We made it to Falmouth, England and were in for a few pleasant surprises…

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This is the view from our veranda in Falmouth, England.  We couldn’t be more thrilled to be here.

As much as I’d like to do a whole post tonight, I don’t have it in me. Only minutes ago, we finished our first homemade dinner in Falmouth, England (we both were too pooped to go out to eat), and now it is almost 2100 hours, 9:00 pm.

We’ve yet to unpack and start laundry since when we arrived. We had to grocery shop and found converters/adapters for our plug-ins when nothing we had on hand worked. Mission accomplished, along with the purchase of a SIM card for my phone.

We rushed back to our new temporary home, tried to figure out how to use the complicated “hob,”  only finding answers from a YouTube video. We’ve run into this issue in the past, but finally, the chicken breasts were baking in the oven.

Tom’s rice was cooking on the stovetop along with my pre-cut stir fry veggies, all of which we purchased at the well-stocked Tesco store in the charming holiday town of Falmouth. 

I assure you, we’ll be heading there after some much-needed rest and taking photos for days on end.  It truly is a wonder. With the final weekend before school starts again on Monday, it was packed with tourists.

By Monday or Tuesday, it will thin out, and we’ll be able to leisurely take our time to enjoy this magical place and walk the hilly streets based on how much I can do.

So, for now, I’m wrapping this up, but once we get laundry started in the morning, I’ll be back downstairs sitting on the comfy sofa surrounded by fluffy decorative pillows, anxious to share more with all of you.

Have a fabulous evening and enjoy a sneak peek at the above photo of our outstanding view of Falmouth Harbour. Wow!

Photo from one year ago today, August 23, 2018:
We’ve rarely been this close to a waterbuck since they remain close to the river, impossible for us to access.  What a handsome animal! For more Chobe photos, please click here.

Part 2, Stonehenge…The village of Salisbury…Another historical Cathedral…The world’s first clock! The Magna Carta!

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As we made our way up the walkway to the Salisbury Cathedral.

After leaving Stonehenge, our driver Steven suggested we continue our day long tour to the historic village of Salisbury, England where he was excited for the eight of us to see the Salisbury Cathedral.

The oldest licensed inn is Salisbury.  Steven explained this is purported to be the oldest pub in England.
Typical home in the village of Salisbury.

Having seen many churches in our travels, never seeming to have our fill, our own enthusiasm escalated when Steven explained we were in for a big surprise. The drive from Stonehenge to Salisbury was approximately an hour. 

A college in the village.
Exterior of the Cathedral.
This is the world’s oldest clock. See below for the full description.
The description of the world’s oldest clock from the year 1386.
With the lively chatter as us girls sat together in the front of the van, while the boys sat in the back, none of us paid much attention to the length of the drive. We certainly were all enjoying each other’s conversation and companionship. 
More interesting architecture for the 13th century.

For Tom and I, having spent almost six months without interacting with English speaking companions, we were both in our glory. There’s no doubt we both hogged the conversations, making up for the lost time. 

What an exquisite building!

For this, we apologize to our new friends. It’s such fun talking to someone other than each other after spending the past six months in non-English speaking countries. Of course, we thoroughly enjoyed talking to one another but, a new face, a new voice, a varied opinion, and experience, is always refreshing.

Steven, our knowledgeable tour guide.
It was a pleasure to walk through the Cathedral.
This is a decorative pool. Steven explained that a tourist set her handbag atop the water when she thought it was a glass top as opposed to water and the handbag sunk to the bottom.
As we approached the beautiful village of Salisbury we knew that Steven had our best interests in mind, as we oohed and ahh’d over the scenery in the village. After parking on a side street, Steven walked toward the church with us, explaining that once we entered, a donation was “expected.”
Battle flags from centuries ago.
Tribute to Normandy located in the Cathedral.

Luckily, as we entered the church, the two receptionists explained they’d take pounds or credit cards. We were quickly getting down to our last British Pounds Sterling.  

The detail in the design in the Cathedral was some of the most impressive we’ve seen.
In every direction, there was a feast for the eyes in design and color.

Since this was to be our last foray in the UK for who-knows-how-long, we were thrilled we’d succeeded in ridding ourselves of any remaining pounds before leaving the country. 

Tourists gathered to appreciate the stained glass.

With all of our travels, we tried to use up any remaining currency by the time we leave the country since many countries have currency we may never use again. Have numerous forms of currency in one’s wallet, never to be used is annoying and wasteful. Thus far, all has gone well.

A side altar or memorial.

