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Posts Tagged ‘England’

Returning From the UK

25 May

Bibery in the Cotswalds

Wow, did I really need that vacation.  It seemed like a long, long time since I had a bit of time to relax and do some things for myself.  It was a relatively late planned trip for my wife and I but we had decided to take a trip to Cornwall, the south western corner of England.

Cornwall had long been on my list as a photographic destination to capture some of the famous rocky cliffs and amazing ocean views.  I know I haven’t posted one of those views here, but I need to do a little digital magic to some of the photos before I am ready to share them.

While we were on the way down to Cornwall we also stopped in a few villages in the Cotwalds area where I got my introduction to mushy peas.  I have to thank a couple of colleagues from the office for turning me on to mushy peas.  Its a great side dish to fish and chips and something I will be trying to make at home.

 
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Warwick Castle Visit

29 Mar
Warwick Castle Grounds

Warwick Castle Courtyard Grounds

One stop on our weekend tour in England was the Warwick castle.  It was listed has one of the 1000 places to see before you die, so we dicided it might make a good stop.  The morning of our visit we talked to the owner of the Bed & Breakfast we were staying at and it made a comment that he hadn’t been there since he was a kid, but he had thought the ‘Americans’ had bought it.

At that statement I had visions of Disneyland,  people in ridiculous costumes marching around playing in character.

In reality I wasn’t too far off.  Upon entering the Castle we were greeted by a fair madien who asked us if we had planned our day.  She offered a few pieces of advice on things to see, and suggest that the Princess Tower would probably not be our cup of tea.

The castle is a bit over the top at times.  In the central courtyard as an example there is a single track of trumpet fan fair that plays all day on continous loop.  Luckily, I only past through a few times.  I was getting tired of it at the end, so I must imagine in drives the employees insane.

We also attended the ‘Dungeon’ which was a couple of extra pounds. It was essentially a show with live actors that gave an entertaining look at torture while taking you through one section of the castle.  It was entertaining, but would not be appropriate for small children.

We also saw the falconer show, and the shooting of the trebuchet.  There was plenty to do for both adults and kids and the castle itself was remarkable well maintained.  It was worth a visit since were were in the area, but if you are looking for really historical sites it does have a bit of a Disney flair to it.

While we were there I also took a nice panoramic photograph of the Warwick castle courtyard.

 
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Posted in Photography, Travel

 

Not A Fan Of Shakespeare

25 Mar
Anne Hathaway's Cottage

Anne Hathaway's Cottage

While I was in the UK I made a stop in Stratford upon Avon.  Of course my wife had arranged for the obligatory theatre evening.  We saw Romeo & Juliet put on by the Royal Shakespeare Company (RSC).

I learned something about myself.  There is a reason I was not an English major.

This was about the fourth or fifth Shakespeare production that I have seen.  The second time I have seen Romeo & Juliet.  It was also the fourth of fifth time I have sat through a play and imagined that it would be more pleasurable to go to the dentist.  At least a teeth cleaning is over in an hour.

For some reason me and Bill don’t get a long.  I just can’t get into Shakespeare.  I feel like I should try to appreciate his works.  They are so,  ‘cultural.’  But alass, ye wisdome of thyne  olde age hast hither come,  I have decided that I’m not going to pretend anymore.  I just don’t like Shakespeare.

The production by the RSC was great,  the actors were very good as well.  But I found myself more often staring at the floor or the exit sign than the stage.  These plays just do not keep my attention.  I think a lot has to do with the language.  When I can’t follow what is being said I just zone out.  End of story.

If you enjoy Shakespeare, good for you, you have every right.  For me, I’ll pass.   I think I’ve given it a fair shot and at this point in my life I don’t imagine my taste for Shakespeare will change.  Oh well, on to other things.

 
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Driving On The Left

22 Mar

MG in The Village of Broadway

Last week I took a trip to the UK for business.  It was a pleasant trip and lead to a weekend stay to take in some of the rolling English country side.  I spent a bit of time near the Cotswolds area.

One of my biggest fears going into the trip was the concept of driving on the other side of the road.  How on earth would I be able to keep to the left and not fall into my old habits.

I was in part scared because of a friend of mine who on a trip, was on a back country road and slipped into his ‘old habits’ and moved over the right when no traffic was to be seen.  The end result was of course an accident, and I believe a broken rib.

From the moment I first got into the car, I was really worried.  The first 15 minutes I was constantly thinking, ‘to the left, to the left’.  Soon enough it became second nature.  While the first day had its fair share of knee knocking moments by the second day I was all set and ready to move to the U.K.

The only habit I had real trouble breaking was looking behind me when I was backing out of a parking spot.  Due to habit, when backing out I was always trying to look over my left shoulder.  With a left side drive vehicle, this of course means you get a great view of the center column on the side of the car, but can’t see a darn thing out the back window.  Every time, I would catch myself and then turn and look over the other shoulder.

While I might have been comfortable behind the wheel, my passengers clearly were not.  Both my work colleagues (from continental Europe) an may wife would jump any time I would take a roundabout with a little speed to the left.

If you are looking to do some driving in the U.K. I found it to be a bit nerve racking at first, but it became second nature with practice.  Don’t be worried, just be cautious, and you should be okay.

One other interesting car fact and difference between British English and American English.

I said to my colleague, “You drive a wagon, right?”

He replied, “Oh if you are planning to follow me, I have a silver estate car.”

I thought silently to myself for a second.  Nodded my head, and five minutes later he pulled up in a station wagon.  Just like I said, a wagon.

 
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Posted in Travel