19th August - Our Last Holiday Day.

19^th August

Our last day of our three week holiday. While it’s nice to be going home to family and friends it is sad to be leaving the adventure. Each day different, each day full of new sights, discoveries and towns. (Not cooking !!!)

  
We were in the queue early in readiness for the 9.30am Windsor Castle opening. We got to wait a while to get in as it was extremely busy. For 20 pounds each you get to explore some of the historical buildings and grounds of the castle along with an audio guide. The audio guide is fantastic as it gives just the right amount of information. This also helps with the volume of people moving through the castle, you don’t want too many people stopped along the way.  

Thanks to Wendy who had taken up an excellent front row position, we got to see the changing of the guard from the inside the castle this time. We could hear the band outside as it made its way to the parade ground. The “old” guard meanwhile had formed in readiness for the changeover. The whole ceremony is full of pomp and pageantry. The uniforms looked wonderful along with sharp marching, shiny boots and loud commands from the parade commander.

We then continued our exploration of the Castle. We got to see the State Apartments – parts of this part of the Castle were damaged and destroyed during the 1992 fire. Complete restoration has occurred.

We also saw St. George’s Chapel, Queen Mary’s Doll’s Houses and the final resting place of the Queen Mother and her husband George 6^th. The Castle as you can imagine (and you will have too as photos are not allowed inside any of the buildings) is impressive.  Lots of gold embossed walls, grand staircases, tall imposing ceilings, huge portraits, tradition and history.  Another must do if you happen to visit this part of Britain.

Back to our very handy hotel for our 2pm check out, then into the car and onto Heathrow airport to return the hire car and move to our terminals.

 

It was here at the Europcar hire building we first greeted Barry and Wendy three weeks ago and the place we farewelled them. We were onto terminal 2, Barry and Wendy terminal 5. That in itself is an indication of how big the Heathrow airport is. 

Part one complete, 12 hours in a small metal cylinder.  We have now arrived back in Singapore Airport.
For a semi non sleeper it is not an enjoyable experience. Peter on the other hand has no trouble sleeping in a confined upright position. We have managed to get an earlier flight home from Singapore-hooray!! Only 8 hours flight time to go.

Not only did we get an earlier flight we had 4 seats to ourselves – bliss. So after they feed us it was time to attempt the two person sleeping on four seats experience. Not 100% comfortable, so Peter let me lie across the three seats, I can safely say I got some sleep.

Home again.

We have included a map of our travels and as you can see we got to travel the length and some of the east and west coasts of Great Britian. A wonderful trip shared with wonderful friends.

Thank you for sharing our journey with us along the way.

Not all selfies go to plan

Take two

Our three week travels

The happy travellers. Wendy, Barry, Karen and Peter.

Till next time.
Karen and Peter Jeffrey
31.07.17 - 19.08.17

18th August A Day in Windsor

18th August

Today started with watching the change of the guards at Windsor Castle. We just walked across the road and stood our ground as we waited for the 11am start. They close off the road and the soliders march up from their barracks to the castle. They are accompanied by a brass band.

Marching into Windsor Castle

30 minutes later - leaving.

Being so close with a brass band in full British uniform was fantastic. The castle flag was at half mast in respect of lives lost in Barcelona.

A walk around Windsor discovering lanes, streets and some shops. If the word London can be printed on something they can. Tea towels, umbrellas, key rings - you get the picture.

Barry and Wendy got on the train for London as we waited for Morgan to arrive by train.

She came up behind me and it was a wonderful surprise to see her. Hugs all round. ( I made sure Morgan  knew they were from you Kath and Bret ) . We had a lovely afternoon catching up with news from Morgan about  her work and travels. We sat in a shop over Cornish pasties as a storm broke over head. We then moved up to our hotel bar so we could grab our lap top to share some pictures from home. We even shared some Facetime with her Mum - my sister in Qld. Kath did'nt mind waking at 1.30 am to take the call, thanks Kath it was wonderful to share that with you.

Morgan and Karen

Our last night in Britian. We had dinner at the local - The Royal Oak. We are now in the process of repacking our bags as we fly out tomorrow night at 8pm. 12 hours to Singapore, 7 hours waiting there then 8 hours to Brisbane. Home on Monday 10.30 am. We are hoping to do a tour out and about from Singapore to help the time pass.

Tomorrow we are going to go visit Winsdor Castle - from all reports it is supposed to be wonderful.

Closer to London. Bath and Stone.

 Having had an eventful night at Bristol - we were woken at 12.30 as the fire alarm had gone off. Down three flights of stairs we left the building (in my PJ's) and gathered on the footpath.  We won't mention the very poor fire procedures that the hotel didn't follow. Anyway after an informal gathering in the middle of the night it was back to bed.

Off to Bath in the morning, just a short 30 minute drive away. Can safely say that Bristol is not a place we liked, it was a grungy place that held no particular charm.

Such a contrast to Bristol,  Bath has many
charming streets, large trees, narrow lanes, beautiful buildings and history dating back to the Romans. Our first visit was to the Roman Baths dating back 90AD. The mechanics, design, engineering and construction of the baths was beyond amazing. The Romans were so ahead of their time. The actual visit is fantastic you get an audio device that gives wonderful information and with the aid of technology that super imposes historical projections over the current relics it gives such a real life feel. Really enjoyed this experience. Plus there is more they are discovering. Worth a visit.

Right next door to the baths is this imposing grand cathedral. The stone work and stain glass window are something to be admired and respected.

