England

Our flight arrived in Bristol to a temp of 9C and pelting rain. Not the warm British welcome which we had been hoping for.

Collected our rental car and headed north. Stopped off for a short time in Gloucester  then carried on to Tewkesbury.  Our friends Win and Paddy O'Donovan live there and we were looking forward to catching up with them again. It was they with whom we had shared our adventure narrow boating on the Llangofflen Canal several years ago. Unfortunately Paddy had a bad fall over a year ago and has been left with residual memory and mobility issues. We were delighted to find him better than we had dared to hope and he was very happy to see us again, as was Win who treated us to a delicious dinner. The next day dawned fine to our relief. Scenic sightseeing loses its charm in driving rain! Bade a fond farewell to Win and Paddy and headed on our way mid morning, driving through the scenic rolling countryside of the Cotswolds.

Stopped to explore the old town of Evesham. We were fascinated with the Abbey and nearby St Lawrence parish church there, which date from the 12th century. Shall attach info about both which is readable when magnified a bit. In the Abbey the monks' stalls, grid in front of them, and crucifixion tableau above, are all beautifully carved in wood. The large window which can be seen behind Paul in the exterior photo, is an elaborate work of art in itself. 

The separate belltower with its clock was also impressive. We walked through it and the monks' graveyard to lovely gardens in a public park beside the Avon, which was in flood following the heavy rain the day before. You can get an idea from the submerged seat in the foreground of the photo. Wasn't bothering the swans and ducks! Back in the town Paul was intrigued with this black and white building in the town square which had a decided lean to the left! Commented that the builders of the 12th century churches had done a better job of achieving absolutely straight walls, spires etc without the benefit of any of the modern methods and technology available today.

Stratford on Avon treated us to lots of Shakespearean history, and a visit to Ann Hathaway's "cottage" in the country. A substantial farming home where she grew up.  One of its features was a lovely cottage garden. A walk along the Avon in the town showed that the swans are still there in large numbers, and we saw several narrow boats at berth.

Decide to dstop for the day when we reached Banbury, admired the Banbury Cross in the middle of town(which isn't a cross!) And said hello at the park beside it to thebronze sculpture of the lady on the white horse(which isn't white any more, but she did have rings on her fingers and bells on her toes!). 

Paul found an old pub in a lane (no surprise -I think he has a built in radar for them!) which was said to have been the meeting place for Oliver Cromwell & his men when planning campaigns.

The next day explored the campus of Cambridge University. So much interesting history.The round building is part of the Bodleen library which dates back to 1601. Had a look at the ivy covered Radcliffe College annd its quadrangle, and the church of St Mary the Virgin. There were tombs in the graveyard dating back to 1609. The small "Bridge of Sighs" forms an elegant arch over one of the lanes.

We stopped briefly at Henley, of rowing renown, where preparations were underway for a regatta at the weekend.

Mid-afternoon we returned our rental car to Heathrow Airport,  and then made our way by tube to Clapham, where Katie met us. Walked for only 8 minutes to her's and Mark's apartment, where they made us very welcome and comfortable for the next few days. Katie looks great, and pregnancy going well. Baby due late August.

During the days we went off in to the city sightseeing. Walking around central London is like being on the Monopoly board with all the familiar names! We had intended walking up to the viewing deck of St Paul's Cathedral again but as it was a Sunday and there were services happening at various times of the day it wasn't allowed. It is a magnificent church and the story about how Wren designed it, and then got it built with its huge dome rather than the more traditional shape is a fascinating one. We were treated to a stirring organ recital.

Also saw a tableau of steel figures commemorating the abolition of slavery and the 50th anniversary of Martin Luther King preaching in St Paul's.

Another day we walked along The Embankment besides the Thames River, which looked considerably cleaner than last time we saw it. It is no wonder overseas visitors to NZ are awed by the clarity and quality of our rivers and streams when you see what they are comparing them with!

Did a guided tour of the Tower of London. The Yeoman Guard who led it was quite a character with a vast historical knowledge and a wry wit. We watched jousting on the lawn; had Henry VIII's deeds, wives, and misdeeds recounted; the history of various parts of the complex outlined; and marvelled at the Royal Jewels, crowns, golden serving dishes etc. One Grand Punch Bowl was a metre in diameter and weighs 248Kg. It was made with silver gilt in 1830 and was originally intended to hold 144 bottles of wine ------- they must have had quite some parties!  Saw both the Kohinoor diamond set in a crown and the 530.2 carat Cullinan set in the top of the Sovereign Sceptre with Cross which is the largest colourless cut diamond in the world. Stunning sparkling diamonds.

On the day we left London Katie and Mark were going to a garden party at Buckingham Palace in the afternoon. Invitations are by ballot, and this was the fifth time they had applied. They struck it lucky with a beautiful fine day, enjoyed the pm tea, saw several of the Royals, and met Prince Philip. Photos here.

 At that time, we were on our way to Paris on a bus, but that is another story!