Our Lifestyle Adventures: Touring England Part 2

the staff of Farmer's Hotel in Warminster, England who treated us like family!

arrival of Trisha and Yeye
at Gatwick International Airport

From Canterbury, we stayed overnight at Bloc, the hotel inside the Gatwick International, eager to welcome my daughter Trisha and daughter Yeye to England. It was a little room just to do the thing we were doing, a night’s stay to pick up some people (or catch a flight). The following day I couldn’t contain my joy upon seeing them come out of the door from Customs.

our rental car

We got our rental car and drove off to our first stop, Salisbury and the famous Cathedral completed in 1258. The cathedral has the tallest church spire in UK (404 ft.), the largest cathedral close (80 acres)), the world's oldest working clock (AD 1386) and one of four original copies of the Magna Carta. This is a charter originally issued in Latin, sealed under oath by King John on 15 June 1215 in Runnymede. It was the first document imposed upon a King by a group of feudal barons, limiting his powers and protecting their rights, an important step leading to the rule of constitutional law in England and beyond.

historic Salisbury Cathedral

The town of Salisbury offered Yeye her first photo-op…a red phone booth! Lunch was by a river. We then went to Stonehenge but the duo could not be budged from their sleep at the car, suffering serious jet lag, of course. The admission price to Stonehenge was quite high at fifteen pounds each, so Bill and I bought a Joint Senior English Heritage Pass for sixty pounds that gives us free access to around four hundred castles, ruins, etc. in England.  Then we took a quick tour of and many photo ops with the iconic stones.

Yeye and the red phone booth

Stonehenge is what remains of a ring of standing stones in the middle of the densest complex of Neolithic and Bronze Age monuments in England, including several hundred burial mounds. It is believed it was built anywhere from 3000 to 2000 BC. The site and its surroundings are World Heritage Sites, including Avebury Henge, another less known and less commercialized stone circle. Studies indicate that Stonehenge could have been a burial ground from its earliest beginnings.

fun and family at Farmers' Hotel in Warminster, UK

Afterwards we proceeded to Warminster, another small town where we were booked at the Farmer’s Hotel. The hotel is old but the staff was so friendly, we watched the World Cup with them at the dining hall, commiserated at England's loss, and became one happy family.  When we left two days after, Yeye gifted them with flowers in appreciation of our wonderful stay.

Roman bath at Bath, UK

Then we trooped to the lovely city of Bath and our first shopping spree! Street kiosks offered scarves, tops, and souvenirs galore for reasonable prices. At Claire’s, an accessories shop, I finally found two pieces for my fascinator which Bill promised to assemble before the wedding. Before we went into the Roman bath, we were captivated by a street side optical illusion, the same trick we found all over Europe, albeit in different forms.

seen at the road leading to the Roman Bath

Bath had the Latin name Aquae Sulis in AD 60 when the Romans built baths and a temple in the valley of the River Avon. During the Georgian era, it became a very popular as a spa town, leaving a heritage of Georgian architecture crafted from Bath Stone. The city became a World Heritage Site in 1987 with theatres, museums and other cultural and sporting venues that make it a major tourist attraction. Great photo ops await anyone who visits Bath!

In the next post, I will tell you about Part 3 of our road trip across England...at an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, the Cotswold,a and wonderful Wales!

Our Lifestyle Adventures: Touring England Part 1

the Royal Pavilion, former summer home of Prince George in Brighton, UK

my yellow New Year in June hat

I now go back to our European swing 2014. My posts on our two-week tour of Scandinavia and our two-week cruise, the Enrichment Voyage, have been completed. Now let me tell you about our road trip through England. We disembarked from the MV Explorer on June 15, 2014 at Southampton, England after a fun New Year in June party. It was a Sunday and there were no cars available for rent. Bill and I were forced to take the train. It turned out to be a lovely ride, our first view of the English coast, English towns, and English fields with lots of sheep.

We reached Brighton and took a cab ride from the train station. The ride gave us a peek of the vibrant happenings at the pier and beach. But I was dismayed at our hotel…it was a walk-up! Without an elevator, we were given a room at the fourth floor! But gallant Bill took everything up to our room. We ventured out to find a Laundromat and, on the way, we stumbled upon a lovely garden dedicated to the prevention of AIDS. After, we found a suitable diner for some English roasts. It was Father’s Day and Bill deserved his night out!  