Inside the Abbey

Looking left

Avon River looking right. 

So after walking and exploring the quaint streets and lanes, it was time to drive to Salisbury Plain to see an iconic historical landmark - Stonehenge.

While this picture looks like we were the only people in Britian visiting - let me tell you we were not.
It is an overpriced tourist location that sadly was a bit underwheling.

Castle Hotel Windsor

An hours drive and we are in our final hotel for the last two nights in Britian. The Castle Hotel Windsor. Just outside our hotel is Windsor Castle. Unfortunately Queen Elizabeth is not in residence but her castle is stunning. The Queen is currently in Scotland in her Balmoral castle.

Amazing to see such a well presented castle.

We are hoping to catch up with my niece Morgan tomorrow who is a paramedic just outside of London.

Ice cream for the children !!

16 August - Wales to England

The Old Rectory - Llangattock

 We left the Old Rectory for Brecon.  Our goal was the South Wales Borderers Museum.
The weather was slightly overcast, but no rain.

 The Museum is in a rather small building but it has a very comprehensive display of items and stories from the history of the Regiment.

One of the several Rorke's Drift dioramas.

 As one might guess, there was a room dedicated to the batlles of Rorke's Drift and Isandlwana.

Manning the Vickers gun - the enemy were trembling.

After the Museum we head for Abergavenny  (which is mentioned in a Beatle's song.  Whilst in town we had lunch and a nice walk around.  Karen found a quilt shop (and bought something).  Oh how lucky could we be... there was a Wednesday Market!  It was interesting to see what people were trying to sell.  Most of it was a bit 'junky'.

A commemorative statue at Abergavenny.

Abergavenny in English and Welsh.

Welcome to England!

Our destination for the night was Bristol.  Bristol is a city of about a half million folks.  The city is a bit untidy.  When the buildings are old (historic) they need maintenance.  Unfortunately, Bristol does seem to

maintain it old or even newer buildings.  We were recommended to walk to the harbourside area because it was full of good restaurants and bars.  Hmmm, the recommendation was a bit 'off'! 

An interesting display as we were walking back to our hotel.

We found a carousel for the children

Not the most attractive name for a restaurant!

Yes, this was the restaurant that we decided on.  The beer and wine was good... some of the food was good... some not so.  Tomorrow, we're off to Bath.

15 August

Time to leave Betwsy-y-Coed.  

Notice the gaelic writing. It appears on all signs in Wales.

Waterloo Bridge

 The weather today was bright sunshine!  What a contrast with yesterday.  Surely it couldn’t last! Just across from our hotel was the Waterloo Bridge. There is an inscription on the arch that reads "This arch was constructed in the same year the battle of Waterloo was fought".

River running in and around Betwsy-y-Coed

Our first goal was the ‘cog train’ at Landberis.  Unfortunately, because the sun was out so were all the fellow tourists.  Tickets for the train were sold out for the whole day by 10am. 

 Anyway, next stop Caernarfon Castle.  A fantastic castle that was built by Edward 1 (Edward Longshanks… the nasty King in Braveheart who draws and quarters poor Willy Wallace) in circa 1280. Edward 2 was actually born in the castle and was the first non-Welsh Prince of Wales.  This started the tradition of the heir to the throne being the Prince of Wales. By the way, Edward 1 also had some Welsh leaders of rebellion… drawn and quartered.

From Caernarfon we made for Brecon.  Our overnight is in a small town close by called Llangattock. 

  Our hotel is called the Old Rectory… because it used to be an Old Rectory.  The rooms are nice and the staff are very pleasant and helpful. 

Our digs for the night. The Old Rectory.

Mountain views from our window.

 Tomorrow it will be in to Brecon to visit the museum of the South Wales Borderers.  I am sure you have all jumped to the obvious connection… the South Wales Borderers were also known as the 24^th Foot Regiment and they are immortalised in the movie…Zulu!!

This is the Regiment that fought at Rorke’s Drift and at Isandlwanna.

PS. The weather remained fine ALL day!

14th August Exploring Betws-y-Coed, Snowdonia.

Breakfast thus far has typically included bacon, sausages, eggs, tomatoes, toast, baked beans, black pudding! and porridge. We have tried black pudding - no thank you. It must be an acquired taste… just like vegemite. The Welsh also include ‘Welsh cakes’ for breakfast.  They are like a compressed sultana scone.  Quite nice!



After breakfast we set off to Ginger's house high on a hill near Betwsy-y-Coed.  Ginger is a friend of Barry’s.  Barry had met him some years ago through the Army.  Ginger’s house is a stone duplex that was built some 150, or so, years ago.  He shares the house with his three pets: Frank, Fritz and Herman (a Labrador, and two Dachshunds).

The weather was pretty ordinary: cool, overcast and patches of heavy rain.  Ginger was our host for the day and he drove us around the Mount Snowdon area.  It was great to get a local’s perspective on the area and its history.  He took us off the beaten track and showed us some beautiful locations.  Later in the evening we went to the Ogwen Valley Mountain Rescue facility.  Here we met Jed, another former military man (Royal Marines), who gave us a very informative overview of the work that the team does and the equipment they use.  The team is made of volunteers.  It is an impressive capability and service that the volunteers provide.

Peter presented Jed with a plaque from the Queensland SES.

Jed accepting his plaque. Top bloke.

The view from Ginger's front door

Dogs wanting for me to take them for a walk to the top paddock.

Me, Ginger and Peter on a timber bench that Ginger the now local tree man makes.