The Salisbury Cathedral was well worth the US $9.78, six pounds we paid upon entry. With the steady flow of tourists entering the church, we anticipated they’d be able to continue their ongoing renovation, not unlike the Sagrada Familia we’d seen in Barcelona, Spain over a year ago.

We’ve visited dozens of churches in our travels finding each one unique and appealing in its own way. It was no different from the Salisbury Cathedral, eliciting a gasp when we entered with raging curiosity to see as much as we could in the time allotted until once again we’d be on the road, anxious to return to the ship on time. 

A memorial.  We were unable to read who was buried here. With our WiFi issues at this time, we’re unable to research online to identify each photo.

Again, this was a private tour for the eight of us with the ship not waiting one moment beyond scheduled departure for such. We kept a watchful eye on the time, eventually returning well within the mandatory boarding time frame.

The Salisbury Cathedral originally was two miles to the north of Old Sarum, where the foundations of the great Norman Cathedral can still be seen. Old Sarum was a garrison town and squabbles with the military-led Bishop Richard Poore to decide to rebuild in the valley below

Building commenced in the year 1220 at about the same time the checkered street plan of Salisbury was also laid out. The Cathedral was built under the supervision of one of the canons, Elias de Dereham, assisted by a famous master mason Nicholas of Ely.

By 1258 the choir, transept, and naves were completed and consecration occurred on September 30th.

The spire, 404 feet high, and the highest in England and the third highest in Europe was added 100 years later between 1334 and 1365. Salisbury Cathedral is acknowledged as the most attractive in English Cathedrals in both settings and appearances.

Outside the Cathedral, our group met for beverages from the café.

Rather than stay in the group of eight, Tom and I wandered off on our own with a set time, we’d meet for the walk to the awaiting van.

During our enthusiastic perusing, we were delighted to see one of the three worldwide originals of the Magna Carta on display. Unfortunately, it was one of the few items in the massive church prohibited from photo taking. 

Although disappointed we couldn’t take a photo, it was enriching to see it in any case. Its lengthy translation was posted on a wall.

Tom graciously posed for a photo.  Thanks, Honey!

Finally, it was time to be on our way and after another great day of touring both Stonehenge and Salisbury, we were content to be back to the ship for yet another enjoyable dinner, sharing a table with a new group of six.  The socialization on cruises is always a stupendous source of pleasure for us, thanks to the many fine people we meet.

Tomorrow, we’ll be back sharing some of the events in which we’ve participated on the ship and details of how we spend each day both out to sea and on tour days.

Have a happy day!

                                           Photo from one year ago today, September 6, 2013:

Two of the goat that lived in the backyard of the property jumped on the fence to entertain us while we lived in Diani Beach, Kenya for three months. For details, please click here.

Part 1…Stonehenge, England…Available tomorrow…

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Error correction: Yesterday’s post stated we were going to Cork, Ireland to the Blarney Castle today, Tuesday, when in fact we went to Stonehenge.  Tomorrow’s post will include Part 1 of Barley Castle in Cork, Ireland.  We apologize for the inconvenience.

At the moment, only minutes before the ship sails to Ireland, I’m awaiting a call from the ship’s tech support.  Apparently, their system is unable to connect to my newer computer due to its “advanced” technology.

As a result, I am unable to complete a post for today’s tour of the amazing Stonehenge. In moments, our MiFi will lose the signal.

After waiting at guest services desk for a half-hour, the rep asked, “Why can’t you use your husband’s computer?”

When it takes me three to four hours to post, I can expect Tom to sit there with nothing to do while I use his computer. Plus, he always does research for the posts I’m writing at the same time. It’s a two-person operation.

Thus, there’s no post today other than this notice. But, we look forward to being in port early tomorrow morning when I can use the MiFi once again, or hopefully, on the ship’s WiFi if my computer connectivity issues have been resolved.

Frustrating to say the least. Tomorrow morning, we’ll post Part 1 of the extraordinary day in Stonehenge and the village of Salisbury in England. Unbelievable experience!

See you tomorrow with photos!

                                                 Photo from one year ago today, September 2, 2013:
There was no photo posted on this date one year ago.  We were experiencing a 34-hour travel day.

August is booked!…Paris and London, here we come!…Solar eclipse not visible from here…

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Eiffel Seine Hotel Paris, where we’ll spend 15 nights from August 1, 2014 to August 16, 2014.

Going against everything that we’ve said that which we love; nature, wildlife, and vegetation, we decided, once again, to “step outside the box” using our “free” month before our cruise from London to Boston on August 31, 2014, to finally see London and Paris.

