald-Angels Sing - Make it stand out After the morning service (and some warm beverages to shake off the day’s chill), we returned to St Giles Cathedral to show Pam the magnificent Thistle Chapel. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/eebe5ac0-5158-42cf-9a91-f902e558491a/tempImageSN2rlo.jpg Blog - Hark, the Herald-Angels Sing - Make it stand out Pausing for a moment in the spot where the late Queen Elizabeth II laid in state on September 12, 2022. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/bf182ff2-cb70-43d6-a056-5b9925187152/tempImageBllUlv.jpg Blog - Hark, the Herald-Angels Sing - Make it stand out John Knox served as minister at St Giles from 1560 to 1572 and is widely considered as the founder of the Presbyterian Church of Scotland. He was a key figure in turning a nation of Catholics into one of Protestants. His fire and brimstone sermons and teachings often put him at odds with the Catholic Mary, Queen of Scots. This statue is inside St Giles Cathedral. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/efd209c4-24ec-4899-8978-dff2affd175c/tempImage5L6NiD.jpg Blog - Hark, the Herald-Angels Sing - Make it stand out It’s said that Knox wanted to be buried within 20 feet of St Giles, so he was laid to rest right outside the church in what was once a proper graveyard. However, the site has since been paved over and is now a functioning parking lot. A plaque in parking space number 23 marks the approximate location of his now-lost grave. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/74162f16-a5be-4340-b402-3550fb2b93bc/tempImagesG606Y.jpg Blog - Hark, the Herald-Angels Sing - Make it stand out The Heart of Midlothian mosaic outside St Giles Cathedral. The heart marks the location of the entrance to Edinburgh's Old Tolbooth which was demolished in 1817. Locals will often spit upon the heart as a sign of good luck, perhaps in support of the local football team by the same name; however, it was originally believed to be done as a sign of disdain for the executions which took place within the Old Tolbooth. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/17a25186-35af-4b30-9c0e-8418f853f2ad/tempImageks7CSx.jpg Blog - Hark, the Herald-Angels Sing - Make it stand out Each year the Edinburgh Award is given to an Edinburgh citizen for their contributions to the city and the positive focus it has brought to Edinburgh from outside the country. Part of the honor is to have the winner's hands imprinted in the flagstone of the courtyard of City Chambers. Here are JK Rowling's hand prints after she was awarded in 2008. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/14a35cda-1fdb-4934-ada4-33bbdc231ced/tempImage01PeFk.jpg Blog - Hark, the Herald-Angels Sing - Make it stand out The towering nine foot bronze statue of the Scottish Enlightenment thinker David Hume. Tradition is to rub the giant toe, which dangles over its huge plinth, for good luck. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/13435be3-213b-4027-adb5-5d85960975e8/tempImagebmFMYB.jpg Blog - Hark, the Herald-Angels Sing - Make it stand out The Writers’ Museum celebrates the lives of three giants of Scottish Literature—Robert Burns, Sir Walter Scott, and Robert Louis Stevenson. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9b3e1f64-d268-4659-95ac-dcad1f3b215b/tempImageXA25BN.jpg Blog - Hark, the Herald-Angels Sing - Make it stand out On Edinburgh Castle’s esplanade. You can almost feel the bitterly cold wind up on the peak right through the screen! In August, this space will be utterly transformed—filled with stands on three sides in order to host the annual Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/81f707d4-818f-4d2a-b230-cdbd32444246/tempImagenStRc9.jpg Blog - Hark, the Herald-Angels Sing - Make it stand out Pam was so proud to have made it to the summit and wanted to show the path she took. Well done Pam! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/05ba2d19-56de-443d-b0dc-5d7c203cb57f/tempImagePZi0LP.jpg Blog - Hark, the Herald-Angels Sing - Make it stand out Stunning (albeit cold) view over the esplanade’s south wall with snowcapped peaks in the distance. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/46cec449-8a47-4156-a513-3323c14e4f0d/tempImageWYahbp.jpg Blog - Hark, the Herald-Angels Sing - Make it stand out A beautiful Christmas tree outside the Scottish Whisky Experience, near the top of the Royal Mile. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9b443985-b1e4-4a34-ab9f-d55a65e47f14/tempImage9u1DVF.jpg Blog - Hark, the Herald-Angels Sing - Make it stand out This one’s for you Jason! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b2c9e24d-c3fc-4638-a023-bfe0e1e2e0fa/tempImagevhGNwa.jpg Blog - Hark, the Herald-Angels Sing - Make it stand out Beautiful Christmas decorations adorning the entrance to Bowwell’s Court, which serves as the entrance to The Witchery by the Castle. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/55c64769-6422-4e70-9267-fedc02697a3f/tempImagec1BfB5.jpg Blog - Hark, the Herald-Angels Sing - Make it stand out Inside The Witchery’s beautifully decorated courtyard. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4786c805-0e62-47a1-b2f0-d4f8e6c4ad25/tempImageR7bFfC.jpg Blog - Hark, the Herald-Angels Sing - Make it stand out The duplicitous William Brodie, often known by his title of Deacon Brodie, who was a Scottish cabinet-maker, deacon of a trades guild, and Edinburgh city councillor by day and leader of a band of thieves by night. Brodie is believed to be the inspiration behind Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/469bb47e-c930-493b-a6f1-72d6c46f837c/tempImageyT6vap.jpg Blog - Hark, the Herald-Angels Sing - Make it stand out Christmas tree inside St Giles Cathedral during the Lessons and Carols for Advent and Christmas service on Sunday evening. https://www.overthehillandacrossthepond.com/blog/title-5 monthly 0.5 2023-11-21 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/75314fc3-bfbb-4772-a9d6-0dfc8d40e6dc/tempImageRJfW2u.jpg Blog - World’s End - Make it stand out What do you get when you reunite a mother and daughter separated by 6,000 miles? A shopping trip, of course! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/edb10526-3333-4b52-908f-6434bcdb5b6d/tempImagergdgIV.jpg Blog - World’s End - Make it stand out First up was Tweeddale Court where they filmed a number of season 3’s market scenes, including Claire’s reunion with Fergus. (Notice the acrid smell of burning plastic and the telltale addition of a shopping bag to the photo. ) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4fbdf51b-b439-4309-8259-99fe5610094c/Twee+2.jpg Blog - World’s End - Make it stand out One of the scenes filmed in Tweeddale Court. The distinctive house in the background stands out and makes for a memorable photo op. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/37f89217-5bb3-45b0-88e9-44dfe194ce99/tempImagefmFFfS.jpg Blog - World’s End - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/fe6d5249-d618-45eb-b6d8-b8c8f55d9b69/tempImagejbApK4.jpg Blog - World’s End - Make it stand out Next up was Bakehouse Close, the scene of Jamie and Claire’s dramatic reunion in the fictional Carfax Close at Alexander Malcolm’s printshop. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5f6aa16b-4274-443f-8439-f60ca1e1c48c/tempImageTg2fBF.jpg Blog - World’s End - Make it stand out Is Jamie really worthy of all the hero worship? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/25585ad7-4203-4440-8f86-21102e53376d/tempImagesYKOvf.jpg Blog - World’s End - Make it stand out The door from the brothel where Jamie rented a room after Claire traveled back through the stones to save their unborn daughter. (Irony of all ironies, the building truly once was a brothel!) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0c4e69d4-b4d0-412e-8ba0-d27d4595be56/Bake+5.jpeg Blog - World’s End - Make it stand out Jamie emerging through the same door where Pam and Amanda stood. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/45c34d6e-de3a-484b-ad49-8f72b554c097/Bake+1.jpeg Blog - World’s End - Make it stand out Jamie walking from his house to the printshop and the now-famous steps. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e4234ee6-b296-49ae-a993-7747693999ba/Printer+3.jpeg Blog - World’s End - Make it stand out Claire approaches the printshop. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f24ce1c4-8e37-4fb2-a6bc-248dce61d46d/tempImage34mxKT.jpg Blog - World’s End - Make it stand out Such a cool old close, even if it didn't hold such significance for Outlander fans. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c9ae1171-a427-46ff-8774-b73620a4ca78/tempImage2uHQ0L.jpg Blog - World’s End - Make it stand out Another set of steps, but these were just part of the backdrop from the Outlander street scene below. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/53df4ea4-fae4-493a-b9cc-088a041a1c0b/High+1.jpeg Blog - World’s End - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1bce2ed2-bbba-45df-b537-44afe0a34809/tempImageQniZPl.jpg Blog - World’s End - Make it stand out Would so love to know what exactly lies behind this old wee door. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4ee4aa67-cdc6-4e36-a0e3-2c33a11631ec/tempImagezalmqw.jpg Blog - World’s End - Make it stand out No better way to wrap up the Outlander tour than by stopping for lunch in The World’s End pub. No, it’s not a pub dedicated to Christian eschatology, but a reference to the pub’s location (the design of the sign above is a hint). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d48759b7-ba64-4442-a1eb-c1fc18531ec0/tempImageRT7hfr.jpg Blog - World’s End - Make it stand out Back in the 16th Century, Edinburgh was a walled city. Just outside the pub rose the imposing Netherbow Port gate. The pub is so close to the old gate that part of the Flodden Wall still exist in the pub’s foundation. As far as the people of Edinburgh were concerned—outside the gate was no longer their world. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7b33dc01-dc59-4de4-81c4-5f9b4f56c218/tempImageASpm4L.jpg Blog - World’s End - Make it stand out Today the pub is a great place to stop in for fish and chips (What?) and a pint. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ba0aebba-62c9-47c6-851e-c21b56dee6cb/tempImagePT6ubT.jpg Blog - World’s End - Make it stand out Oh, did I mention they filmed some Outlander scenes in the pub as well? Bonus! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7bafc3fa-7f32-4e3c-b28b-2e75baa12457/tempImagen6qXa9.jpg Blog - World’s End - Make it stand out Two hot toddys and a pint of Edinburgh’s own Innis and Gunn please Daffyd (I know, I know, but our waiter looked and sounded exactly like him!) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/92cf9bf0-9fcb-4ef0-8268-24222912c578/tempImageE0G1wT.jpg Blog - World’s End - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a5b913c1-f3d3-477f-8a11-976f88ff71b3/tempImageWXfijT.jpg Blog - World’s End - Make it stand out The caption reads, “The picture above, of an unknown murderer from the 1700's, has hung in this position for many, many years. Rumour has it if you move the picture your world will end.” https://www.overthehillandacrossthepond.com/blog/title-4 monthly 0.5 2023-12-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e272ca1e-8531-4121-9770-8ef819178ba7/tempImageCr5DZQ.jpg Blog - Salisbury Crags - Make it stand out Yes, it’s sunrise, but it’s also well past 8:30 in the morning too! Edinburgh is at the same northern latitude as Moscow and the bottom of the Alaskan Panhandle, so the sun is late to rise and early to set. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9945fac0-bb06-4818-812a-e2ca0595dc46/tempImagevtgJMD.jpg Blog - Salisbury Crags - Make it stand out Arthur’s Seat on the left and Salisbury Crags on the right. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a60b7ad2-5136-4d9e-9118-a843874f9bca/tempImagewAiGM4.jpg Blog - Salisbury Crags - Make it stand out Look, near the summit, it’s Frosty the Jihadist! (Hey, it was 20° F outside!) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6f5d36a1-10b4-4b4b-a79f-1f41614ea83a/tempImageB2QKqC.jpg Blog - Salisbury Crags - Make it stand out The early morning sun paints the town in a warm glow—what a view! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e6116b71-6406-4b65-be23-0c766f3a5862/tempImageLM9lbE.jpg Blog - Salisbury Crags - Make it stand out I’m accustomed to the Sierra Nevada being called The Range of Light, but I think Edinburgh should be called The City of Light—the light and shadow on the buildings is always shifting in interesting ways. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b3635592-b66d-44d2-8d31-3e78b2362d0c/tempImageHVHvIE.jpg Blog - Salisbury Crags - Make it stand out A view west through the crags over the city and the Pentland Hills beyond. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4c697553-f240-4ebe-a9cd-b07a419e65af/tempImageJGMQ7L.jpg Blog - Salisbury Crags - Make it stand out Here comes the sun! (With this mustache I feel a little like Tim Allen in The Santa Clause, it just keeps coming in white.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8cbfa9f7-5fb4-4961-9fba-6641b6499e14/tempImageFtEgh1.jpg Blog - Salisbury Crags - Make it stand out Some cool volcanic formations along the top of the Crags. (That’s as high as the sun made it by 9 am.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/bc11f3c2-8ef7-4032-8a41-d13e84b5c8de/tempImageq9QCcK.jpg Blog - Salisbury Crags - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/63466a2f-a6dd-46f9-b5cc-e5418b98c3c9/tempImageNKCm5p.jpg Blog - Salisbury Crags - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/95844cf8-6e43-4d7c-aed8-b6fdf21b1da2/tempImageSXVp7D.jpg Blog - Salisbury Crags - Make it stand out We finished out the Wednesday afternoon on a return exploration of the cavernous National Museum of Scotland. The National Museum of Scotland’s foundation stone was laid in 1861 by Prince Albert, a driving force behind Britain’s 19th century museum movement. The main hall (above) was modeled after the Victorian Crystal Palace at the 1851 Great Exhibition in Hyde Park in London. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4f1f6682-47b7-4a81-a104-9426e9b0cb19/tempImage1fgGry.jpg Blog - Salisbury Crags - Make it stand out In a large exhibit on clothing, this simple empire waited dress really stood out to Amanda. Its from c1810 and made out of cotton muslin. Having spent the last many weeks surrounded by all things wool, she really liked the cotton fabric, and, of course, it’s nod to Jane Austen. Below is a close-up of the intricate detailing at the top and the subtle embroidered flowers throughout. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b8ed6833-36e6-4fd3-9afc-c1e0f709bd0f/tempImageKLLLAR.jpg Blog - Salisbury Crags - Make it stand out Amanda also loved the detailing on this wooden panel of a mother with her four children (below). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1d8c0132-2c39-4e4a-90c0-4487b7d15788/tempImagefO3goB.jpg Blog - Salisbury Crags - Make it stand out The exquisite detailing on this goblet from Italy c1866-72 caught Amanda’s eye as well (below center). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1f81de32-bd1a-4777-97bc-8ad1bf1db33e/tempImageJpdR5i.jpg Blog - Salisbury Crags - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e474b730-f9c4-43c2-8b9c-ea0f033d15a0/tempImagerX9G6O.jpg Blog - Salisbury Crags - Make it stand out While we waited for her flight to arrive, Amanda and I had a healthy breakfast at Seeds for the Soul. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/dee977de-95e9-4034-9e7e-1417f8782bf0/tempImagey4WHl6.jpg Blog - Salisbury Crags - Make it stand out We walked home to burn off all that sugar and passed the beautiful Barclay Viewforth Church of Scotland. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/463eba5a-0b27-40fa-a32d-c65ac5d02240/tempImage07iwDY.jpg Blog - Salisbury Crags - Make it stand out Off The Royal Mile we used Advocate’s Close to descend the northern slope and passed this door. In the sweet auld Scottish tradition, the initials of both husband and wife and the date they moved into the house, were engraved in the lintel. Clement Cor and Helen Bellenden built the tenement c1590 and the Latin inscription SPES. ALTERA. VITAE. translates to “Hope in the After Life.” Such an amazing tradition. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/63dd36ba-9f0c-4801-b819-0e98b8d19c6c/tempImagenSn1ut.jpg Blog - Salisbury Crags - Make it stand out This is the sign from the park the lies just outside our front door. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d745f5ab-8ad6-4fec-8a0c-d41f8830e5f8/tempImagekwdpQm.jpg Blog - Salisbury Crags - Make it stand out Hey Clint, we were looking in thrift stores for books to read and saw this one (ah, fond memories of a great read): https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9564cd66-7d2f-47cc-956f-e264e65bc97e/tempImage2mP4S3.jpg Blog - Salisbury Crags - Make it stand out On the bus from Edinburgh Airport to the city center. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f29baded-9b3c-43f1-9d6e-b7b874cad31f/tempImageHf9g8x.jpg Blog - Salisbury Crags - Make it stand out A wee dram, then it’s off to bed for some well-earned https://www.overthehillandacrossthepond.com/blog/title-3 monthly 0.5 2023-11-21 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/569cc348-6ac1-4b1f-b1d9-0b2842da6e4e/Nor+Loch+c.1690.jpeg Blog - Auld Reekie - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c4548a15-a899-4cea-9cac-b80544b42f82/Castle+4.jpeg Blog - Auld Reekie - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6ab537fe-cf52-40d5-a79f-ba0fb8b29481/Screenshot+2022-12-13+at+4.46.17+PM.png Blog - Auld Reekie - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0e166f85-9563-4f53-9323-0e664acc0096/IMG_0343+copy.jpg Blog - Auld Reekie - Make it stand out Interestingly, the gap in the buildings above still exists, as seen in this Google Earth Street View image below. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9a0976b5-dde1-4ba0-90ff-0faaaa8c17e1/Screenshot+2022-12-13+at+9.01.34+PM.png Blog - Auld Reekie - Make it stand out As you can see, some of the bridge vaults are very much in use as present-day shops. But many (further up the street the left) remained hidden and were only rediscovered in recent years. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2166cdde-94d4-4398-8f69-281ebb2b9457/tempImagejAWOlS.jpg Blog - Auld Reekie - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/662e43b4-780c-4743-87e5-0588d0b91a16/tempImage0ph2pM.jpg Blog - Auld Reekie - Make it stand out Some vaults were used as storage facilities. Here an original stall number can be seen. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8a76cc45-bcd2-4eb1-bd6a-c5cc99e9b9ed/tempImageAUMIGe.jpg Blog - Auld Reekie - Make it stand out Some rooms were used as workshops and even windowless taverns like this: https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1618d4ee-ef82-41f9-9638-05f4ed37ee02/IMG_0340+copy.jpg Blog - Auld Reekie - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/078f75ba-6286-49e0-b75d-373e07fbb000/tempImageNiiE5y.jpg Blog - Auld Reekie - Make it stand out As the rich moved to New Town, many of the poorest people made the vaults their homes. The divider in the upper section was removed to create a bed. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d95e3e7a-ade2-4df2-9831-d017ba2d43f1/tempImagea5K3UX.jpg Blog - Auld Reekie - Make it stand out Because this section was just outside the edge of the bridge, a chimney could be connected with those from tenements above. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1a473e07-9e47-4512-8d29-120371affbf9/tempImageb0EVf7.jpg Blog - Auld Reekie - Make it stand out Others used the vaults to conceal illicit activities such as illegal distilleries and moving dead bodies. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7d0eaa05-bcbd-4a0c-95b9-03057a410963/Body+Snatchers.jpg Blog - Auld Reekie - Make it stand out Because the University of Edinburgh and its medical school were located just outside the vaults, the vaults became a way for the “body snatchers” to disinter the recently buried, quickly move them into the vaults, and then move the bodies in relative secrecy to the university where they could be sold for a nice profit. A fresh, intact body could fetch 6-month’s wages. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8711ef18-d1b1-4ee5-ac8c-8c47edb455bd/tempImagerk8UQm.jpg Blog - Auld Reekie - Make it stand out This guy apparently refused to pay for his tour and was left as a lesson to others. https://www.overthehillandacrossthepond.com/blog/title-2 monthly 0.5 2023-11-21 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4c333943-9bcf-4170-8bea-b29fb1b9fbc2/tempImageovb2OR.jpg Blog - Always Changing - Make it stand out On our way to church this fine, cold Sunday morning (Dec 11), we walked out our front gate and found this “dime” lying there. It’s technically 5 pence, but, hey, it sure looks like an American dime! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a3a35bef-ed20-4d09-8bf3-b9a02147a81b/St+Giles.jpeg Blog - Always Changing - Make it stand out I wish I had taken this! It’s from their webpage. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6f363139-7f97-4ea3-9c37-bc40b8f1224a/tempImageDBRbR8.jpg Blog - Always Changing - Make it stand out Dad, you may recall I mentioned in my reply to your comment that the St Andrew’s Cross (Saltire) was ubiquitous in Scotland; well, it’s literally etched into every seat inside the cathedral. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d04a3d1d-01d4-4eeb-8f05-42bac8599b7d/tempImageI1gOM4.jpg Blog - Always Changing - Make it stand out After church, we looked through a few shops on the Royal Mile and wandered into Brodie’s Close. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/93032618-4674-47fc-877d-51fd8ef31815/tempImageeJleha.jpg Blog - Always Changing - Make it stand out This image shows some amazing old world character from inside Brodie’s Close, where Deacon Brodie lived. Check out the amazing iron adornments on this wee door. Brodie’s activities were eventually discovered and he escaped to the Netherlands, but was arrested in Amsterdam and returned to Edinburgh for trial. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f4e11814-9feb-4ece-abbc-c08df9f46789/old-tolbooth.gif Blog - Always Changing - Make it stand out Brodie was kept at the Old Tolbooth that used to stand just outside St Giles Cathedral. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4548e1ff-b5e9-4c37-9b10-169fc1279ec4/old-tolbooth+2.jpeg Blog - Always Changing - Make it stand out Brodie was hanged on the gallows platform at the Tolbooth in 1788. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e77c3022-dfac-4b16-b7bf-100c4db0e08d/tempImage7CWFAZ.jpg Blog - Always Changing - Make it stand out You may recall that the Heart of Midlothian marks the main entrance to the notorious former Old Tolbooth jail. The real life Deacon Brodie likely entered here before being tried, convicted, and hanged. Likewise Jamie Fraser’s men were locked in the same jail in Outlander. While Brodie was clearly guilty, the Heart represents the many far more innocent souls (like the so many Jacobites) who found punishment and death inside the infamous Old Tolbooth. The gold brick is one of several that mark the perimeter of the old tollbooth. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/31d0d3a5-5bf9-4742-b420-7ea263af2239/tempImageZhlGXY.jpg Blog - Always Changing - Make it stand out The Bearded Baker, always a great way to start off the new week. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2ba8ae3e-e963-4ac8-bf70-eb020cb9cec0/tempImage80Ta9l.jpg Blog - Always Changing - Make it stand out On our way to The Scottish Parliament Building on Monday (Dec 12), we entered the nearby New Calton Burial Ground. Opened in 1820, the graveyard came complete with a watchtower to guard against grave robbers, known as “resurrectionists.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/56b1cd14-7a96-47eb-b450-d823fe933dd5/tempImagexGmbXs.jpg Blog - Always Changing - Make it stand out In December 2022, the graveyard is a peaceful place with a view of the Palace of Holyroodhouse and the Scottish Parliament Building. Arthur’s Seat is in the distance with the sun rising just above Salisbury Crags. It’s 11:30 and that’s as high as the sun has made it. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/11f2522b-8b9d-482b-acee-83bc0a50291d/tempImageIMNA42.jpg Blog - Always Changing - Make it stand out The Debating Chamber is where all Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs) meet to debate and make decisions. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/83e149d7-2d9e-43c7-afda-15cc2f6b9e64/tempImagekTPebF.jpg Blog - Always Changing - Make it stand out This ceremonial silver and gold Mace (inside the glass enclosure), symbolizes the power of the Scottish Parliament to pass laws. It also explores ideas about the relationship between the Parliament, the people of Scotland, and the land. It is made from silver and gold panned from Scottish rivers. The head of the Mace features words from the 1998 Scotland Act that created the Scottish Parliament, “There shall be a Scottish Parliament - The Scotland Act 1998.” It was presented by Her Majesty The Queen at the opening ceremony of the Scottish Parliament on July 1, 1999. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/83b1b7be-1812-4e2a-8469-6fde2aab35ac/tempImagezozeRy.jpg Blog - Always Changing - Make it stand out On the inlaid gold band are the values of compassion, wisdom, justice, and integrity. These are presented as the characteristics that people should look for in their elected representatives. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ec181250-9d14-4ee1-8a1c-7609846171f9/tempImagevWCT41.jpg Blog - Always Changing - Make it stand out Just a good ol’ fashioned gavel—no special Scottish name, except that it is used by the elected Presiding Officer (PO), who is currently Alison Johnstone MSP, the first woman to hold the position. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2c4b5288-0117-448f-9ba2-0fc2e1aa8830/tempImageiC3vd8.jpg Blog - Always Changing - Make it stand out The Scottish Parliament was only established in 1998 and will celebrate its 25th anniversary next year, so it is a relatively new legislative body. Which means it is also a relatively new building in a city full of some of the world’s oldest buildings. If you haven’t noticed already, the building is famously (or infamously depending on your point of view) modern in design. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b6d69808-286d-4c76-b2f7-ab1c9318adde/tempImageMBeNcS.jpg Blog - Always Changing - Make it stand out As with the old religious buildings in the city, there is symbolism throughout the design. The design on the desks above represent nature (Scots obviously feel a deep connection to the land). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/89b601a5-f027-4c8c-aa44-166c91c6c604/tempImagegF164E.jpg Blog - Always Changing - Make it stand out The overhead lights bear a modern symbolic interpretation of the bodies of people, and their number represents the number of SMPs who represent the people. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d22e6845-956b-429e-b367-f58cfa25ea8b/tempImagekTQS4M.jpg Blog - Always Changing - Make it stand out We weren’t allowed to take photos in most places, but here is a picture from a post card that shows the design as seen from inside the building. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0755a7af-1bb4-4714-8884-16cfc301a6b6/tempImageoBeuCP.jpg Blog - Always Changing - Make it stand out Outside it looks like this and… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a144c125-e018-4334-97d0-e96127f6b64a/Outside.jpeg Blog - Always Changing - Make it stand out Here’s an aerial perspective from the inter-google-webs. People seem to either love or hate the building: a post-modern masterpiece or a blight. Also, due to mismanagement, the building ultimately cost 10 times the original price tag. (Surprisingly, they didn’t mention that during the tour. ) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1dba6b26-a6b4-402f-ba18-2b81e7ebd96b/tempImageck6a1N.jpg Blog - Always Changing - Make it stand out So, Amanda’s final verdict? 1.5 out of 10. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/dbf02a30-6933-41bd-9afb-7d39029f1675/tempImagerboWID.jpg Blog - Always Changing - Make it stand out Despite my previous rant on the Scottish National Gallery of Modern Art, I still gave the building itself a solid 7. It is very much “incongruous” as I said on a different post, but it does have a lot of function in the design. Amanda’s perspective on my 7 rating? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3579e940-c5ee-4ba8-9d6e-c30da8135dde/tempImagemVFnTO.jpg Blog - Always Changing - Make it stand out Now that’s just disrespectful! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/eff0001b-4642-4539-8890-54b7dafe751e/tempImageeOcYxb.jpg Blog - Always Changing - Make it stand out Amanda in White Horse Close The coach debouched into a yard at the back of Boyd's Whitehorse tavern, near the foot of the Royal Mile in Edinburgh... —Voyager, Diana Gabaldon https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5ffb607c-d025-4ab0-8f3e-b2334cac6090/tempImagelw94mv.jpg Blog - Always Changing - Make it stand out Continuing up the Royal Mile, Amanda happened to see a sign for Dunbar’s Close Garden, so we wandered down the close. A surprisingly lovely hidden garden. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d57e373f-e0a2-4fcb-b492-0f1af42c16fb/tempImageVGvHL2.jpg Blog - Always Changing - Make it stand out Despite the frosty late autumnal weather, the garden was still quite beautiful. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ff397c37-08b7-4075-a4b6-6923906e9eb4/tempImagexJHm4i.jpg Blog - Always Changing - Make it stand out Walking up to the Tolbooth Tavern is this set of stairs, easily recognizable from Outlander Season 3. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b810260c-0381-4ce5-a55e-2f6d7aef3806/High+1.jpeg Blog - Always Changing - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c8ab7eb6-8a64-47e9-84af-4b06e2526b18/tempImage1JVw1B.jpg Blog - Always Changing - Make it stand out Since we were there, we stopped in the Tolbooth Tavern for a pint of Guinness and some fries. We have learned that they sometimes still call the fries above “fries” and reserve the term “chips” for their larger, wedge-cut cousins. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d0938121-791f-44b5-b09f-cd9e734423a3/tempImageAzNfY6.jpg Blog - Always Changing - Make it stand out The Tolbooth Tavern is part of the original Canongate Tolbooth which was built in 1591. Anytime you can drink a pint in a 431-year-old building, ya do it! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/28b5035b-cef5-47f3-92b9-fb8afd5989c0/tempImageKv6xUo.jpg Blog - Always Changing - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f9e24bb7-fcbe-495d-9724-d4f76cb5789e/tempImagejJr4XL.jpg Blog - Always Changing - Make it stand out The Tavern is relatively new to the building, but it’s still over 200 years old! https://www.overthehillandacrossthepond.com/blog/silent-majesty monthly 0.5 2023-11-21 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2267c6b1-ab8b-4f5f-9ab6-1bf51b132a82/tempImageee112Q.jpg Blog - Silent Majesty - Make it stand out After filming the snow we were having breakfast in our kitchen when I looked out the window and saw a cat staring at me from the small space behind our building. It was a big and funny-looking cat though. As I looked more I realized it wasn’t a cat but a beautiful red fox. He’s not in the picture above. Sadly, we tried to get a photo or video but he ran off too quickly. It was so surprising to see a fox in such an urban setting. He was a beautiful animal! