MIL & FIL part 2

In keeping up with two themes - (1) MIL and FIL's visit, and (2) sightseeing, part 2 of MIL and FIL's visit is all about Salisbury Cathedral.

First, lunch at Wagamama. If you've never been to a Wagamama you must! Great fresh Asian inspired food.

Another Cathedral, full of wonderful history and incredible architecture.

The sky was that blue today too!

The current Cathedral is the 3rd (previous two were built at Sarum) and last one built in Salisbury, and has a few unique features according to our guide.

• there is no partition between the nave and the choir
• it was built as we see it today (there has been no alterations to architectural style, or additions made)
• it took 38 years consecutive years to build (as compared to other cathedrals when building stopped and started due to wars, politics, or money)

My favourite part is the Cloisters - they are so pretty and peaceful. Photographers would have a wonderful time here as there are so many varied angles and the way the light moves between the arches is quite magical. These aren't our photos (our camera's being charged, sorry)

While we were in the choral area of the Cathedral a lovely guide spotted Mia and asked her if she'd seen the Monkey and with that we were taken on a private tour of several hidden spots within the Cathedral. It was delightful! MissM kept asking questions, and our new private guide chatted away.

We learned the Cathedral is built on only 4 metres of foundation, ontop of 27 metres of gravel which needs to be kept wet to keep it stable. The guide asked if we'd seen the dipping stick ...... MissM said no, so off we went.

That's MIL in the red top watching

THIS much water is there at the moment

Whenever we're in a Cathedral I can't help but think back to Ken Follet's Pillars of the Earth. What a novel! Nowhere is the book more alive than at Salisbury Cathedral. How clever were those builders, centuries ago with no computers, no CAD programs to create such incredible structures that last! Think about the buildings of today, which ones do you think will, or indeed should, last centuries to show people how we lived? 

If you've not read the book, please do, especially if you love Cathedrals and grand buildings. The movie was very good, but it missed so many intricate story lines. Read the book, then see the move. 

The other reason Salisbury Cathedral is a MUST VISIT is to see the Magna Carta. It's the most surreal feeling looking at something like this - to think it was written in 1215, in Latin and is the basis of all manner of Constitutions and Civil Rights documents the world over. There are 4 originals, one of which is housed here. 

I was so inspired this visit that I bought a book on the Magna Carta - figure MissM might have to do a project on it at some stage.

MissM's been loving having MIL and FIL here. G and I have become obsolete in many ways. They put her to bed, read with her, play with her, she's even eating FRUIT for breakfast cos that's their choice to start the day.

During the week, they attended a Grandparents and Friends afternoon tea at MissM's school. Afterwards, MissM took them to afternoon tea to celebrate and they walked home. On Wednesday they kindly stayed home and waited for a tradesman to come while I had a tooth extracted (YUK), and on Thursday they caught the bus into Southampton and explored the city. They really enjoyed the Titanic Exhibition (which is good as I'd recommended it) and historical walk. Friday they collected their hire car and spent a few hours driving around to get used to the motorways. 

It's always interesting how adding guests, especially family and those who stay for a long time to our quiet three-some affects us. Even tho G's THERE Monday - Friday (oops, almost wrote where, quick delete button) it's certainly affected the home coming. Rather than hanging around the house letting him catch up on zzzzzz's, we've been out'n'about.

Dinner time is also different with 5 of us around the table. It's easier for me to cook as it's my kitchen and well, i know where everything is and I like to cook and no one else has offered to cook. FIL is the best kitchen cleaner-uper there is. The sink shines like a star!

FIL asks LOTS of questions, and I mean LOTS - what's the red light for near the stove? what's that light switch for? when was the last time the water filters were changed? who pays for the light bulbs to be replaced? when was the last time you serviced the car? how often do you check under the bonnet? 

MIL is also inquisitive - is Salisbury north or east of home? If we go via Stonehenge how much longer does it add to the trip? The green landscape here is different to Ireland, which was greener, wonder why? 

Simple questions like please show me how the washing machine works, or where does the spatula go are much easier to cope with and answer.