AIDS Parkin Brighton, UK

After dinner, we walked to the beach and found a HUGE surprise waiting for us. The bikeathon that started from London that morning, an annual fund-raising campaign for the British Heart Foundation, had just finished and there was a sea of cyclists that swarmed the beach. It was a grand fiesta atmosphere, despite the chill from the sea breeze. The sight was awesome, especially with the Brighton Pier as a background and chancing upon a cyclist who had just finished the race.

British Heart Foundation's bikeathon Finish Line
@ Brighton Beach with the Brighton Pier as background

a nice view of the Brighton Wheel

The following day we took another walk through town, passing by the War Memorial, the Victoria Fountain, and the Brighton Wheel.  We found a giant yellow flip-flop, a James Brown mural, a huge Jack Daniels ad, a Clock Tower, and other fascinating nooks and corners. So I tried to look for my fascinator for the wedding there. After lunch at an English Pub for some bangers and mash, we got another pleasant surprise in The Royal Pavilion. Built in three stages from 1787 in the style popular in 19th century India, it was a seaside retreat for George, Prince of Wales, who became Prince Regent in 1811.

We took the train again the next day to Canterbury, passing the English Channel and English fields. We were pleased with our Victorian hotel, especially the Carvery buffet dinner waiting for its weary guests. We rested for the night, eager to see the town in the morning.

Foremost to see was the Canterbury Cathedral, founded in 597 AD as the home of the leader of the Anglican Church. It is where Archbishop Thomas Becket was murdered in 1170 by knights of King Henry II in the struggle between the power of the Church and State. The Cathedral became a popular place for pilgrimage, especially after his posthumous veneration as St. Thomas, and is now a World Heritage Site.

Westgate of the Roman Wall in Canterbury

After a good night’s rest, we took the short walk to town where we just followed the crowds through the Westgate of the Roman Wall that encircled it.  We found ourselves in the heart of town, with shops galore and tourists slowly making their way to the Canterbury Cathedral. Afterwards, we followed the remnants of the Wall, stopping by the Dave n John Mound and, at the other end, the haunting ruins of the Canterbury Castle. From everywhere, the Cathedral’s towers and spires made such great photos. 

    

Canterbury Castle

Before we took the short walk back to the hotel, we passed by the Greyfriars Chapel, the only surviving building of the first Franciscan friary in England from 1224 (during the lifetime of the order's founder Francis of Assisi). The view from the river is lovely. Just a block away is the Westgate, completing our loop. There we discovered the pretty part of the walk back to the hotel, the Westgate Gardens.

Judging by these two lovely towns, the vibrant, colorful, and creative Brighton, Londoners' favorite day trip, and Canterbury, a historic city, a World Heritage Site, and a pilgrim's favorite, our English road trip promises to be a memorable one! Especially since my daughter Trish and granddaughter Yeye are joining us!

Canterbury Cathedral

Our Lifestyle Adventures: Spending a Week in Seattle; Going Home to Phoenix

Finally a real dinner date @ the Outback Steak House

@SushiLand with Krishna and Yeye

“They say the only people who truly know your story are the ones that help you write it.”  Since I had missed our anniversary already anyway, I extended my stay for a week to revisit these co-authors, family and friends who were part of the Seattle beginnings of the second chapter in my life.

First was a dinner with my granddaughters Yeye, the debutante, and her big sister Krishna who was visiting from Santa Monica, California. After some shopping at the mall, we went to have some sushi at SushiLand, Krishna’s favorite place. Not satisfied, the following night we went to another sushi place, Genki, with their Mom in tow. I also got the opportunity to bring Kenji to his tennis class. Another day I took him to the Family Fun Center for some games, prizes, and food. This is the family that co-wrote the start of the second chapter of the rest of my life.

bringing Kenji to tennis practice

with Irene and Tita @ Paolo's

As far as special friends in my Seattle beginnings, I was lucky they were also around. Irene and Tita, friends from the Filipino-American Association of St. John the Baptist Parish Church in Kent, came to have dinner with me one night at  Paolo’s Italian Restaurant very near the house. Fides and Benjie of I/ACT days took me to Seafood City for some good old Filipino food at Grill City and halo-halo at Chow King. Then my “Estrogen Club”, the name Bill gave our group of ladies who met at the Kent Evening Toastmasters Club and continued our friendship outside of Toastmasters, also came together to have a special lunch at Banyan Tree at Kent Station. We all had lots of reminiscing to do.

with Estrogen Club @ Banyan Tree, Kent Station

halo-halo with Fides

I also got to cook for the family, Filipino breakfasts of tocino, longganisa,  daing na bangus,  and tinapang bangus, all with fried rice and eggs, and good old champorado and ensaymada and hot chocolate. I also served some bulalo and beef lasagna for dinner, both requests of Yeye.  And when Krishna had to leave for Cali, we had a small dimsum dinner despedida for her. Then Mom and Daughter had some special bonding time at Scotch and Vine, talking about life.