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5b805f3a-e5cc-4490-b707-6731bf0d22bc/tempImagepgm4jG.jpg Blog - Silent Majesty - Make it stand out Sadly, snow turned to rain as we headed out to visit the National Library of Scotland, stopping by the Edinburgh City Chambers along the way. The City Chambers sits across the Royal Mile from St Giles Cathedral. The Chambers’ courtyard is paved in Craigleith stone—the same stone the building is constructed from—with multiple slabs carved in tribute to some of Edinburgh’s greatest living citizens. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/07455c23-a4c5-4796-922b-0d199fd6fcdf/tempImagepCpjCY.jpg Blog - Silent Majesty - Make it stand out JK Rowling received the Edinburgh award, by popular vote from the city, in 2008—a year after the Deathly Hallows was released on the day of Hermoine Granger’s 19th birthday. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7186a18e-07c2-46dc-952a-b4eae1385147/tempImagec20MrK.jpg Blog - Silent Majesty - Make it stand out Rowling has small hands that match Amanda’s nearly perfectly. Cool coincidence! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/964bf39e-6d0d-49e8-af59-b0704fe27097/tempImage3mAAXe.jpg Blog - Silent Majesty - Make it stand out Also celebrated are author Ian Rankin… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/708dd2a7-3b72-4bdf-a4ed-0cacf219413e/tempImagevcjYTM.jpg Blog - Silent Majesty - Make it stand out Medical law and bioethics professor and author Alexander McCall Smith… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4e33da38-ed8a-4d88-9631-a39947f06c16/tempImageBi7Jju.jpg Blog - Silent Majesty - Make it stand out And singer-songwriter, political activist, and philanthropist Annie Lennox. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a7af7428-849f-4f03-b9da-a310553b1803/tempImageqDZWJn.jpg Blog - Silent Majesty - Make it stand out Mom, I know you certainly don’t need another bag, but this would be a good one for you! We meandered through the Library and found they had a rather extensive exhibit on Ian Rankin. There was an associated exhibit on the extensive use of nom de plumes by authors. We were both shocked to learn how many authors use pen names and the various reasons why. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/bbbb8a7c-737f-42a2-81f6-f2fb3d54c6bb/tempImage5VluIN.jpg Blog - Silent Majesty - Make it stand out At 5:30 pm we attended the Christmas Favourites music celebration at St Giles Cathedral. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3f3c9f27-11c1-4dee-9e93-d61e6609a07c/tempImagerzag3C.jpg Blog - Silent Majesty - Make it stand out Congratulations Matthew on completing PA school didactics and celebrating with your white coat ceremony today. We cheered you live from Edinburgh and were filled with pride—we love you! https://www.overthehillandacrossthepond.com/blog/sowing-the-seeds-of-love monthly 0.5 2023-11-21 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/348d244b-20ac-4dad-b81c-eaab668c3378/tempImageuih4uF.jpg Blog - Sowing the Seeds of Love - Make it stand out What a great find. My Vegan Benny was so good I nearly ordered a second (that’s OK; we’ll go back again!). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f84e0b86-c4ab-4e76-a30c-53daa4de43be/tempImageVPkivh.jpg Blog - Sowing the Seeds of Love - Make it stand out Amanda’s pancakes were good, but nothing to write home about (quite literally in this case). On the other hand, Amanda said her peanut butter cup hot chocolate was the best she has ever had! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3a706f6a-5f9a-4b15-91e7-2684d8a5de73/tempImageBiXTHh.jpg Blog - Sowing the Seeds of Love - Make it stand out Just stunning! Look how long our shadow is even approaching midday. The sun only makes its brief appearance very low on the horizon throughout the day. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/71bb7948-8bb0-478b-9a0f-749d5f3f5661/tempImagezXgs4Z.jpg Blog - Sowing the Seeds of Love - Make it stand out We then crossed the road and entered another massive public park called The Meadows (John Rebus lives nearby). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6c005101-f85c-4f7b-a686-c477432bef31/tempImageLTtrua.jpg Blog - Sowing the Seeds of Love - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/81d81f97-8276-4682-ab98-7d5ee12eba54/tempImageGzQgnW.jpg Blog - Sowing the Seeds of Love - Make it stand out The Meadows originally contained a manmade loch, known as the “burgh loch” or, later, the “South Loch.” (The “Nor’ Loch” is now unrecognizable as Princes Street Gardens.) Until Edinburgh’s first piped water supply from Comiston arrived in 1621, this loch provided much of Edinburgh’s drinking water. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2e80cccf-e8bc-43f4-bb25-a3ac16098d11/tempImagexE8sXa.jpg Blog - Sowing the Seeds of Love - Make it stand out At the other end of the park is a really cool permanent art exhibition: Born Free Forever (it has a cool backstory if you follow the link). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/422c1b69-77c0-48a0-a543-4ea28ee27b4f/tempImageMqIcoH.jpg Blog - Sowing the Seeds of Love - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7e5c7f4b-cd1f-47bc-881d-bf92c394369b/tempImageDSK5mN.jpg Blog - Sowing the Seeds of Love - Make it stand out A dog challenges the cats. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a6d51026-37a5-413d-9c26-938d0c09e84f/tempImageYFr3sG.jpg Blog - Sowing the Seeds of Love - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.overthehillandacrossthepond.com/blog/a-red-red-rose monthly 0.5 2023-11-21 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/59c9ba4b-57cb-4c28-8d14-e0a22f57b960/tempImageFpjMXC.jpg Blog - A Red, Red Rose - Make it stand out The unique crown-shaped spire of St Giles Cathedral is an iconic part of the Old Town skyline. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/991a3b49-c288-4757-839e-492b2b36db8e/tempImagetp4aIL.jpg Blog - A Red, Red Rose - Make it stand out With a story dating back to 1124, there are surely entire books dedicated to the history, architecture, and iconography of this historic treasure—but here a few fun anecdotes from our tour. The cathedral has seen much change over the years. Following the Reformation, all the original stained glass was removed because they were seen as forms of idolatry. Today the cathedral is considered Edinburgh’s “parish church,” and so—much like Westminster in London—various memorials have made their way into the church, along with the return of stained glass. Pictured above is the Robert Burns Window above the West Door. Burns is perhaps best remembered as a humanitarian poet who wrote against oppression and injustice. His lyrics condemn “man's inhumanity to man” and call for the brotherhood of mankind. The finished window is split into three sections depicting the principal themes of the poet's work—love of nature (bottom), love of humanity (middle), and love itself embodied by the emblem of the rose (top)—a nod to his A Red, Red Rose poem. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/299cddbc-4772-4edd-b686-602420814f24/tempImagemHjOC2.jpg Blog - A Red, Red Rose - Make it stand out There is so much to say about these panes, but the most interesting to me is that the image on the right is of King David I (king from 1113 to 1153). The king holds the church in his hand because he commissioned its construction. The middle pane is of St Giles, the cathedral’s namesake. Giles was a hermit who lived in solitude deep in the forest in southern France, his sole companion being his beloved red deer. When the king's hunters shot an arrow at the deer, Giles blocked it with his hand—both depicted in the image. Afterwards St Giles became a patron of the physically disabled. David's mother St Margaret is on the left. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1f1396e0-989c-4c61-9b86-268650a115fe/tempImageoow8rr.jpg Blog - A Red, Red Rose - Make it stand out The lectern—The symbolism of the eagle is derived from the belief that the bird was capable of staring into the sun and that Christians similarly were able to gaze unflinchingly at the revelation of the divine word. Alternatively, the eagle was believed to be the bird that flew highest in the sky and was therefore closest to heaven, and symbolized the carrying of the word of God to the four corners of the world. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e1b3331d-2d18-4b8e-8894-901dfa5a17c6/tempImagePFTrUy.jpg Blog - A Red, Red Rose - Make it stand out The Pulpit with its ornately detailed carvings https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b5e82207-a272-4540-b271-3d6d5307e3f3/tempImageZZr7FX.jpg Blog - A Red, Red Rose - Make it stand out A stunning alter, the four carved figures depicting each of the four Gospels. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4cf49ccf-fd7c-410c-b877-9af54c4dc186/tempImagehAzXus.jpg Blog - A Red, Red Rose - Make it stand out This is the entrance to the Thistle Chapel, built expressly for the Order of the Thistle. Pictured in the center is the order’s patron saint: St Andrew and his X-shaped cross. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/453b8d7e-45af-4a43-8ba9-223709919d88/tempImageuqTU6S.jpg Blog - A Red, Red Rose - Make it stand out The chapel is simply stunning—rivaling Rosslyn Chapel in terms of extravagance and iconography. Like Rosslyn Chapel, it’s nearly impossible to take it all in. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c4a9f2b3-5448-48b3-a360-8aab2013fc10/tempImagec1fu2F.jpg Blog - A Red, Red Rose - Make it stand out St Andrew once again adorns the most prominent position in the chapel’s ceiling. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8d4bf531-a3b0-43cb-941d-c62ff4c95504/tempImagehvTsOT.jpg Blog - A Red, Red Rose - Make it stand out The Order’s Royal Coat of Arms. The unicorn is well and truly the official national animal of Scotland. These proud, untameable creatures are fiercely independent and famously difficult to capture or conquer, which will sound familiar to anyone who has read their Scottish history. Even though unicorns are mythological, Scots have always felt drawn to what they represent. The lion is the symbol of England. The coat of arms in the middle show two Lion Ramparts of Scotland in red (a little confusing that Scotland has a “Lion Rampart of Scotland” in addition to the unicorn). The three elongated lions represent England and Wales. The harp in blue represents Northern Ireland. Now, the interesting things is, the very same coat of arms will be a mirror image in England, because icons on the left are seen as more honoring (being seated at the right hand of God). Because the Thistle Chapel is in Scotland, the image gives Scotland prominance. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/15a60e32-a242-4a72-b295-df2eb5db7df8/tempImage1O0A6M.jpg Blog - A Red, Red Rose - Make it stand out The Scottish carving on the left of the monarch’s seat (to the King’s right), of course. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c6a5884e-42f8-41e7-90ad-b0709e78d1aa/tempImageADayEj.jpg Blog - A Red, Red Rose - Make it stand out The English carving on the right. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/22e012c6-7323-4bf4-af62-ae8f52edd810/tempImageKT78pn.jpg Blog - A Red, Red Rose - Make it stand out Each member of the Order has an assigned seat. Their seat is adorned with a unique sword and has a unique crown resting above the hilt. Above the crown is an adornment that the current seat holder selects. For example, the person whose seat is at the far right is in the legal profession and has chosen Lady Justice’s scales as their icon. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/13d8d609-01c1-4416-9b8e-4bea57e18a8e/tempImageOyxtIg.jpg Blog - A Red, Red Rose - Make it stand out Each person who has ever held a seat has their own coat of arms applied to the wall behind their seat. In this way you can tell how many people have occupied each seat over the years. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/91a55b0b-1eb7-485b-bb5c-7d3e8da4e612/tempImageff8ZuW.jpg Blog - A Red, Red Rose - Make it stand out As was the case in Rosslyn Chapel, Scottish builders like to hide angels playing bagpipes among the adornments. In the Thistle Chapel there are three. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/74085b4b-e6d2-4f43-9bef-59602e77d71a/tempImageZwctf0.jpg Blog - A Red, Red Rose - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/21ae1a77-7e6e-46c4-8b67-ae60f7e2da21/tempImageVZYQQt.jpg Blog - A Red, Red Rose - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f28e2f7e-65f7-4b6e-80f9-41b305b1ae29/tempImage2ik8in.jpg Blog - A Red, Red Rose - Make it stand out Back in the main cathedral, looking west toward the Robert Burns Window. It is surprising given their appearances that the western end is far old than the eastern. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/de1592ff-b0eb-42d1-9301-b3e4365edf29/tempImagej4vYyu.jpg Blog - A Red, Red Rose - Make it stand out The orientation of Christian churches reflects the historically documented concepts that one should turn eastward to pray and the architectural and liturgical principle that temples and churches should be constructed facing east. This large window is on the East Wall and the images—including Christ’s ascension into heaven—reflect the prominence of this position. The symbol of the Trinity near the top is frequently used by St Giles on its printed and online materials. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ba0ca423-5da5-4224-8ca0-5362e56d155c/tempImageoYUuW7.jpg Blog - A Red, Red Rose - Make it stand out Renowned Scottish stained glass artist Douglas Strachan was commissioned by St Giles to complete this stunning window on the North Wall. Among other things, the window depicts Jesus walking on water and calming the storm. More than any other window, this one seems to have “movement” thanks to the use of smaller, swirling shapes. It’s really a stunning piece. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6c8c5110-e137-40d6-873c-5a8bfc42afb0/Queen.jpeg Blog - A Red, Red Rose - Make it stand out At the end of the tour, Amanda asked Martin if he knew where inside the church Queen Elizabeth II had laid in repose back in September. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/dbc7d839-8d5e-4e59-b1ac-a863cf867e9d/tempImage66rFUw.jpg Blog - A Red, Red Rose - Make it stand out He was among those fortunate enough to have paid his respects to the Queen, so he was able to show us the exact spot—which is where Amanda is standing in the picture above. Thank you Martin for the wonderful tour! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/94e0c348-e4b1-47cf-aa58-1dd5be9f38b9/tempImageELB5yF.jpg Blog - A Red, Red Rose - Make it stand out Since its Christmas, we’ll end our tour of St Giles Cathedral with a stained glass window of the Nativity. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8ee3f81f-129e-48a0-b910-fde91c359e0a/tempImageN6R9mR.jpg Blog - A Red, Red Rose - Make it stand out We rounded out the afternoon with an escape room called The Department of Magic. We’re very sorry to report that the room we chose was rather difficult and we failed in our quest. (Apparently, in the Uk they are less inclined to “just let you win” than they are in the US. ) Unfortunately, the Dark Lord has escaped and we’re to blame. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4844d7b9-cbf9-49ff-a7d2-27368e714336/tempImageXMpcZC.jpg Blog - A Red, Red Rose - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ab80087b-a856-4d5a-84fa-5bbc0921dca0/tempImageAetHd7.jpg Blog - A Red, Red Rose - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.overthehillandacrossthepond.com/blog/title-1 monthly 0.5 2023-11-04 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3092b8e7-17d7-4a5c-b5ed-aaaddd9c6917/Screenshot+2022-12-07+at+6.53.33+PM.png Blog - Tidal Causeway - Make it stand out Cramond Island with the red marker. The ocean inlet is known as the Firth of Forth. Firth means narrow inlet (much like fjord) and the Forth is one the most prominant of several rivers that empty into the inlet. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/31c77725-2051-4ae6-9df0-656d034f40f3/Screenshot+2022-12-07+at+7.00.28+PM.png Blog - Tidal Causeway - Make it stand out At low tides you can walk from the mainland to the island along a 3/4 mile long narrow concrete pedestrian causeway. Apparently people are frequently surprised by how quickly the tide comes in, so timing is everything. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ecd5e9a6-ec8f-40c4-887c-bf1f05e77cd3/tempImageavD015.jpg Blog - Tidal Causeway - Make it stand out The 41 bus gets you within a mile of the beach, then it was just a short walk to the causeway. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/62688463-c9a7-43fd-b77d-63890381f034/tempImageitQ5PP.jpg Blog - Tidal Causeway - Make it stand out Just place your post into the wall. (Looks like a very old, walled-in doorway, with the posts and lintel still discernible.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ecc01a1e-5ca1-4ebe-b56c-f3de76d339bf/tempImagel0UXhZ.jpg Blog - Tidal Causeway - Make it stand out I arrived around 9:30. Low tide had been at 7:48 and high tide wasn’t until 1:44, so I should be in good shape! The causeway is the lower path on the left. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4812cada-7744-49b1-800a-08350544480a/tempImageDJMmhB.jpg Blog - Tidal Causeway - Make it stand out With the tide out, the rising sun made a spectacular display across the sand. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/05dd1e37-8b5f-4451-b0f7-597f8e33040f/tempImageszM9vB.jpg Blog - Tidal Causeway - Make it stand out The imposing concrete teeth alongside the length of the causeway are military in origin, intended to ensure small surface craft or U-Boats could not pass south of the island at high tide. The island’s history is interesting if you want to read more. The clever crows were busy picking up shells, dropping them onto the causeway, and then fetching breakfast from inside. Remember how you can barely see water on either side of the causeway. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8b0c2483-7c6e-4eda-a7e8-5f453b354401/tempImageG6oCBP.jpg Blog - Tidal Causeway - Make it stand out The long shadow of the teeth, like sundials in parallel or piano keys in the sand. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a8d89b8a-48b8-46e8-be63-6f9264b36075/tempImage3oZ2EA.jpg Blog - Tidal Causeway - Make it stand out Looking west toward the Three Bridges. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/dce71a76-d275-48e0-90f3-11fbc68947f6/tempImagevx17Tw.jpg Blog - Tidal Causeway - Make it stand out The Forth Rail Bridge (the closest & in red) was built in 1890 and was over engineered in the wake of the Tay Bridge Disaster (there is an amazing exhibit on this disaster—including an actual section of a metal I-beam that failed—in the National Museum of Scotland). The Forth Road Bridge is in the middle and the Queensferry Crossing Bridge, with its distinctive white cable stays, is furthest west, but perhaps most prominent. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f887443f-9f29-4dab-b7ad-b16224300490/tempImageG7becZ.jpg Blog - Tidal Causeway - Make it stand out World War I saw the northern end of the island taken over by the War Department as part of the defences of the Firth of Forth. This part of the island was returned to its civilian owners in 1926. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c45e3bfb-9d53-40e3-8908-edab668ef5df/tempImage9HLfL4.jpg Blog - Tidal Causeway - Make it stand out On the outbreak of World War II the entire island was requisitioned. The extensive construction works that were then carried out account for most of the structures still standing on the island today. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0e404d04-d01b-41bc-8cc5-eca260fcb535/tempImageeCXr4R.jpg Blog - Tidal Causeway - Make it stand out Stunning view looking back over the causeway. Holy crap, where did all that water come from? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/cf3ab098-c974-49f4-a1aa-d43e7863a165/tempImageOQnLRK.jpg Blog - Tidal Causeway - Make it stand out By the time I headed back, the tide had risen significantly. In places the water was already lapping onto the path. Good thing I didn’t wait too much longer. https://www.overthehillandacrossthepond.com/blog/title monthly 0.5 2023-11-21 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/670439cf-0207-475e-86f1-c7506a133599/tempImageguOM1U.jpg Blog - The Same Moon - Make it stand out The perfect place to drink Bailey’s from a shoe! (Don’t get it? Trust me, let it go. But, if you can’t resist, Google it, but be prepared for some weird British humour!) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2600af22-eeff-4af3-b27a-fe28cbb0c26c/tempImageTr6fnS.jpg Blog - The Same Moon - Make it stand out We started our day (Dec 6) with a visit to The Choclatarium. (You have to just love Edinburgh—even with ugly construction in the background, there is always something stunning to look at…and the tower and obelisk are beautiful too!) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ec794236-4ca1-425d-99f1-e54166deb0e0/tempImageBlvD0V.jpg Blog - The Same Moon - Make it stand out Amanda made a Christmas tree with dark chocolate, Rice Krispies, sea salt, and seasonal blue and white snowflake sprinkles. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d196874b-46a1-4fe4-aa1e-db43656a44ee/tempImage7TmlTC.jpg Blog - The Same Moon - Make it stand out I made my Greyfriars Bobbys with dark chocolate. For two I added only sea salt, and for the third I added sea salt and orange. It was a fun lesson on where cocoa beans are grown, and how they are processed and refined to make chocolate. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b3055668-eff0-4502-a2f1-6be8e4f2e133/tempImagekWAYmg.jpg Blog - The Same Moon - Make it stand out After writing about Greyfriars Bobby on yesterday’s post, I realized I had missed seeing his collar, so we swung back into the Museum of Edinburgh to see some of Bobby’s artifacts. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/76cf4dcc-9e2a-4ef2-b90f-8b322d14235a/tempImageWwysVE.jpg Blog - The Same Moon - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/162c4027-db89-46e2-a4a7-531865bfe451/tempImage5z6ERL.jpg Blog - The Same Moon - Make it stand out We then stepped across the street to visit the tomb of another Scottish historical figure—Adam Smith. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7a619aaa-8337-450a-87ca-9028d46dd2aa/tempImagejEAEQx.jpg Blog - The Same Moon - Make it stand out Adam Smith was a Scottish economist and philosopher who was a pioneer in the thinking of political economy and a key figure during the Scottish Enlightenment. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/78ac0781-1252-46f9-95d6-22d83944c7ec/tempImageyhwv0f.jpg Blog - The Same Moon - Make it stand out From chocolate, to Bobby, to Smith—we switched gears again, this time to another Outlander filming location—Tweeddale Court. The real joy of Edinburgh’s Old Town is to explore the labyrinth of closes and wynds, each transporting you back many centuries into another world. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/438363f7-d421-40cb-90fa-2867c979259f/tempImageC0dZQf.jpg Blog - The Same Moon - Make it stand out Walking down the narrow passageway you emerge through a pair of iron gates into a courtyard, with Tweeddale House directly in front of you. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/23cec5ea-6818-48b2-8577-a6c4851ac3cf/tempImagewh6sKW.jpg Blog - The Same Moon - Make it stand out The building is something of an architectural detective story, changed and adapted many times over the years. Inside are the remains of a carved doorway dated 1576, with the initials of perhaps the first owner, Neil Lang and his wife Elizabeth Danielstoune. Lang was Keeper of the Signet, one of Scotland’s most senior legal officers, and as a wealthy man he followed the fashion of building his town house down a close, tucked away from the noise and bustle of the High Street. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/86b36704-f619-48dc-9037-11d3966c4ea8/tempImageCIVwB6.jpg Blog - The Same Moon - Make it stand out The building came by its present name in 1670 when it was bought by the Marquess of Tweeddale, a senior adviser to King Charles II. In 1791 the building became the head office of the British Linen Bank, and it was probably then that a porch was added to the entrance and iron bars fixed over the windows. (I plagiarized these comments, so I encourage you to read more about the fascinating and mysterious Tweeddale House.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1670360637432-LKF931VJFR5QO80RFKXW/Twee+1.jpeg Blog - The Same Moon https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1670360637457-K7I1IYF86GE7OMJCA9XK/Twee+2.jpg Blog - The Same Moon https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1670360638234-FZQ434ZWLAN6CT746QCF/Tweed+3.jpeg Blog - The Same Moon https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1670360638139-D9IBJS9EEKF7RI5QZZ7W/Tweed+4.jpeg Blog - The Same Moon https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/425b9dfc-1367-468f-8277-832b246e9be9/tempImageQzSXD7.jpg Blog - The Same Moon - Make it stand out Though these openings are currently inside the building where you enter John Know House, the stone fronts were formerly the building’s exterior. The wooden overhang is original and the space behind was part of a shopping market. Between each pillar was a luckenbooth or “locking booth” that could be closed each night. It’s a fascinating part of Edinburgh history that was once everywhere but is now preserved in a few small places like this. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/937d9a5e-22cc-45fc-8672-6cc66de76b35/tempImagepfyHxR.jpg Blog - The Same Moon - Make it stand out Each trader also had a cellar for storage and manufacture below. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f90bd9e8-552b-4f67-9153-79d7a7ead88b/tempImageWXYKWh.jpg Blog - The Same Moon - Make it stand out This was the inside of the shop, when the luckenbooths were open for trade. Check out the amazing ceiling timbers and floor planks. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9b0671dc-1784-41f3-a674-ed3dc74b73b0/tempImagebEuPrn.jpg Blog - The Same Moon - Make it stand out The old timbers continue outside, along with the old stone exterior—amazing. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/18b547dc-2d17-4998-86a3-b2eb5ea654c2/tempImageQAlOt5.jpg Blog - The Same Moon - Make it stand out So many places like Disneyland will attempt to mimic the look of a building like this, but here it is the real deal. John Know House is Edinburgh's only surviving medieval mansion complete with overhanging timber galleries. The frontage is particularly grand with its classically correct Doric columns and wreaths. The coat of arms is that of the Mossman's, royal goldsmiths to the medieval Stewart kings and makers of the Scottish crown. The initials can be read vertically or horizontally. JM and MA indicate the marriage of James Mossman and Mariota Arres, an heiress who owned the house. When Jesus in the New Testament was asked what the most important thing in the Law of Moses, he said, "Love God and your neighbour as yourself," which is carved on the facade in Scots as follows: "Luve God abuve al and vr nychtbour as versel." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/86b145e4-4aa5-42ae-8aab-39ead3b7e121/tempImageNMuBph.jpg Blog - The Same Moon - Make it stand out The sundial shows Moses receiving the light of God, symbolized by the Sun on Mount Sinai. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e7c0d9db-83e7-4dc4-ad45-16cea19d86b2/tempImage6ZUZTi.jpg Blog - The Same Moon - Make it stand out It was a super cool old house to explore, with creaky wood floors, a stone spiral staircase, and hand-painted ceilings (above). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9995afc6-2724-464d-a6e5-97119766b130/tempImageGQ3Ff6.jpg Blog - The Same Moon - Make it stand out Here is a view through one of the window panes. Surreal. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ea56f482-310d-42bf-812c-f3435770e0ca/tempImage1KcFiK.jpg Blog - The Same Moon - Make it stand out The moon and the National Monument of Scotland. Majestic! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5fdd23ea-daaf-40fd-81b2-198c298ad677/tempImagerMu9c2.jpg Blog - The Same Moon - Make it stand out Looking west toward the Castle with the Dugald Stewart Monument in the foreground. This may be one of my beloved views—a magical city somehow made even so by nightfall. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6ce43e30-2add-4cf9-a216-bab62648245b/tempImagewOeUIY.jpg Blog - The Same Moon - Make it stand out The City Dome and the moon reflecting on the North Sea. https://www.overthehillandacrossthepond.com/blog/greyfriar-bobby monthly 0.5 2023-11-21 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ce916913-3df0-4ae8-bf01-3878283ed40a/tempImageR3BTFi.jpg Blog - Greyfriars Bobby - Make it stand out Here lies John Gray—who came to Edinburgh in 1850 and worked for the Edinburgh City Police as a nightwatchman. According to records, policemen were obliged to have watchdogs with them. Bobby, a Dandie Dinmont Terrier (or perhaps a Skye Terrier), would follow Gray while he was at work. John died on 15 February 1858 and was buried here in Greyfriars Kirkyard in the Old Town of Edinburgh. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2d36f1e8-e8dd-423a-8a8c-0d68f48e50dc/tempImageBCCR5I.jpg Blog - Greyfriars Bobby - Make it stand out And here lies Greyfriars Bobby—the terrier who, after John died, then became known locally for spending the rest of his life sitting on John’s grave. Bobby is said to have sat by the grave for 14 years, dying in 1872. He was buried here, just inside the gate of Greyfriars Kirkyard, not far from John Gray's grave. The headstone was erected by The Dog Aid Society of Scotland and unveiled by the Duke of Gloucester on May 13, 1981. The monument reads, "Greyfriars Bobby – Died 14 January 1872 – Aged 16 years – Let his loyalty and devotion be a lesson to us all.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/29797833-f66a-4234-9f20-46fe87cba5e7/tempImage3tbocT.jpg Blog - Greyfriars Bobby - Make it stand out Here sits the famous statue of Greyfriars Bobby, just outside the gates of Greyfriars Kirkyard. A year after Bobby’s death, the English philanthropist Lady Burdett-Coutts was charmed by the story and had a drinking fountain topped with Bobby's statue erected to commemorate him. Today people rub Bobby’s nose for good luck. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8cddce1e-2a0e-498f-b29c-cbfff9284a4b/tempImagepfCbYg.jpg Blog - Greyfriars Bobby - Make it stand out Just a side note: this is the statue of David Hume on the Royal Mile and his right big toe sticks beyond the plinth. Like rubbing Greyfriars Booby’s nose, it is also considered good luck to rub Hume’s toe. We’re a strange species. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a1a07f4a-402d-4aa9-8ea9-cf11fef63339/tempImageCL5E7o.jpg Blog - Greyfriars Bobby - Make it stand out In 1867 the lord provost of Edinburgh, Sir William Chambers, who was also a director of the Scottish Society for Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, paid for Bobby's license and gave the dog a collar, now in the Museum of Edinburgh. In the background is the Greyfriars Bobby pub, located on the ground floor of the Candlemaker Row's houses. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1b9a3e4c-3ec5-43d7-8c05-334e46094c11/tempImage0uKvjj.jpg Blog - Greyfriars Bobby - Make it stand out In 2021, this new monument to mark the 150th anniversary of the dog’s death was placed close to the east wall of Greyfriars Kirk. This was ordered by Robbie Beattie, a senior manager with Edinburgh City Council's Bereavement Service. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a2299c4a-eaf8-4572-8b1e-7d7b1fa02d02/tempImageEZi5oE.jpg Blog - Greyfriars Bobby - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/253e54ec-944d-4671-acf3-33d39c2f357f/tempImagecapYsa.jpg Blog - Greyfriars Bobby - Make it stand out Here are a few other quick fun pictures from today (Dec 5): the famous George IV Bridge as seen from the Greyfriars Kirkyard. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a68b9034-898b-4aaf-9a1d-55686295d67a/tempImageKZTl0n.jpg Blog - Greyfriars Bobby - Make it stand out A cool lintel found on Advocates Close, right off the Royal Mile. The initials are of the husband and wife and the date when they established this as their home. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/768fc908-0ff8-4277-9548-130e3822a06a/tempImageJuyCrV.jpg Blog - Greyfriars Bobby - Make it stand out From inside the National Museum of Scotland. The first Kay gyroplane was designed in 1934 by David Kay and John Grieve of Scone and built for them by Shields Garage in Perth. A more advanced second prototype, the aircraft preserved here, made its first flight at Eastleigh Aerodrome in 1935. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/fc767de0-c90a-438d-8580-9cf244c43511/tempImage0xZRc0.jpg Blog - Greyfriars Bobby - Make it stand out The Kay 33/1 was the first rotorcraft to use variable incidence rotors (i.e.: collective pitch control), a feature that would become standard on all helicopters. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8e7d3723-c66f-43f1-b056-1b681f1f3881/tempImagePGJRSC.jpg Blog - Greyfriars Bobby - Make it stand out Scottish flag (Saltire) that went into space. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/86127e2f-4e87-4a4f-9544-c88bc4a52ca4/tempImageljHWJf.jpg Blog - Greyfriars Bobby - Make it stand out Dolly the Sheep—the most famous sheep in the world. Born in 1996, she was the first mammal cloned from an adult cell. Dolly was the only live lamb from 277 eggs used in cloning. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/86784d2a-35d2-4675-bdfd-adc7259bea47/tempImagee8qckF.jpg Blog - Greyfriars Bobby - Make it stand out Necklace worn by Mary Queen of Scots. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8f433f62-3503-44c0-98fe-9037ff922016/tempImagerqWYMf.jpg Blog - Greyfriars Bobby - Make it stand out A 1823 law saw the number of crimes punishable by death in Britain drop dramatically, but since medical and anatomical schools were only legally allowed to dissect the bodies of those who had been condemned to death, this led to an extreme shortage of dead bodies available. However, the financial compensation offered by medical schools meant that some unscrupulous types soon found a way around this shortage of bodies, leading to a rash of grave-robbing by those known as resurrectionists. Instances of grave-robbing became so commonplace that relatives were known to watch over the recently dug graves of their dearly departed and watch towers were installed in cemeteries across the land. This metal coffin was built to ensure grave robbers could not steal the body! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1ef378a7-4758-4b88-84e7-13a83852a223/tempImageeoHAzS.jpg Blog - Greyfriars Bobby - Make it stand out For all you Outlander fans, a cool map showing from where all the clans originate. Fraser looks a bit worn out, probably from so many people touching it! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/93e93a48-a10f-4dce-9666-7d335d925b7d/tempImageH0VtgX.jpg Blog - Greyfriars Bobby - Make it stand out This plaque is found on the former site of Spoon café. The café was identified by J.K. Rowling in a BBC documentary as the place she had written “huge parts of the book.” The small plaque rests below the window where she once sat. You may recall Rowling came under fire in early June 2020 for controversial tweets she posted about the transgender community—thus the stickers on the plaque. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f6a08d32-ea90-4380-abf4-a88ffed1b296/tempImageSoKrqp.jpg Blog - Greyfriars Bobby - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/98ad7c62-fde9-4d4d-a0b6-dca3491a85b3/tempImageH1byAi.jpg Blog - Greyfriars Bobby - Make it stand out You just can’t drink a Guinness this good in the USA. Better still, can’t wait to have one at the actual factory in Dublin!! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/626f0ee9-07bc-4908-a2b8-3971c277075c/tempImageKanMBx.jpg Blog - Greyfriars Bobby - Make it stand out Came home to find the owner had decorated for Christmas. A wonderful surprise! https://www.overthehillandacrossthepond.com/blog/iz8zjn1fjil7lmq8ubpda905mb2acg monthly 0.5 2023-11-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/96b3ba20-1fd3-4a1f-83c1-b64bd7f18ee6/tempImageovQasM.jpg Blog - Most Ancient and Most Noble - Make it stand out A Lauriston Castle stood on this site in medieval times (prior to 1485) but was almost totally destroyed in 1544. The tower house was rebuilt around 1590, and this is the portion you see above. During the tour, the guide pulled on a hidden panel to reveal an extremely narrow stone stairway hidden behind the wall that leads up into the turret on the left. How much fun would it be to get to really explore this place? Maybe not in the dark though. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d56c3398-2d70-4080-af34-a689fcb0771c/Lauriston_Castle_1775.jpg Blog - Most Ancient and Most Noble - Make it stand out Lauriston Castle as it appeared in 1775, before the 1827 addition. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9c8296a5-40bd-4b72-90bf-bed1ed266c47/Scotia_Depicta_-_Laureston_Castle_-Plate-.jpg Blog - Most Ancient and Most Noble - Make it stand out Engraving of the castle published in 1804. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5ac9ebd8-468c-4e3b-8b89-6b75f4ca5532/tempImageW8bot2.jpg Blog - Most Ancient and Most Noble - Make it stand out The house was extended in the Jacobean style in 1827. You can see the change in stonework to the right, where the new front door is now located (see photos above & below). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/36a672c5-3d41-44f2-be0a-2e82161fab88/tempImagewPA8TW.jpg Blog - Most Ancient and Most Noble - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1a21dd7e-f5d9-44d5-a440-535ba16b5004/tempImageuJsA52.jpg Blog - Most Ancient and Most Noble - Make it stand out As merchants, the owner’s lived by the motto inscribed in Latin over the front door: By Sea & By Land. Notice the mermaid’s reflection carved in the mirror. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e904f447-b7dd-4098-87bd-5435a8ebc64d/tempImagecWC2ft.jpg Blog - Most Ancient and Most Noble - Make it stand out The back of the castle as seen from the croquet field. Despite the current country manor appearance, the old castle still dominates. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b8112638-94e6-49c9-a7ed-767c1d7f5ee2/tempImageqUfYHD.jpg Blog - Most Ancient and Most Noble - Make it stand out Chim chiminey, chim chiminey, chim chim cher-ee A sweep is as lucky as lucky can be https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4a303959-5339-416b-b032-198a69b3b16e/tempImage6OdFQI.jpg Blog - Most Ancient and Most Noble - Make it stand out Blue John is a semi-precious mineral, a rare form of fluorite with bands of a purple-blue or yellowish color. It is only found in the UK at Blue John Cavern and Treak Cliff Cavern at Castleton in Derbyshire (in the Peak District). We toured Blue John Cavern in 2009 and Amanda bought a Blue John necklace that she wore yesterday but, unfortunately, not today. As it turned out, the world’s largest collection of Blue John pieces are found inside Lauriston Castle. The mineral is relatively soft, so the large size of many of these pieces is quite stunning. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9b85a9e3-d451-4b16-8719-578523dfb687/tempImage65pNwG.jpg Blog - Most Ancient and Most Noble - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/88eda731-eca0-47b6-8b11-f63db095f163/tempImageZbXGyI.jpg Blog - Most Ancient and Most Noble - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/27a1b203-434d-4544-a85f-896679466d89/tempImageetIaSU.jpg Blog - Most Ancient and Most Noble - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1329d157-39a4-4a8e-a682-4e0d45ab7eb3/tempImagemw63nz.jpg Blog - Most Ancient and Most Noble - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3e3de236-a425-45db-80ac-b0959f90da46/tempImageNuW2Hd.jpg Blog - Most Ancient and Most Noble - Make it stand out Amanda’s Blue John necklace. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b0a0479d-ffb8-4032-8aed-e428a9fde67b/tempImagezXF9s5.jpg Blog - Most Ancient and Most Noble - Make it stand out The formal drawing room with silk wall coverings. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/dfc326cf-7006-4db7-a39f-e514a384443c/tempImagerfTjwJ.jpg Blog - Most Ancient and Most Noble - Make it stand out Hand-stenciled piano in the drawing room. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/06353a51-352e-4438-9d73-0f2a0d0ebf41/tempImageEs09IE.jpg Blog - Most Ancient and Most Noble - Make it stand out The room bells and clock from “downstairs.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4e2e7fa1-05aa-4bd8-93b0-1481f8977593/tempImagekmfYAX.jpg Blog - Most Ancient and Most Noble - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1f794edc-309e-4b42-9b31-25ae1e8f7374/Royal+Banner_of_Scotland.png Blog - Most Ancient and Most Noble - Make it stand out The Royal Banner of the Royal Arms of Scotland (above), also known as the Royal Banner of Scotland or more commonly the Lion Rampant of Scotland, and historically as the Royal Standard of Scotland. My guess is the lion statue from Lauriston Castle is an amalgam of the Lion Rampart and the Saltire discussed below. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5dec6b7f-d635-4d7c-a887-600a670f0a42/Saltire+Flag.jpeg Blog - Most Ancient and Most Noble - Make it stand out The national flag of Scotland, also known as St Andrew's Cross or the Saltire, consists of a white saltire defacing a blue field. Saltire is the term for an X-shaped cross. Now that’s Fun With Flags! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6f2702d5-0c21-451f-a300-54fc0eeafeaf/Th+2.jpeg Blog - Most Ancient and Most Noble - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f7fbb996-612b-4fd8-bd03-e1f1c2deeac4/Th+5.jpeg Blog - Most Ancient and Most Noble - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b1a9bd93-e8d1-410f-90d0-f0fd902949bd/Th+1.jpeg Blog - Most Ancient and Most Noble - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b0dea636-32d7-45b9-8c55-635d42f7d80f/Th+4.jpeg Blog - Most Ancient and Most Noble - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/bccad42a-8f6e-4435-a4fe-826bb8c510b0/tempImageQgs5nT.jpg Blog - Most Ancient and Most Noble - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/833a4e3b-0b51-4fb2-b1a6-98d17f164dcf/73681.jpg Blog - Most Ancient and Most Noble - Make it stand out You may recall from our blog “A Castle and A Chapel” from December 1, that we saw this portrait of the late Queen in her Order of the Thistle regalia. https://www.overthehillandacrossthepond.com/blog/water-of-leith monthly 0.5 2023-11-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4b48dd0b-27fc-4521-bdd5-403b99f669fa/44+Scotland+Street.jpeg Blog - Water of Leith - Make it stand out Currently reading… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d34ce0f7-9dfb-451e-b218-a8fd5f0e7439/tempImage8fpOBI.jpg Blog - Water of Leith - Make it stand out Stopped by the book’s namesake on the way to breakfast. “The area of the city where I make my home is known locally as ‘writers’ block,’ in the main because J.K. Rowling, Alexander McCall Smith, and I live within a few hundred yards of each other. Nor do we keep ourselves to ourselves: local café owners know that Ms. Rowling still writes at various tables with a mug of coffee beside her; Professor McCall Smith and myself have been known to share a few drams of malt of an evening, while discussing everything and anything. Irvine Welsh (of Trainspotting fame) also keeps a home in the city, and novelist Kate Atkinson, who won a Whitbread Book Award for Behind the Scenes at the Museum, is another Edinburgh resident.” -Ian Rankin, Britannica online https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b4e9e5e9-fd58-4355-bce4-9fc2b8426954/tempImageJf73Ms.jpg Blog - Water of Leith - Make it stand out Started the day (Dec 2) with hot beverages and breakfast at Leo’s Beanery. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8aa5cd0a-2388-4f58-8838-0b496a5123b3/tempImagee8b8y9.jpg Blog - Water of Leith - Make it stand out Excellent mocha! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/48a4cbf7-86a7-4f28-a024-014f91ba61d6/tempImageqaq1l0.jpg Blog - Water of Leith - Make it stand out I had the roasted squash, herby mushrooms, sun-blush tomatoes, spinach & avocado on toast served with homemade ketchup. Delicious! Amanda ate (believe it or not) the nutty & fruity homemade granola served with delicious dairy free yoghurt & seasonal fruit compote. Less granola than she would have liked, but good nonetheless. She had Scottish breakfast-blend tea which she loved. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2cdb9b28-091a-45d0-a82c-135a5d45053b/tempImageUsIZr5.jpg Blog - Water of Leith - Make it stand out Here is a video of our walk along Waters of Leith Walkway: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iAK6CT-hKUA https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8c62ef50-6066-4918-b205-cfc4aa90c876/tempImagezRPGQr.jpg Blog - Water of Leith - Make it stand out My lovely bride https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/84dbf036-e969-47d4-8c39-58540b15cedf/tempImage1fQXcd.jpg Blog - Water of Leith - Make it stand out The structure is St Bernard’s Well and the figurine inside is a depiction of the Greek goddess of health Hygeia. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/27c798b4-090d-4825-985a-951b40333480/tempImagelqZU4T.jpg Blog - Water of Leith - Make it stand out Hygeia—Greek goddess of health. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1dfa524b-5cc7-4f2c-bd1e-171a858d6d90/tempImageP4w6OV.jpg Blog - Water of Leith - Make it stand out There is always a dog nearby in the UK! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/fb64891a-0b9d-4475-8bfe-b4cfec79d1e8/tempImageaITOwY.jpg Blog - Water of Leith - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f095bffe-7be8-4aca-a06a-f51554c13673/tempImage0x9U1y.jpg Blog - Water of Leith - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ab23ff9c-e201-4757-90c4-afc76ad9f4ef/tempImageCBPAHl.jpg Blog - Water of Leith - Make it stand out The fuss at the end of the road: Dean Village and former water mills. It is very pretty, but there isn’t much more to it than this view (which might have been more impressive with less construction and more sun), https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/acde5813-7d48-4ffb-8742-4c1732a0a3c2/tempImage7npuoQ.jpg Blog - Water of Leith - Make it stand out A Room With a Poo Artist’s Description: After a disappointing visit to Dean Village, I stopped in the WC and made a significant contribution to the Edinburgh sewer system. This moving experience, and the striking pond outside the window—subtly reminiscent of a leach field—inspired me to create this piece. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a6f8a802-a9b6-4a50-95ad-672ca845794f/tempImage1GQsce.jpg Blog - Water of Leith - Make it stand out The post card in the gift shop summed up the experience succinctly. A-R-T…Switch the A and the R. Drop the T and add a P. Put a C in front and there you have it. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ce8fdd3d-d2b7-4096-aa16-e0a48011c033/tempImagetWmvEs.jpg Blog - Water of Leith - Make it stand out Here the subtle 11.7-degree anti-clockwise rotation is exactly half of Earth’s 23.4-degree tilt, reminding us that because our planet is tilted everything is going to be alright. -Jack Handy, Deep Thought By https://www.overthehillandacrossthepond.com/blog/outlander-amp-knights-templar monthly 0.5 2023-11-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7ed29221-3ca8-4aa4-b827-e95b7943bbd3/tempImage3IyBy1.jpg Blog - A Castle & A Chapel - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/47faddd1-5229-4851-902a-1f35a2e17044/tempImageITtyx9.jpg Blog - A Castle & A Chapel - Make it stand out This particular composition is known as the “Sheffield Portrait” because it was thought in the twentieth century to have come from a portrait painted when she was held by the Earl of Shrewsbury at either Sheffield Castle or Sheffield Manor. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9565794c-609e-4585-8e94-20db1a7a18b5/tempImageMXQWSG.jpg Blog - A Castle & A Chapel - Make it stand out Looking down on the magnificent main entrance hall. Queen Elizabeth II’s portrait is just visible to the right of the open doors https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/50fe310a-8052-4cc6-aca6-34898f8a05c3/tempImage9qQPJp.jpg Blog - A Castle & A Chapel - Make it stand out Looking back down the hill toward the bus stop. Here’s the amazing view in video form: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=snYgFbTpDwc https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1a52c80c-0035-418d-8004-e48d304f5392/tempImagegnIDkS.jpg Blog - A Castle & A Chapel - Make it stand out Approaching the castle from the fields. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/72259c8a-3349-47c0-b694-79993f3d7148/Ardsmuir+Prison.png Blog - A Castle & A Chapel - Make it stand out The second bit of serendipity was when we entered the castle walls and read that portions of Outlander were filmed here. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a11cb94d-fd51-4920-93c6-e26bfc9cc3e2/Jamie+2.png Blog - A Castle & A Chapel - Make it stand out Yes, that’s Amanda’s hall pass Sam Heughan being led from Ardsmuir Prison in Season 3, nine years after Scottish defeat at Culloden. Amanda has been in love with Jaime since she read Outlander at 18 years of age. And then they cast Sam for the TV series…I never stood a chance. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2a2e82df-60d7-4939-959e-5892fb1f284a/tempImageiu09AY.jpg Blog - A Castle & A Chapel - Make it stand out Although visitors enter here, this was the back of the castle. Originally the earth was lower and there was likely a drawbridge leading to the large wooden doors. The original tower house in the center was built in the late 1300s! The courtyard wall was built in 1400s, with gunholes shaped like inverted keyholes. Here’s a video from inside the castle walls: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=43pRCGuWM5k https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1669911370377-JB4ZP5PVHQ0CQB9EJ2UU/IMG_9722.jpg Blog - A Castle & A Chapel https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1669911407344-FK4D7NNVFZ2PZB3SIPS5/IMG_9730.jpg Blog - A Castle & A Chapel https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1669911540891-GKS9XCNM4B2CVKIBC5CL/IMG_9732.jpg Blog - A Castle & A Chapel https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1669911445907-S66BKDGT2K1II118JXBQ/IMG_9733.jpg Blog - A Castle & A Chapel https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1669911461817-HVB5GXSJK4ZWN7YAMW11/IMG_9739.jpg Blog - A Castle & A Chapel https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1669911555464-NN6AF7IL9YDQJKLU7OO5/IMG_9742.jpg Blog - A Castle & A Chapel https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1669911652300-0JMT5CQOSDUICNC8O05W/IMG_9747.jpg Blog - A Castle & A Chapel https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1669911936848-NOFTPQH38L167UBI18F4/IMG_3028.jpg Blog - A Castle & A Chapel https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/579c8af6-ea6c-41e3-9317-8a33491f4fce/tempImageRaebJ8.jpg Blog - A Castle & A Chapel - Make it stand out A panoramic with Arthur’s Seat in the distance. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/104e51bf-4e93-47ab-80e2-f775da40a6ea/tempImageCBo1EA.jpg Blog - A Castle & A Chapel - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/265ecdd5-dabb-44e5-8dff-5d851449c3ea/tempImage8rzz2B.jpg Blog - A Castle & A Chapel - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/09183dc1-6c93-4382-85a4-6a3bff16f400/tempImagexxrf19.jpg Blog - A Castle & A Chapel - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d0b44a83-0c48-42dd-bd49-3827521366e7/tempImagedArJgo.jpg Blog - A Castle & A Chapel - Make it stand out Always on the lookout for personal applications. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7e526edf-98db-4c06-b7e8-3fbd305ec769/tempImagex5TyA2.jpg Blog - A Castle & A Chapel - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/081a6b5e-24a5-403b-913e-10b1def14ee8/tempImageUFl3Ku.jpg Blog - A Castle & A Chapel - Make it stand out The wild landscape and overgrown ruin of the Chapel, and their romantic associations, meant Rosslyn became a muse for poets, writers, and artists alike in the 18th and 19th Centuries. In 1805 Sir Walter Scott wrote the Lay of the Last Minstrel, a poem about the engaging myth that the building appears as if on fire the night that a Rosslyn baron passes away. For this reason, they illuminate the chapel with red lights. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/e66cbfa1-1dc7-48cb-823e-2474ec0fef01/tempImageuflcBD.jpg Blog - A Castle & A Chapel - Make it stand out The moon and the memorial to Francis Robert St Clair-Erskine, the fourth Earl of Rosslyn (1833-1890). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6e79f90f-3f36-4178-99cf-e94dec78c19f/tempImage2UUuvg.jpg Blog - A Castle & A Chapel - Make it stand out Simply Beautiful! https://www.overthehillandacrossthepond.com/blog/church-bells-ring-are-you-listening monthly 0.5 2023-11-21 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9e06d319-0ea7-4610-afce-8ef4d605fcdb/tempImageKrLn82.jpg Blog - Church Bells Ring, Are You Listening - Make it stand out Outside St Cuthbert is the statue to Bum the Dog. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f5635daf-5952-49c0-8d33-e6856a464a0d/tempImage4a7ykE.jpg Blog - Church Bells Ring, Are You Listening - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d8ea8953-790a-480a-ace1-5c07800735a2/tempImageap6xkH.jpg Blog - Church Bells Ring, Are You Listening - Make it stand out The Ross Fountain in the foreground and St Cuthbert (and Bum) to the left. We attended St John’s, which is the cathedral to the right of St Cuthbert. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a797747a-af55-4768-b43a-77dbf82918ba/tempImage4YfKIB.jpg Blog - Church Bells Ring, Are You Listening - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b35b0160-a1fc-4f0a-adae-82222f90492f/Screenshot+2022-11-27+at+8.39.27+PM.png Blog - Church Bells Ring, Are You Listening - Make it stand out Dude, do you know if this is where they shot GOT? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/22368485-cf18-4350-aad7-68de7d59840a/tempImageJ6KAwR.jpg Blog - Church Bells Ring, Are You Listening - Make it stand out We spent the afternoon exploring The Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. Here are a few pictures from the day: Above a small grove of giant sequoia planted in honor of John Muir. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0b89688d-05bc-4509-b16e-694ca0c44c78/tempImage0yyk5F.jpg Blog - Church Bells Ring, Are You Listening - Make it stand out What we didn’t know before we started planning this trip was that Muir’s family emigrated from Scotland to the USA when he was 11 years old. (As an avid lover of Yosemite, my ignorance on the subject is embarrassing! ) We plan to visit his hometown of Dunbar next year. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c322213c-bf0f-4c3f-8b29-fca1ddc0e6a4/tempImage991Ulz.jpg Blog - Church Bells Ring, Are You Listening - Make it stand out Pretty Pink Peony https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/181b7347-36df-46f3-9235-15f157214ae1/tempImage3QGsDb.jpg Blog - Church Bells Ring, Are You Listening - Make it stand out Pretty white…uh…flower. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1ba238e7-499a-4138-acc7-ef0ae260b523/tempImageVWIhWh.jpg Blog - Church Bells Ring, Are You Listening - Make it stand out Another beautiful “flower.” (Hey, it’s not like every single plant was labeled and we just didn't take note. ) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4223d392-9ec3-4255-9db7-049554cdb89d/tempImageEUOMK0.jpg Blog - Church Bells Ring, Are You Listening - Make it stand out We’ll end this post with two pieces of deeply sage advice, as found on the toilet doors inside Gladstone’s Land: Above: talk about pre-treating a stain. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f3cfcaf6-f4d6-4aa1-8d90-9cc2d0b9d0da/tempImagej36TAy.jpg Blog - Church Bells Ring, Are You Listening - Make it stand out Helen Keller was born in 1880 damn it, how did she not hear about this?! https://www.overthehillandacrossthepond.com/blog/zrspkc65lo697vf7n04imj3zej36ex monthly 0.5 2023-11-21 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a340b480-84f0-4fc3-897f-bcd86572869c/tempImage6tMsyZ.jpg Blog - So Luxurious - Make it stand out One of the more difficult aspects of navigating the streets of Edinburgh is not being habitually distracted by the architecture. Following their defeat by the English at the Battle of Flodden in September 1513, the Scottish fortified Edinburgh by walling off the city (thus the name Flodden Wall). In very practical terms, Edinburgh only had one choice: build up. Build up they did, but look at how beautifully! “Piled deep and massy, close and high; Mine own romantic town.” —Sir Walter Scott, Marmion https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/21c30d7a-22a0-4b2e-9826-3ae95a6c748f/tempImageRt9zqN.jpg Blog - So Luxurious - Make it stand out We thought perhaps such protrusions were possibly former garderobes with a decorative base added to cover their former purpose, but given their age, they are likely decorative. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/40316568-2f22-4b8c-96a0-5b028d99163c/tempImageizAcJM.jpg Blog - So Luxurious - Make it stand out Holy crap! Here are 5 genuine garderobes on Edinburgh Castle. Gotta love the 3-staller! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f1629f49-7074-4bf0-a786-08f245f04e66/tempImage1KNU9d.jpg Blog - So Luxurious - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7b49f3c4-2fcf-4e2f-9700-aa300514840d/BAKEHOUSECLOSEANDTWEEDDALE-11-of-25-689x517.jpg Blog - So Luxurious - Make it stand out In the TV series, Claire is seen walking through the Bakehouse Close walkway (the fictional Carfax Close). The doorway and steps are easily recognizable. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1ff31c91-472c-4a6b-90a5-e5f99b251501/Printer+3.jpeg Blog - So Luxurious - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0e47736f-2386-4d8b-8134-16bcf3b4ea9a/tempImagelh3wx0.jpg Blog - So Luxurious - Make it stand out The steps to A. Malcom’s print shop need a little Hollywood magic, but the final effect is seen below. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8580f236-be41-4277-9b04-71a05b57b3f4/Screenshot+2022-11-26+at+8.28.23+PM.png Blog - So Luxurious - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f2a042cd-c611-4d7c-bd44-abbe94863245/Printer+4.jpeg Blog - So Luxurious - Make it stand out Jamie approaching from opposite direction with the wood and stone section visible. It was a fun find! I guess the only thing to do it reenact the scene! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z7yXNRhhCZg (You hear that crap? She will always love Jamie!) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5ec92890-a6c3-463f-887f-2d70b53b5dc6/tempImagehTRhuw.jpg Blog - So Luxurious - Make it stand out All hot and bothered thinking about Jamie, we stopped for a nice cuppa so Amanda could stay calm and carry on. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/104f9854-f7ff-4201-bdbd-843c9da5703a/tempImagegu0gQd.jpg Blog - So Luxurious - Make it stand out We then took a tour of Gladstone’s Land, which is the building in the center. In the 1600s, the double archways denoted a trade market. Gladestone’s archways are the only ones remaining in Old Town Edinburgh. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/acadd11f-682c-4f71-a91f-a46386c9cfeb/tempImagemrsxuf.jpg Blog - So Luxurious - Make it stand out Inside the house we were able to tour three different floors of the building, each set up to represent a different historical period. Not only did Edinburgh build up (as we mentioned previously, but they also built out. The current face of Gladstone’s Land and the adjacent buildings are 23 feet forward of the original building fronts. When space is highly limited, you have to add where you can. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3ad1a8a8-5fe1-4735-a391-25f4aea1146a/tempImagePDWfC7.jpg Blog - So Luxurious - Make it stand out Look, it’s ma in her kerchief. The tour was really fun and we learned a lot about Edinburgh’s past. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5579342d-dce8-474b-9585-16c3a5e4ef3c/tempImage33qfC9.jpg Blog - So Luxurious - Make it stand out We rounded out the night by watching the England vs. United States Fifa World Cup game at The Conan Doyle pub just up the street from our house. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7153b6ae-0816-4419-b072-7c486a0d26bc/tempImage6T06YL.jpg Blog - So Luxurious - Make it stand out There’s Sherlock Holmes now! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/be090101-7286-47fa-bd8c-05da2f9f8444/tempImage58ydGX.jpg Blog - So Luxurious - Make it stand out And Dr. Watson I presume. It was an exhilarating game with a 0-0 Final Score. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/5fa75067-86e6-44b9-9656-e7b88252ac61/tempImagetEBuYk.jpg Blog - So Luxurious - Make it stand out On our way to visit the Saturday farmer’s market we stopped by the building used as the hotel for Lars and Sigrit’s stay in Edinburgh during the Eurovision Song Contest. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b0083254-ad8c-4c9a-afed-10afc0a877e2/tempImagePBNK4J.jpg Blog - So Luxurious - Make it stand out Of course, we have we had to reenact the scene https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fDvhvbuxm8s Here’s a clip of the original scene: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lulgI1k_JK0 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c814af6a-94a4-406a-9953-2545d5f17d9e/tempImagecH1x0O.jpg Blog - So Luxurious - Make it stand out A few parting shots: Purple cabbage at the Edinburgh Farmer’s Market held every Saturday on Castle Terrace. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/bcd1684d-ad9e-45ba-a426-6f47db91fdc6/tempImagemVjAN7.jpg Blog - So Luxurious - Make it stand out This statue stands in tribute to Sir James Young Simpson, the discoverer of the anesthetic qualities of chloroform and his promotion of its use in obstetrics. Is it just me or is there some serious irony laying in wait there?! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3c7520c5-1700-481e-a04b-272ebde65df7/tempImagevGuty5.jpg Blog - So Luxurious - Make it stand out Edinburgh Castle as seen from The Parish Church of St Cuthbert. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/aac8dd77-ee1a-4366-9ac5-9c5529c39544/tempImagerCpOmv.jpg Blog - So Luxurious - Make it stand out The Parish Church of St Cuthbert https://www.overthehillandacrossthepond.com/blog/happy-thanksgiving monthly 0.5 2023-10-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8c8e4fef-5fc4-4d0b-a023-19c2ff925683/tempImageeiVYxb.jpg Blog - Happy Thanksgiving - Make it stand out Popped down the stairs to visit the Bastard Barista this morning and were so pleased we did. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4acae89b-c43d-4aa1-97ac-04d6134f322b/tempImagePSzYnr.jpg Blog - Happy Thanksgiving - Make it stand out What a fun and inviting entrance! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/459cd75d-5206-4dec-ae68-3723ce5d1b7d/tempImageO3B5HA.jpg Blog - Happy Thanksgiving - Make it stand out Door handle inside. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3d1d352f-09da-4032-a034-8e4e04938c9c/tempImagenJgp7F.jpg Blog - Happy Thanksgiving - Make it stand out Dripping with character and ambiance. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/402ffa3a-2c93-44e2-af20-9a3f180834f8/tempImagemqDnp7.jpg Blog - Happy Thanksgiving - Make it stand out Stellar crockery to enhance some of the best coffee of the trip! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a9bda51f-9cf1-4fc3-ba60-1e766636c8de/tempImagevh8LZp.jpg Blog - Happy Thanksgiving - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/93841b9c-4b5e-4a05-81f5-5b19359d62a3/tempImageEl0bUQ.jpg Blog - Happy Thanksgiving - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/fe3dcc7e-f470-40d0-a30c-e0aa1f8fd07a/tempImageXR0XcE.jpg Blog - Happy Thanksgiving - Make it stand out Last-minute update: you’re all probably just starting to cook, but our day is nearly over. Here is what we did to celebrate Thanksgiving from afar. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/125eff4f-2868-4a37-b3d2-7e7285cff1f2/tempImageoAtu3W.jpg Blog - Happy Thanksgiving - Make it stand out A really excellent chicken Kiev (we’ve had them 3 times now, so good), breaded and roasted King Edward potatoes (never heard of them before, but they were excellent), and asparagus (same ol’ plant as we have in the USA). We hope you all have wonderful dinners as well! All our love! https://www.overthehillandacrossthepond.com/blog/window-shopping monthly 0.5 2023-11-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7cbf2aa7-ea39-48dd-8516-69efd07da06c/tempImageAK6PHc.jpg Blog - Window Shopping - Make it stand out While Thanksgiving may be uniquely American, apparently Black Friday is widely celebrated. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3a017eab-a69a-43f5-b2f8-31524442bb9b/tempImagep3iNAs.jpg Blog - Window Shopping - Make it stand out Hey Will, look what we found! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0a00a676-fe90-438e-b302-0d34c895798c/tempImagepsmDHs.jpg Blog - Window Shopping - Make it stand out Loft was Amanda's favorite store, until today (Nov 23)… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/829a47aa-b637-4b57-924f-5920d3da5830/tempImage3flr0Y.jpg Blog - Window Shopping - Make it stand out Everything in this store was simply amazing, from candles, to clothing, to bedding—even the decorations were beautiful. Outside the store, it’s the craziest thing, you are walking down the street and you turn a corner and—BAM!—there is this massive castle sitting on top of a massive hill: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wKLGEF45eJ8 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6e3108a5-ee50-461c-877b-793eb260000b/tempImageF9NAyG.jpg Blog - Window Shopping - Make it stand out (Amanda here, Hi!) After shopping, we went to the Scottish National Gallery where I was very pleasantly surprised to find a work from my favorite Renaissance artist, Sandro Botticelli. The Virgin Adorning the Sleeping Christ Child did not disappoint, with Botticelli’s characteristic sweet and romantic style that I love so much! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/81de49f2-5b26-4e97-9f69-903fc15b3756/tempImageCSuDAN.jpg Blog - Window Shopping - Make it stand out Notice the pretty pink and blue flowers, along with the sweet little (what I think are) strawberries in the bottom right hand corner. Sleeping baby Jesus is so sweet and Mary’s face and hair so reminiscent of his other works. I also loved all of the pretty gold detail at the bottom of her cloak, throughout her dress, and in her and baby Jesus’s halos, they glimmered in real life. So beautiful and in such contrast to so many other artists of the time who often depicted Jesus more like a shrunken man than a sweet baby. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/b283bcb5-fb4f-436b-abf5-6f573d6eee38/tempImagezhQlZu.jpg Blog - Window Shopping - Make it stand out A few parting shots of our evening. The Castle and buildings on the Royal Mile in repose with the setting sun. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/fa6fd141-4e94-47fb-a2dc-92b38e65d211/tempImage7OIqOz.jpg Blog - Window Shopping - Make it stand out As part of the Christmas Market, the ferris wheel and huts are nearly ready for Friday’s big opening. The Scottish Monument and the iconic clock at the Balmoral hotel greet the crisp evening. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/59aa303b-5354-4db1-abcb-79cd6d64f0da/tempImageB08rji.jpg Blog - Window Shopping - Make it stand out The Edinburgh City Chambers lit for Christmas. https://www.overthehillandacrossthepond.com/blog/bring-out-your-dead monthly 0.5 2023-10-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d7d5d67b-fc6e-43ad-91ed-52e873229142/tempImageU4MvRO.jpg Blog - Bring Out Your Dead - Make it stand out This is a small section of the Old Calton Burial Ground, orphaned to construct Highway A1 through it. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/080dda5b-a031-49b1-8a7c-7e4a52131e87/Old+Calton+Burial+Ground.png Blog - Bring Out Your Dead - Make it stand out The sectioned circled is where Amanda is standing in the photo above. The remaining photos are from across the street in the main part of the cemetery. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ae2fc1d2-7474-4412-8445-8e8dcafb782c/tempImaged0cycR.jpg Blog - Bring Out Your Dead - Make it stand out David Hume was a Scottish Enlightenment philosopher, historian, economist, librarian, and essayist, who is best known today for his highly influential system of philosophical empiricism, skepticism, and naturalism. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6f6a9168-0d62-4afd-9e13-a8aea63ab228/tempImageEMDEzj.jpg Blog - Bring Out Your Dead - Make it stand out If it’s hard to tell, the statue next the Hume’s mausoleum is none other than Abraham Lincoln. Built in 1893, the statue commemorates the Scots who fought on behalf of the Union during the American Civil War. The memorial depicts a slave being released from shackles at the feet of Lincoln, and the man holds a book, indicating that he is not only free, he is also now educated. There is also a bronze shield which bears the old US flag, wreathed in thistles to the left and cotton to the right. Two regimental flags lay furled, the battle being over. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8f84137e-24af-4565-8efa-a248b835baa3/tempImage2Z74Zm.jpg Blog - Bring Out Your Dead - Make it stand out We thought this was very sweet: “She was a most amiable and affectionate Wife, kind and loving Mother: whose loss her Husband and five surviving Children will ever deeply regret.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/07bc3a6c-4046-4edc-be33-15f5dbb5ed56/tempImageL12pv1.jpg Blog - Bring Out Your Dead - Make it stand out If you ever feel like your life sucks, check out what this family suffered. Just a hundred or so years ago, life was brutal and so often cut short. These 8 children died at 6 months, 2 years, 5 months, 8 years, 12 years, 4 years, 11 years, and 1 year! Hard lives back then. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/da255dda-440c-4aad-9bfe-c33f42caf02f/tempImageDM76AJ.jpg Blog - Bring Out Your Dead - Make it stand out We so very fortunate most of us will easily survive childhood. These children died at ages 3, 3, & 7. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/bb3e22ca-e2da-40ac-8408-de038e2b8780/tempImage5WOjhK.jpg Blog - Bring Out Your Dead - Make it stand out This monument marks the spot in Grassmarket Square where so many were hanged outside the castle. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/11d19890-40ef-4e88-a0da-959898f1ba5d/tempImagewrwT6P.jpg Blog - Bring Out Your Dead - Make it stand out Scull and crossbones on a tomb in the small Duddingston Kirkyard. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/64aab103-bc1f-4e97-a6c9-6181fe244dfd/tempImageOSRlJV.jpg Blog - Bring Out Your Dead - Make it stand out Also in the Duddingston Kirkyard. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9e87d45a-fe9f-4b22-909c-8ca38c8be34b/tempImagewOiQtB.jpg Blog - Bring Out Your Dead - Make it stand out No mystery how these people died. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d1b65130-8460-41a4-b292-828a45cbb024/tempImageVLdok7.jpg Blog - Bring Out Your Dead - Make it stand out Enough of the macabre; off to more peaceful settings! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a7a48161-4a16-4ad5-b454-443bc91ecdfa/tempImageCw3f1o.jpg Blog - Bring Out Your Dead - Make it stand out The peaceful view of Duddingston Loch from Dr. Neil’s Gardens (not Neil the Baby). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c941c342-c2b4-447f-bdc0-6a74747c9e6a/tempImageVA4mi5.jpg Blog - Bring Out Your Dead - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/dc8206a6-1883-4b2e-a814-e18d58a90d6b/tempImageRIjGDA.jpg Blog - Bring Out Your Dead - Make it stand out Purportedly Scotland’s oldest working pub: established in 1360!! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f3cb0acb-a9e4-4275-8913-0af94830a522/tempImageUYBkfj.jpg Blog - Bring Out Your Dead - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ac205d3d-831c-4449-81c6-83845772f897/tempImagefnAVN2.jpg Blog - Bring Out Your Dead - Make it stand out Comes highly recommended: 4.8 out of 5 crowns. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7d97a582-2df8-468f-bcf8-abb78c2efabd/tempImageQOKv2k.jpg Blog - Bring Out Your Dead - Make it stand out Time to unwind with two pints of Edinburgh’s own lager: Innis & Gunn. Cheers! https://www.overthehillandacrossthepond.com/blog/week-2-begins monthly 0.5 2023-11-21 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/4b0bb024-2f9c-4dbb-9096-de670fa0b855/tempImagewCZkLG.jpg Blog - Week 2 Begins - Make it stand out This morning (Nov 21), in addition to his delicious cinnamon rolls, our favorite Bearded Baker served a vegan cinnamon crumble. Amanda loved the crumble and preferred it over the buns. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/49686ca4-cf68-4387-9f52-fc158be2c8cc/tempImageXHoKw7.jpg Blog - Week 2 Begins - Make it stand out One of our favorite pastimes from our first week was watching The Crown. We’ve been enjoying Session 5 each night, along with a wee dram of Bruichladdich whisky and a “Winter Warmer” candle from Isle of Skye Candle Company. Lovely! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/92ad8386-e2c2-4c09-a37b-a6fa8d87f98e/tempImage7VOVr5.jpg Blog - Week 2 Begins - Make it stand out And speaking of The Crown Season 5, we toured The Royal Yacht Britannia today at its anchorage just outside Edinburgh. Some of the scenes were clearly filmed on the boat, which was pretty fun to see. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/bee2a4b9-2e09-44fe-b4a1-ef466602602d/tempImagevGoJ6o.jpg Blog - Week 2 Begins - Make it stand out Here is the Royal Family standing at the same spot from the photo above (Andrew, the late Queen, Charles, Anne, Edward, & the late Duke of Edinburgh. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/94af68a4-888b-475b-bab4-9a8149f9861f/tempImageyNyk7c.jpg Blog - Week 2 Begins - Make it stand out In this room have dined Presidents Eisenhower, Ford, Reagan, and Clinton, along with hundreds of other dignitaries. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/827ea28c-5ad3-4403-ac55-01c43c3ad458/tempImagee3FAib.jpg Blog - Week 2 Begins - Make it stand out Ah, look, there’s her majesty now! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/9764a99f-a63d-4afb-b564-76650152091f/tempImage2l3FmN.jpg Blog - Week 2 Begins - Make it stand out After touring The Royal Yacht Britannia, we took the bus over to The Beacon (aka The Newhaven Lighthouse), which is from—shocker of all shockers—the movie Fire Saga. This is the scene where Lars and Sigrit are sitting on the breakwater when the boat blows up with all the Icelandic contestants on board. The scene was set in Reykjavik, but they actually filmed it here in Edinburgh since they were already filming scenes on Calton Hill, at the Ross Fountain, in front of the White Hart Inn, and driving up Victoria Street. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/46913957-4282-4714-979b-f5447e7f7f50/tempImageDTnsYJ.jpg Blog - Week 2 Begins - Make it stand out “The elves went too far”! -Sigrit https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7139edcd-456f-4958-b511-3a50f2f837b0/tempImageROYCw6.jpg Blog - Week 2 Begins - Make it stand out This is from inside the store we wrote about a few days ago that may have served as inspiration for J.K. for Ollivanders wand shop. It’s an unrepentant tourist trap now, which I may disagree with on many counts, but you cannot deny, the store’s got style! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0033e15d-11d3-4fa6-9899-1e8ae2662246/tempImageCGDOSj.jpg Blog - Week 2 Begins - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/bc2e1ef1-ce89-4932-83ba-a6ef16216c56/tempImagecKFfFx.jpg Blog - Week 2 Begins - Make it stand out I’ll end with this amazing photo Amanda took on Saturday of Edinburgh Castle rising above Princes Street Gardens. https://www.overthehillandacrossthepond.com/blog/w60hqvrcluq712xejv2neac5mvzkmb monthly 0.5 2023-11-21 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/efd445e4-799e-4cdb-bd24-85cb23024222/tempImagejwEwmm.jpg Blog - The Royal Mile - Make it stand out Today’s tale (Nov 18) begins where all good stories must—with a good breakfast! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2effde9c-502c-4929-92a5-ea5d8c8090a9/tempImagePIv62o.jpg Blog - The Royal Mile - Make it stand out Three cheers to The Bearded Baker for preparing this morning’s confectionary delights: freshly baked cinnamon rolls, mocha, and hot chocolate—all vegan and all exceptionally delicious! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1668880690582-3AB2EIPUC7FDALGCUTSQ/IMG_9384.jpg Blog - The Royal Mile https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1668880689076-42THCHT2EJ3O3CCQ5FBV/IMG_9389.jpg Blog - The Royal Mile https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1668880713511-IT1B5TJ1VP7RU8BDE90B/IMG_9405.jpg Blog - The Royal Mile https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1668880722055-Z5XBZBQMMTJ6OIVK7JB7/IMG_9408.jpg Blog - The Royal Mile https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2c2e11a8-f296-478c-b5ed-06ea58ab8ac2/girth-cross-location.jpg Blog - The Royal Mile - Make it stand out Near the bottom of Canongate, this circle of beige cobbles set into the road is the Girth Cross (aka Abbey Cross or South Cross). The Girth Cross was an ornamental cross elevated on a flight of steps, which marked the western limit of the Girth of Holyrood, and thus the sanctuary zone of Holyrood Abbey. It was also a place for announcements and executions. It must have been very near the abbey’s gate. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d76c4836-05ae-4bd8-a39f-b60b768bfd64/tempImage2Ow0HE.jpg Blog - The Royal Mile - Make it stand out Back in the days, Edinburgh was divided into two areas: the Royal Burgh and Canongate. Built in 1591, the Tolbooth was located in the middle of both areas and was used to collect tolls from travelers who wanted to enter the Royal Burgh. Over the years it also served as a council chamber, police court, and prison. The building is utterly fantastic! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/10d33ab4-6855-4eaf-85e2-07eb631c5102/tempImagen4Wayy.jpg Blog - The Royal Mile - Make it stand out Check out the wee door on the right. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/96cfcaf9-aeac-4598-bb60-06cc7e59c2c4/tempImageer4IpI.jpg Blog - The Royal Mile - Make it stand out Much like the Girth Cross at the bottom of Canongate, this Maltese Cross is set into the road near the top of Canongate. It marks the site of the original standing cross of St John. This cross originally marked the boundary between Edinburgh and the Royal Burgh and Canongate (perhaps before there was a formal gate?). The original cross is now located in the churchyard of Canongate Kirk to the east of the marker. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/afcd1073-c3cf-435a-96b2-572efbfc1fe1/tempImagebWuycd.jpg Blog - The Royal Mile - Make it stand out High Street—As you continue up the Royal Mile, the street changes names from Canongate to High Street. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/309c543f-3bde-468c-a27b-2cde10f8e430/tempImageSI1bkV.jpg Blog - The Royal Mile - Make it stand out The Netherbow Port gate to the Royal Burgh was situated here. This is also where you’ll find the End of the World Pub, so named because it marked the end of the city and outside the gates was considered another world. The foundation of the pub contains part of Edinburgh's ancient Flodden Wall, which used to protect the Royal Burgh—what is now known as Edinburgh's historic Old Town. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8168fa4f-28bb-43bd-ac54-90d260695891/tempImageMApx5O.jpg Blog - The Royal Mile - Make it stand out Outside the pub, brass cobbles in the road show where the city gates once stood. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3d22001e-ec15-4b88-8c01-57da139ef52b/tempImagenPIWJC.jpg Blog - The Royal Mile - Make it stand out In the 1100s, the main commercial or shopping streets were often referred to as High Street. Most of the street names on Edinburgh’s High Street end with the word “market.” Off High Street you will find Old Fishmarket Close and the lovely and evocative Fleshmarket Close, where all the town’s butchers slaughtered animals and the blood literally ran down the cobbles and into the nasty Nor’ Loch (present day Princes Street Gardens). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/758c02fd-c49b-4b3e-ba5c-51bb4be9efa3/tempImagexYOEt6.jpg Blog - The Royal Mile - Make it stand out Smack dab in the middle of High Street is Christ’s Kirk at the Tron (that’s me in the bright blue jacket on the front steps). The name was later simply shortened to The Tron. There was once “salt-tron”—a public weighing beam—just outside the church. This was an important gathering point, where goods were measured and minor criminals punished. I’ve researched it extensively but can’t seem to find information on what the special cobbles in front of the Tron Kirk mark. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/fa863729-a88f-4d0c-a748-acd8a1df815f/tempImageSNbULA.jpg Blog - The Royal Mile - Make it stand out Though many do not today, most closes on High Street originally would have had a gate on the street to close them off at night. The passageways lead off the main road to backstreets and small courtyards, where the wealthier merchants lived. These closes are endlessly fascinating to explore. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/97aeab2b-5706-4ac7-aa73-d16e74a8fe61/tempImagei9Mn3w.jpg Blog - The Royal Mile - Make it stand out Near the top of High Street sits St. Giles Cathedral. We attended the 11:00 service on Sunday and I must say I really enjoyed the sermon (starts at the 34-minute mark). Worshippers have been gathering here for nearly 900 years! The interior is spectacular and the acoustics for the choir simply amazing. When the choir sang Sedebit Dominus Rex, I closed my eyes and just listened. It was like having on a set of Bose headphones. The choirs’ control from crescendo to diminuendo in four-part harmony was masterful; the sound filled the space and brought tears to my eyes. (If you click the sermon link above, the song begins at the 45-minute mark). We’ve booked tickets to return to sing Christmas Favourites on the evening of December 10. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d83fa219-6db9-4d32-a943-0df52ee3bca5/tempImageOCRBFc.jpg Blog - The Royal Mile - Make it stand out Amanda is standing on the Heart of Midlothian. This mosaic just outside St. Gile’s front doors is a deceptively sinister marker. The heart indicates the location of the entrance to Edinburgh’s Old Tolbooth (and Ebinburgh’s main jail), which was demolished in 1817. Locals will often spit upon the heart. While the tradition is now one of good luck, it was originally done as a sign of distain for the torture and executions that took place in the Old Tolbooth. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0d220735-fb81-495a-916a-886be7c2f771/tempImageCR278l.jpg Blog - The Royal Mile - Make it stand out Lawnmarket—Just up the hill from St Gile’s Cathedral, the Royal Mile changes names a fourth time. The Lawnmarket section of The Royal Mile was originally a market area specializing in cloth or linen. (The name Lawnmarket likely derives from a corruption of the French translation of linen, “lin,” or possibly from the Scots pronunciation of “land,” as “laun.”) Like High Street, Lawnmarket is full of closes—each named for the city’s wealthiest people, tradesmen, or artisans who lived there. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/7bade930-2724-42fe-86e7-75de2c54460d/tempImageA6S9BY.jpg Blog - The Royal Mile - Make it stand out As you near the castle, you leave Lawnmarket and the street names changes one final time to Castlehill (pretty self-explanatory really). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d73259cf-481f-4e61-98b7-e7eff4814a43/Tolbooth+Kirk.jpeg Blog - The Royal Mile - Make it stand out Castlehill includes the old Tolbooth Kirk, which is now a business and not a church at all. Its spire is the highest point in Edinburgh. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/07444328-3dd5-439a-a442-0f7c50de6f6b/tempImagev0Kz9i.jpg Blog - The Royal Mile - Make it stand out Close—An alleyway that leads to a private property, hence they are often gated. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/3e7e894d-f9dc-4cd6-8f57-e48db1dedfa9/tempImage4N3WRP.jpg Blog - The Royal Mile - Make it stand out Wynd—A narrow lane between two houses, an open thoroughfare usually wide enough for a horse and cart. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c5074491-d51c-4be7-bc0f-354b50e02ebf/tempImagexo35bX.jpg Blog - The Royal Mile - Make it stand out Vennel—A passageway between the gables of two buildings, which can in effect be a minor street in Edinburgh. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/32e1103f-61bc-4bc9-a7a7-77e3140b5e4c/tempImagevfGYTH.jpg Blog - The Royal Mile - Make it stand out The Vennel https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0183693f-1abc-4c56-880d-c3ba5eb64f17/tempImagelx7Dp8.jpg Blog - The Royal Mile - Make it stand out Amanda on “the” Vennel, back against the Flodden Wall (one of the city’s original fortifications, with only a few small sections surviving). The openings are arrow slits. One final thought… https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ee0a6a75-90f6-43b1-9b04-c786393d2440/tempImage74jUug.jpg Blog - The Royal Mile - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://www.overthehillandacrossthepond.com/blog/nisi-dominus-frustra monthly 0.5 2023-11-20 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2b067220-3dd7-443a-bdb2-54e30db77a5b/tempImage0AscNz.jpg Blog - Nisi Dominus Frustra - Make it stand out Dinner at PF Chang’s at LAX and a message from our fortune cookie. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a3b1ada4-1c93-4255-8e65-13c1861b40a6/tempImageyel9e6.jpg Blog - Nisi Dominus Frustra - Make it stand out Wexi waiting to board our Boeing 777 for London. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d20c41a2-7cd6-4709-b5e8-948682b70c29/tempImagevS25u6.jpg Blog - Nisi Dominus Frustra - Make it stand out Wexi excited to deplane in Edinburgh. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c7de4c18-8670-49af-9cef-8b90d498d190/tempImageo8CeEZ.jpg Blog - Nisi Dominus Frustra - Make it stand out The National Monument of Scotland on Calton Hill. Scotland’s tremendous intellectual and cultural background certainly earned the city the title Athens of the North, rather than its ability to complete this Athenian monument. Construction on the National Monument of Scotland started in 1826 and, due to the lack of funds, was left unfinished in 1829—a copy of only one side of Greece’s Parthenon. This circumstance gave rise to various other nicknames such as "Scotland's Folly," "Edinburgh's Disgrace," "the Pride and Poverty of Scotland," and "Edinburgh's Folly.” https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/ddccf24a-a9fc-4f7d-b268-6b3449871885/tempImagehLHVck.jpg Blog - Nisi Dominus Frustra - Make it stand out I gave Amanda a new necklace on Calton Hill. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f45f50b6-852d-48d3-a785-e8de920d16c2/tempImageicsXCW.jpg Blog - Nisi Dominus Frustra - Make it stand out Inside Topping and Company Booksellers, where every bookshelf runs to the ceiling and customers are actually allowed to use the rolling ladders to reach books. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/0271e4eb-9453-4442-860b-e6e79beb9a68/tempImageiTXOkc.jpg Blog - Nisi Dominus Frustra - Make it stand out On the esplanade outside Edinburgh Castle. This will be the site of the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo when we return in August. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/6c1782ab-b03d-4732-b0b1-b29fc40a059e/tempImageQBApC8.jpg Blog - Nisi Dominus Frustra - Make it stand out Rainbow looking through a window from inside the Mill. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/076d8825-2b08-47a1-b650-52889b7c12d2/tempImage61RSGR.jpg Blog - Nisi Dominus Frustra - Make it stand out Looking down the Royal Mile from Edinburgh Castle. The Tartan Weaving Mill is on the left, The Witchery restaurant and bar is the building covered in wreaths on the right, and Tollbooth Kirk with its spire dominates the background. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/90b110a5-3830-4bca-bab2-fa8ff667ff79/tempImagevyi7AB.jpg Blog - Nisi Dominus Frustra - Make it stand out The sun sets behind Edinburgh Castle. Lovely! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/8cc17941-51a6-4930-bb31-7ef2388d7d23/tempImageTL0zXl.jpg Blog - Nisi Dominus Frustra - Make it stand out An amazing dinner at Makars Mash. Our “haggis” with neeps and tatties is the dish in the back. On top are the neeps, which are swedes or turnips. Below the neeps was our version of “haggis.” If you want the real deal, just know you’ll be eating sheep’s “pluck” (heart, liver, and lungs) and, if you haven’t lost your appetite yet, the “pluck” is encased and cooked in the sheep’s stomach. Our neeps and haggis were both set atop the tatties, or mashed potatoes. All were surrounded with a moat of gravy. Say what you will, but Makars did an excellent job veganizing this dish and I’ll gladly take the meatless version every time, thank you very much! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/c97fb799-1b2e-497a-9c33-5eed9c46987c/tempImageEkGJty.jpg Blog - Nisi Dominus Frustra - Make it stand out The long awaited vegan Kit Kats, available only in the UK. Straight to the freezer with these bad boyz—frozen Kit Kats—Yum!! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/bbaf0e43-ff9f-4281-8dec-7027f27d0d31/tempImageMrPB1Q.jpg Blog - Nisi Dominus Frustra - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/f27bbb35-159a-4351-8de9-a0da2585f581/tempImaget9p66v.jpg Blog - Nisi Dominus Frustra - Make it stand out Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1a582b8b-50cb-44f8-9ce4-46a057f358b6/tempImage7qEU81.jpg Blog - Nisi Dominus Frustra - Make it stand out Professor Minerva McGonagall https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/889698e9-04f2-4654-b214-48df224c9779/tempImageb9Cdnp.jpg Blog - Nisi Dominus Frustra - Make it stand out Alastor “Mad-Eye” Moodie, the most famous Auror of all time. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a82f2982-9bc9-4cce-9b14-5a61fa93a8de/tempImagefDcmEx.jpg Blog - Nisi Dominus Frustra - Make it stand out Of course we all know Tom Marvolo Riddle, aka “I am Lord Voldemort.” Here is a quick video of the inspirational Riddell gravestone: https://youtu.be/2yfqSqtE1f4 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1c583a13-35e4-496e-ae06-6ef39cb6d6ac/tempImagewQelLz.jpg Blog - Nisi Dominus Frustra - Make it stand out The Royal Mile stands over the Greyfriars Kirkyard. The Harry Potter novels were so original and the story so deeply connected with history and mythology that it would surely take such an inspirational place to birth the story. What a privilege it was to walk this place. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/d18f95bf-e2a9-4635-b361-bca68593a2ad/tempImageyv4uGF.jpg Blog - Nisi Dominus Frustra - Make it stand out Victoria Street, inspiration for Diagon Alley? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/2c951f14-0025-4c1a-a951-0a969dd2dc28/tempImageycqQSQ.jpg Blog - Nisi Dominus Frustra - Make it stand out The inspiration for Ollivanders wand shop, widely acknowledged to be the best wand makers in Great Britain? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/a91738c7-1e66-4163-928b-6f9753d0458b/tempImageASPptN.jpg Blog - Nisi Dominus Frustra - Make it stand out This pub was founded in 1516, welcoming guests for almost 500 years now! It was named after the rarest of all highland creatures: the white stag. How sad is it that I associate it more with a 10-second shot from the Fire Saga movie rather than the fact that Oliver Cromwell, William Wordsworth, and Robert Burns were all know to have drank a tankard of ale here?! https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/41a71ced-ccf4-4a77-a5f5-36050d37049d/tempImageo4Mpi3.jpg Blog - Nisi Dominus Frustra - Make it stand out Some serious Christmas decorations trying to compete with the imposing Edinburgh Castle. https://www.overthehillandacrossthepond.com/home daily 1.0 2025-03-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1665466949780-UF0L4LUSVLJ61ZCEN6UQ/Tower+Bridge https://www.overthehillandacrossthepond.com/itinerary daily 0.75 2022-10-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/6316ac875e466d1a05276f24/1663528813481-773FH11KF0WPE35TJH7W/unsplash-image-S56zN8cV5fk.jpg Itinerary 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