Historic Hilton (Cambridgeshire) with Michel and Roger Jackson

Mazes were often used as a mini-pilgrimage "to be done on one's knees as a penance or used as a rite to cast out the Devil who could move only in straight lines".  Turf mazes were often found on village greens.  Hilton, small Cambridgeshire village, is no exception. This maze was cut by Captain William Sparrow in 1660.

 I am visiting Michele and Roger, dear friends that I taught with in La Maddalena, Sardinia years ago.  They picked me up at the Cambridge station and we ate at Jamie Oliver's charming restaurant in an old library in the center of Cambridge.  Felt like old times!

Their house is near Cambridge in a beautiful residential village with only 2 shops nearer the main road.   What it lacked in shops, it made up in charm with large houses, (thatched and otherwise), nice walking trails, a 12th Century church, old Post Office, manor houses and a maze and village green designed by "Capability" Brown, the renowned  18th Century landscape designer who lived here.  Their house was also huge and my guest bedroom was the largest I have ever seen!  We had a wonderful visit and I loved my time with them!

Guided road with walk/bike trail alongside

Transportation to Cambridge was more difficult with one bus in and out.  I happened to meet a person in the only store that insisted on driving me to the nearest park and ride (about 30 min walk away on busy roads).  Tina had darling black and white terriers in the back seat and was a creative artist and I enjoyed her.  That was really nice of her and typical of the friendly people in Great Britain as I had missed the only early bus!  From the large car park, I rode a "guided" bus for the 1st time.  Guided buses are capable of being steered by external means, usually on a dedicated "track or roll" way that excludes other traffic. They can also be driven at times on regular roads!  That was a really unique experience and made a great deal of sense!  The trip was easy and only took about 35 minutes to the center of Cambridge.

 Coming back was much more difficult as I there was only one late afternoon bus directly back to Hilton.  It went through every village in a very convoluted ride so it was also interesting though scary on small roadways when cars pulled up on the side of road for us to pass.  It sounded like we took out at least one side mirror!  A short walk took me back to the house and a lovely dinner with Michele and Roger and hearing about their day at school and mine on the road.

I was able to get a close up of a thatched roof and it was so thick and interesting.  Michele said they just dump a pile of hay on the roof with a crane and then put on properly by hand.  I saw there was a small wire net keeping it in place. Some have a nice decorative touch at the top.


My next stop is Newbury and my Highclere Castle - Downton Abbey Tour!  I have truly loved every minute of this short time in England!

Keep Calm and Carry On

It may be my English grandfather's genes speaking to me, but London was a total delight on this 3rd trip.  We all know of London's historical significance but I did not remember that the great London fire of 1666 destroyed the homes of 70,000 of it's 80,000 inhabitants.  It may now be my favorite city to visit.

The title of this post is exactly what Londoners did during WW II.  They know how to preserve their history while embracing modernization and a great diversity of citizens.

Taking the Caledonian Sleeper from Aviemore, Scotland was a good choice.  My 1st hotel was right across from the British Library and I was amazed at the treasures such as Michelangelo's letter to his nephew about choosing a wife….mainly good health, birthright, and disposition! A letter from Gandhi to the Viceroy of India protesting that his non-violent demonstrations was the opposite of lawlessness, and seeing the extremely tiny handwriting of the Bronte sisters.  Their small print handwriting saved paper, mimicked actual print, and discouraged adults from wanting to read it.  There were too many items to mention and all fascinated me.

Newer British Library with olderSt. Pancreas Hotel behind

I noticed there would be a "Travel Writing Study Day" a few days later - so I signed up and enjoyed learning more about writing travel pieces and blogging.  I may even attend a film or two at the London Film Festival next week as I am missing my beloved Fairhope Film Festival which is coming up soon.  When you read everything you see - you find many opportunities for learning new things of interest.  That goes for my Fairhope, AL  hometown too.

I alway revisit the Victoria and Albert Museum, St. Martins in the Fields, Harrods, John Lewis and every museum shop I see and add new places on every trip.  Taking buses and using the Underground was easy.  London is fast paced with people out day and night and the restaurants and pubs always have outside lines or beer drinkers galore enjoying each others company.

London is a vibrant place made even nicer when I moved to an upscale hotel the Strand Palace (with my friends from Italy for the rest of this stay.  Sunny 65-70 degree weather for the long weekend together was perfect.  Debbie brought my long lost wallet and drivers license back to me!  A happy reunion.

Out group visited Kensington Palace and I loved seeing Queen Victoria's apartments as well as a special exhibit or Diana's iconic gowns.  We did not see the younger royals!

We also had High Tea (expensive)  at the Shard, a 92 story modern slice of glass with a great view of the tower and the Thames below.

Actual Kings Cross Station

Harry Potter was much in evidence during a cute photo opp I ran across at Kings Cross Station.

Holding a golden ticket to Part 1 and 2 for the Harry Potter play of a lifetime at the historic Palace Theatre was a highlight of this trip.  We were in awe at the magic, production tricks and theatrical illusions during this well-done play.  No matter how hard I looked they remained magical. The J. K. Rowling's creativity never seems to end!

Adrienne Warren (Broadway Star) was rarely off stage when she played Tina Turner to perfection in "Tina", a celebration of triumph over adversary.  The music had us dancing in our seats for this excellent bio-musical.  Now,  just to quit singing "What's Love got to do with It" in my head!

London was a "movable feast" I will have again when I return after a nice visit with old fiends I taught with in LaMaddalena, Sardinia years ago.  They live near Cambridge.  I also have the opportunity to see Highclere - the site of Downton Abby near Newbury.

The surprising wonderful weather, experiences with friends, and unexpected opportunities make this trip of a lifetime very special.