@ Phoenix airport

Finally, I also had to leave to return to Phoenix. An hour before midnight Aug. 19, I arrived in Phoenix from Seattle. After over 2 1/2 months in Europe and 9 days in Seattle, I hugged Bill and, of course, he had lovely flowers for me! 

flowers for me!

What is more...he had a new 39 inch TV to replace our old 28 inch one!!! And we had our real anniversary dinner date @ Outback and a "Dawn of the Planer of the Apes" movie date. Now I am back to resort living with Bill who is the co-star in this, the second chapter of my life. No one realizes how beautiful it is to travel...until she comes home and rests her head on an old familiar shoulder.

Our Lifestyle Adventures: Celebrating Virtually and In Person

Daniela Aberion is the debutante...and purple is her color!

Carol in Newcastle, virtually celebrating with Bill

For the first time, Bill and I spent our anniversary away from each other. It was our sixth last August 8. Not by design, mind you. We decided that I would stay longer with April after the wedding not only to refresh my relationship with my daughter but also to get to know Clint. We didn’t have the time before that, with the cruising in Scandinavia, UK et al. But Bill could only stay for a week since he had to return to his commitments at CASA.

Bill @ Fat Willy's in Phoenix

So we had a simple virtual “celebration”.  At 7 to 9 pm Newcastle time, April, Clint, and I went out to dinner at Tenji, a posh Japanese buffet in downtown Newcastle.   At the same time, 10 am-12 noon Phoenix time, Bill had brunch at Fat Willys in Viewpoint Golf and RV Resort in Phoenix, Arizona.  And FB bridged the gap, its call and posting features got great use! Another one for the books!

April and Clint took me to the train station

We were using our air miles and the earliest available flight for me was Aug. 10. April and Clint took me to the Newcastle train station at 6:30 am and there we had breakfast, waiting for my train an hour later. The ride was three hours to London and at King's Cross Station, I took the Piccadilly Line to Heathrow where I boarded a British Airways flight to Seattle. We landed eight and a half hours later at 4:40 pm, Seattle time. During the flight I got the chance to photograph a white Canada as we flew over her.

view of  white Canada

My flight day Aug. 10 was also the debut of my second grandchild, Daniela “Yeye” Aberion. My daughter Trisha had actually taken a video of my message for her when we were at Guthrie Castle for the wedding.  My flight back to Phoenix had a five-hour layover in Seattle where her party was being held. I did not have to have another virtual thing! 

So I thought about taking a cab from the airport, go to College Club of Seattle, the venue of her party, and return also by cab to the airport to resume my flight. But I decided to stay a bit longer. Deejay and Kenji were not able to go to the Scotland wedding. I wanted more time with Kenji especially. Bill obligingly changed my flight! I return to Phoenix on Aug. 19.

Debutante Daniela

Yeye’s party was a smash hit. She deserved a party like that, all beautifully decorated by her doting Mom Trish. She had eighteen roses, gentlemen who each gave her a rose and danced with her. She also had eighteen candles, ladies who have meant a lot to her. And I was glad I got to be there in person. When you have to, celebrating virtually will do the job but it’s always better in person! Here’s the excerpt of my speech for her, as one of her candles:

her parents, Deejay and Trish

her brother, Kenji

“Tonight I was supposed to return to Phoenix from London.  At the last minute I changed my mind and Bill readily understood. There’s no place I’d rather be than here. 

I remember that when you were a baby everyone kept teasing you tabatsoy, malaki mata. Today you are no longer chubby but sexy. But, I must admit, those eyes are still big. You have kept your wide-eyed innocence.

Those eyes even got bigger when I started to date again. You said, “Mama, it is not good to date many men. Just Bill, please. He will be good for you!” You were just 11 and already a good judge of character. You had an eye for goodness.

line dancing with her sister and friends

But it’s not only your eyes that are big, and I am not talking about boobs either. It is your heart that is really very big. It is quite legendary how selfless you are.   You are the epitome of a really good girl, the kind any guy can bring home to any Mom any time.

Daniela, you still have those beautiful big eyes. And you have that legendary big heart. But, at 18 you also have developed a smart mind. Lulu, thank you so much for raising such a fine lady! Deejay and Trisha, congrats on having such a fine daughter!

instant beach party
at College Club in Seattle

As for me, this poem by Becky Netherland sums up what I think lies ahead for you. 