After considerable research over the last few weeks we decided yesterday that we’d be foolish not to visit Paris and London, neither of us having seen either. While checking various hotel booking sites, it was obvious that many of the choice opportunities were filling up fast and it was time to book which is exactly what we’ve done for both locations.

The Regency Hotel London, where we’ll stay for 15 nights before boarding our ship at the port in Harwich, a three hour drive from London.

To simplify the process, we’ll fly directly to Paris after our two and a half months in Madeira, Portugal, stay at a hotel for 15 nights, a short distance from the Eiffel Tower, with easy access to transportation and many of the sights within walking distance. So far, the airfare appears to be in the range of KES $19080, US $225 per person, one way.

At the end of the 14 days, we’ll head to London, either by way of the “tunnel/chunnel,” ferry or flight (yet to be determined) to spend 15 more nights in an old historic hotel, walking distance to Kensington Palace and many popular tourist attractions. We’ll share details of the hotels after we arrive at each.

Why did we chose hotels over vacation rentals? To stay in a vacation rental, the planning and booking is more time consuming, the cost in these cases was compared to the hotels and grocery shopping, with the necessity of transportation to and from, and purchasing so many basic household goods, it made no sense to stay in for these short stays.  Also, both of these hotels had excellent reviews, which is vital to us each time we book any property.

We may not be able to see the Eiffel Tower from our hotel room, but if we walk outside we will be able to see it.

Did we pay more for these conveniences, especially when we factor in the cost of eating out at least once a day?  Yes, we did. But, the necessity of being close to London for our cruise leaving out of Harwich on 8/31, Tom suggested Paris knowing I have always wanted to see it. Speaking and understanding a bit of French and totally able to read signs, menus, instructions, etc., this trip will be all the more meaningful.

What prompted Tom’s desire to offer up Paris to me was the fact he booked us for a shore excursion with a group from Cruise Critic, while we’re on the cruise from London to Boston that has a port of call in Le Havre, France on September 1, 2014. The excursion, for a maximum of eight people, tours the historical World War II sites. 

Knowing this excursion is of little interest to me (he’s the history buff in the family), if he’d suggested a night or two in Paris, I’d have been thrilled. With 15 nights in Paris, in the heart of the city, I’m delirious with joy! 

London Tower Bridge, a good spot to visit in an evening.

I guess I’ll live vicariously through his dining on French epicurean delights.  But, none of that matters to me. It has been this special diet that has given me the health necessary to allow me to travel the world. 

Who’s to complain about not having a mouth-watering, custard oozing French pastry? Not I! Instead, I’ll enjoy Bearnaise sauce over my Filet Mignon with Cabernet steamed garlic buttery mushrooms and a classic Caesar salad, minus the croutons! Or, Eggs Benedict’s minus the muffin, a treasure I’ve devoured on several occasions.

(We’ll purchase snacks to keep in the mini-fridge, to eat only when hungry; cheese, hard-boiled eggs, cooked meats and nuts, we’ll be content. Based on our way of eating, we seldom are hungry in the morning, preferring the above items to tide us over until dinner).

Then, as mentioned above, on August 16th we’ll make our way to London to spend the second half of August, heading out on foot each day utilizing the readily available modes of transportation to the same places of interest appealing to most tourists.

This will be different for us. But then again, it’s all a part of our new life of wonder and adventure, perhaps befitting for the contrast after spending almost a year in Africa and two and a half months on the remote island of Madeira, Portugal, 1200 miles off of the northwest corner of Africa. 

From a tropical island paradise to the bush on safari, to rough water seas crossing the ocean, to dangerous nights in the seas of the Middle East, to the tall buildings of Dubai, to the hills of Tuscany, to the narrow passageways of the Panama/Suez Canals and to the rugged life in Kenya and more, we’re fulfilling dreams we never knew we had.

So, for a month of our travels, we’ll behave like typical tourists; MiFi in my pocket, “Maps” on-screen on my smartphone, pre-purchased tickets on the smartphone rather than the typical piece of paper, camera charged and ready to go with an extra battery, local currency (Euros) on hand, comfortable shoes and the usual smile on our faces, grateful for yet another amazing opportunity.

Above all, we’re stretching ourselves to enrich our life experiences both individually and as a couple. Thanks, Tom Lyman, for giving me Paris. I imagine I’ll end up going nuts taking photos in Normandy and you’ll be intrigued at the Louvre. There’s no one in the world, I’d rather share this life with than you.