Second addition: October 24/06
Third addition: November 04/06
Please check out many more photos on flickr by double clicking the picture window in the top right hand corner of this page.
After a relaxing yet active summer with new friends, old friends, new babies, and my sweet "B" of course, we went on a fall holiday to England and France.
My Dad celebrated his 70th birthday and I was blessed to celebrate with him in the country where I was born and raised until the age of 11 years.
As with most things I documented everything in pictures. I took over 800 pictures in 2 weeks, as well as some video. Of course I will not be posting them all, but here are a few, and I will post more on Flickr.
Southern England countryside from the air.
Landed in Newquay in the South of England
We flew to Manchester and had a wait before we got our bmibaby flight to Newquay. Flights within Europe are very cheap if booked online with bmibaby or Ryanair. Some as cheap as the equivalent of $2.00 plus taxes. Our flight wasn't that cheap, but we still got 2 flights for about $100.00 including taxes fees and charges. The flights were about $30 each with $20 in taxes, fees and other charges. You can get the same kind of flights to almost anywhere in Europe.
My oldest sister, Catherine, and Dad's dog Cassy.
Catherine and my Dad picked us up from the Newquay airport after a journey beginning about 16 or 17 hours earlier (including stopover between flights). We were exhausted and excited after not seeing each other for 8 years (siblings) and 2 years (Dad and Lyn).
Dad picked us up in the camper van in order to accommodate us and our luggage. Cars in England are small, and roads are very narrow, so for 4 people, a dog, and luggage, there would have been no room in their small car.
There is a lot of history in Bodmin, Cornwall where my Dad has lived for over 30 years, and I once lived.
This church is magnificent. Check it out here.
Below are some artistic shots I took on the church property.
We also visited a military museum.
The 1800's British soldier uniform that eventually became the North West Mounted Police uniform; now known as the Royal Canadian Mounted Police ... and Tanya eh?
The colours of the 32nd (Cornwall) Regiment of Foot 1844 - 1866
Added October 24, 2006
My Dad has been a part of the Trigg Morris Men for more than 30 years. This traditional British folk dancing is a huge part of his life and encompasses tradition, culture, music, friendships and exercise. The men are great, and if ever you need a good laugh, you just have to listen in to the banter that occurs between this long time dance team as they perform without missing a beat. My Dad is the washboard player; her also sings and dances.
This gig took place in a little village called Blisland.
Dad (center) and Tanya (right).
Dad (center) and Me (right).
Us Three.
The Village Sign.
If anyone has seen the comedy series, Little Britain, you will have heard the joke that according to British law there is one pub for every 5 people. Well, not to far from the truth! There are a lot of pubs, and as of yet there are no smoking laws to protect us non smokers. The upside is that doors are open and music is loud, so we were able to enjoy the jam session part of the night from outside in the fresh air.
Tanya outside looking into the pub!
Me sitting on the picnic table looking into the pub as the Morris Men sang for the crowd.
Added November 4th 2006
The countryside in southern England is lush and green. Take a short drive from any town or village and you will find yourself in rolling hills and green meadows as far as you can see.
Me in the meadow.
With Dad.
Beyond the beautiful green is the ocean.
The roadways between towns, and the streets within towns, can be VERY narrow. Vehicles are small, but cars and pedestrians have to make way so one can pass through at a time. Surprisingly, unlike the typical North American me first, get out of my way attitude, everyone manages to be polite about sharing the narrow spaces.
This is a reasonably wide road... you will notice it even has a center line!
This was entering the Cornish village of Boscastle. This beautiful village suffered a devastating flood in 2004.
Yes, those cars are legally parked. If something comes the other way, one vehicle will pull over and let the other pass.
Even the pedestrians step aside. Notice the pretty ivy covered house ahead.
Boscastle.
Beautiful gardens and cobblestone streets.
Historic buildings.
In The Old Mill you can shop for books, toys, antiques and leather products.
The Old Water Mill.