The world is far from perfect

There’s conflict and there’s strife

But I know you’ll make a difference

By how you will live your life.

And so I’m very blessed to know

The wonders you will do

Because you are my granddaughter

And I believe so much in you!                                                                    

table centerpieces

I know Bill would have loved to be here, too! We love you, Miss Debutante!”

Our Lifestyle Adventures: Being Surprised by Belfast

the Titanic Museum on the site where the Titanic was built in Belgast, Northern Ireland

William Street for Bill

We foolishly thought we would be covering nine countries on this European Swing until the political science professor on the Enrichment Voyage said Belfast is not part of Ireland! It is a city in Northern Ireland which is a part of Great Britain, like England, Scotland, and Wales are. And that the United Kingdom is comprised of Great Britain whose capital is London and Ireland whose capital is Dublin! 

my own yellow gazebo at Victoria Square

The name Belfast comes from the Irish, Béal Feirste meaning "mouth of the sandbanks". It is the administrative capital of Northern Ireland and one of the largest cities in the UK in terms of population (579,276) as a metropolitan area. We had a very exciting presentation of Belfast architecture by the charming professor and were surprised, after studying the map that was given us at the Tourist Information Centre at the shuttle bus stop, that they were all within walking distance!

elegant City Hall

The elegant 1906 City Hall just across was the inspiration to Durban, South Africa’s own City Hall, almost an exact replica built four years later. It was the former site of the White Linen Hall, Belfast having been a leading player in the linen industry of the time. After getting a good shot, we walked north to the Albert Memorial Clock, Belfast’s answer to the Leaning Tower of Pisa.

Belfast's Leaning Tower

The Clock Tower was designed by Barre who won an 1865 competition for a memorial to Queen Victoria's late Prince Consort, Prince Albert. The second-placer, archrival Lanyon secretly got the prize money until a public outcry corrected the anomaly. Constructed between 1865 and 1869, it stands 113 feet tall. But, as a result of being built on wooden piles on marshy, reclaimed land around the River Farset, the top of the tower leans four feet off the perpendicular.

Just another block from the tower is the 10-meter long Big Fish, a printed ceramic mosaic sculpture by John Kindness constructed in 1999 at the Donegall Quay near the Lagan Lookout and Custom House. It tells of the history of Northern Ireland on its tiles. Then a long walk or one short bus ride away is the Titanic Belfast. We took the bus, of course!

the Big Fish that carries the history of Belfast

Titanic Belfast is a monument to Belfast's maritime heritage (it was one of the major shipbuilders of its time) on the site of the former Harland & Wolff shipyard in the city's Titanic Quarter. It was where the Titanic was built. The clever design of the monument is reminiscent of both the ship and the iceberg that caused it to sink. The Museum tells the stories of the ill-fated RMS Titanic, which sank on her maiden voyage in 1912 and her sister ships RMS Olympic and HMHS Britannic.

the little alley under a building

Then we took the bus back to the same station and traced our steps to the Belfast Cathedral. On the way there, we found a William Street for Bill and my very own yellow gazebo in Victoria Square. A street we were directed to, named Pottinger's Entry, didn't at all look like a street!

St Anne's Cathedral, also known as Belfast Cathedral, serves two separate dioceses yet being the seat of neither. Thus, technically it is not a cathedral which is supposed to be the seat of a bishop. Its architecture is also unusual since the front, sides and back are of different type, not having been built at the same time.

beautiful, haunting graffiti/mural

As we took a walk back to the Grand Opera House just past the bus stop on the opposite direction, we found different kinds of graffiti displaying the angst of the people, especially during “the Troubles” or the time of deep division. No wonder Irish pubs abound. We went to the most famous, the Crown Bar, near the Opera House on the other side of the street. 

Grand Opera House in Belfast

It has been refurbished to a high standard in 1885 as an outstanding example of a Victorian gin palace. The exterior has polychromatic tiles and the interior features a red granite topped bar of an altar style. There are also ten booths, or snugs, built for the more reserved customers of the Victorian era. And, that is where we found seats with fellow voyagers of the MV Explorer. We all even had a second round at another famous pub beside it, the Robinson’s. Just across this pub is the Europa, Europe’s most bombed hotel.

inside a snug at the Crown Bar, for reserved customers in the Victorian era

our second pub, Robinson's

We couldn’t have survived a third round for we all needed to hurry on to the bus stop if we were to make the on board time of the ship and sail with it an hour after to Southampton, England!