They are taking MissM to Isle of Wight tomorrow for a few days while we go to Barcelona. MissM's only just realizing we won't be in England ..... she's so-so about it.

Not sure yet if I'll take the laptop and bash out a few chats, or leave you in peace for a few days.

Either way, the next few days will be fun for all of us for different reasons.

Hope you have a good mid term if you are on holidays, 

With friendship

x

MIL & FIL's visit - part 1

We are so fortunate that where ever we've lived, we receive lots of visitors from Sydney; family and friends love to travel, and when they can, they include a stay with us in their itinerary.

MIL (mother in law) and FIL (father in law) have been to Dublin, Yokohama and arrived in Kings Worthy on Saturday morning.

My mum as also been to our three homes. Also holding a 100% score card is my godson. Not bad when you realize they all have to travel from Sydney!

Several people have been to two of 3 our homes, and a few have made it to one.

Mum holds the record for staying the longest time - 3 months in Dublin tho MIL and FIL will come close this trip (but they pop off for mini trips during the time they are with us, while Mum stays with us the whole time). B&E hold the record for the most visits to one address.

MrsH gave me a red leather bound journal when we left Sydney and we've used that as our Visitors Guest Book. We all love reading thru who's been and when, and the memories of their visit.

We love hearing Aussie accents fill the house; we love the conversations and giggles; we appreciate the time we can indulge in their company rather than the flying visits we have when we're in Sydney and try to see everyone.

The other benefit to hosting guests is the sight seeing. We get to do favorite things (at least) one more time, and some things for a first time as we save them up. It means, that by the time we're done living somewhere we know it (slightly) better than (some) locals. Like most expats, we live somewhere for such a short amount of time we have a common desire to see and do as much as we can within the time we have.

MIL and FIL are here for 11 weeks (yes, you read right, 11 weeks) so there'll be quite a few chats to be had and LOTS of things to chat'n'share.

After unpacking bags and settling in, we went to Fishers Pond for lunch. It's quickly become a favorite destination for good food and a great view over the pond. Looking forward to going on a sunny day. They followed G and had James Martins famous beef'n'merlot pie.


Sunday, we strolled St Hilliers Gardens, something we'd held off doing as we knew MIL and FIL enjoy gardens. They are having a sculptures event which made it very enjoyable. While watching the Chelsea Flower Show on the BBC this evening, we learnt that St Hilliers has been part of the Show for decades and has won 100 Gold Medals.

Beautiful views

Blossoms remind us of Japan

The artwork was positioned in magic surroundings

Loved the lines and shape of this structure overlooking the lake

Such a pretty sculpture, making the most of the lake

The dragonfly would be really special on a sunny day

There's a vast azalea garden and the colors were incredible

A bed of tulips

Contemplation

Hilliers Home and a nice place for afternoon tea

Fun in the children's garden

Monday, we did a guided tour of Winchester Cathedral. I strongly recommend if you haven't been to Winchester Cathedral and you have a chance to, you should. It's history is incredible. There are guided tours every hour, every day (just double check the website), and during summer they run a series of lunchtime tours focusing on one aspect of the Cathedral each week. 

Winchester Cathedral - the longest nave in Europe

St Swithun's is buried here, as is Jane Austen and as Winchester was the Saxon capital of England, many kings and queens are buried here too. Jane Austen moved to College Street, Winchester with her sister, Cassandra to be closer to her physician and passed away several weeks after moving.

Another lovely girls day out, is to visit her home in Chawton and see where she did most of her writing. Walking thru the gardens, knowing she and Cassandra walked there too is an incredible feeling, but seeing her writing table and chair by the window gave me goose bumps. The pub across the road from the house is nice for lunch.

Above: Headstone in Winchester Cathedral.
Below: The house in College Street where she and Cassandra, her sister,
lived for a short time before she passed away

We had an enjoyable lunch, then picked MissM up from school.

Today they walked around Winchester a bit more, while I had brunch with MsS who has just got engaged to MrE!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Congratulations xo

Meanwhile, G is THERE for the week, getting stuck into the new project and will be home Friday.

It's all go at our house,

With friendship
x