A view over the lake on Bodmin Moor. We'd planned to camp here, but the wind and rain convinced us to keep going south. We later learned that this moor has played host to settlements of people throughout time, beginning back in the Stone Age and serving as a center for trade of stone axe heads! Also interesting is that near this lake is The Jamaica Inn, a famous establishment which featured in Daphne du Maurier's classic book by the same name. Entirely by coincedence, of course, this Jamaica Inn is where fishing licenses are sold for the moor.
This here is Land's End, literally. It's the furthest most point of England in the south west. Above are the eateries and other things that we humans clutter across special places. The first picture was taken, I think, because Land's End clothing is a company from Andie's home area. Some of her family has worked in the one there, but not in the one pictured here.
We appreciated the sign. Without it we may have been caught unaware that these towering jagged cliffs were dangerous.
More cliffs. These too are dangerous, we were told, though there was no sign.
Andie talking to Momma Honsch, whose family originated in Cornwall. We don't know for sure, but rumor has it that they immigrated to escape the dangerous cliffs.
Notice my shadow in the lower right corner. This is the second time I've seen it here in England.
As the sign says, this young lad is soon celebrating his 1500th birthday. Please send letters, he doesn't use the internet.
Since most of our trip was spent driving, this is the only thing that kept us sane: BBC Cornwall Radio.
Yep, that's where we were: Falmouth.
Me.
Truro, the capital of Cornwall, and its towering cathederal. We went to Easter service there.
Andie as a Cornish lady. Rather full in figure, don't you think?
Me as a Cornish lady, trying to put out the vibe for a strapping miner man.
Me, the solemn miner man.
Just short of heaven: scones, cream, and tea.
A treat: Looking out the window of the B&B our last night in Cornwall.
Andie celebrating the end of her Lenten fast from chocolate.
An Exmoor pony. This is a native breed of pony that has lived wild on Exmoor for a very long time. Exmoor, by the way, is a national park just an hour or so from us. It's incredible.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
"Unique" Signs in England, Part II
Thank you for following our blog! We're hoping we can infuse some energy in our rather infrequent posts...thank you for your patience!
Here are a few more signs that are bound to make you ponder and smile!
The Bull sign. This would've been very helpful had we not seen it upon EXITING the pasture it belonged to!
Here are a few more signs that are bound to make you ponder and smile!
The Bull sign. This would've been very helpful had we not seen it upon EXITING the pasture it belonged to!
In Exmouth, on the southern coast, this "Hate Rubbish" sign is a common feature along the beachfront. I think it speaks for itself. (I'm still laughing!)
My personal favorite...the common "weak bridge" sign! This definitely makes you wonder...should I or shouldn't I?! Ha.Ha. You man notice the Welsh translation above!
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Becoming British: Part I
This is the first part of a series on becoming British, that is, on acquiring the true markers of the Brits, so to live amongst them incognito. This first part has to do with the defining element of life here: one's football (soccer) team.
Aston Villa shield: the Lion, Rarr.
After much reflection and fasting, I've decided to support Aston Villa. That's right, I'm now what they call a 'Villan'. The reasons are simple. One: Villa is an old team, one of the founding twelve of 1888. Two: they're close to us, just a couple hours' drive away in Birmingham. Three: they're manager, Martin O'Neil, is a good coach and a neat guy. And four: they're good, darned good.
Villa Park in 1948, 70 years after the team was founded.
What this means in practice is that I'm now opposed to our arch rival, Birmingham City. When this name is mentioned, I become visibly angry and say bad things about them, really bad things--about their mothers, their breeding, and of course about their working-class accent. But our rivalry, I'm told, is not as bad as with other teams, so I don't stab, shoot, or generally maim them.
My guys doing their thing.
Aston Villa shield: the Lion, Rarr.
After much reflection and fasting, I've decided to support Aston Villa. That's right, I'm now what they call a 'Villan'. The reasons are simple. One: Villa is an old team, one of the founding twelve of 1888. Two: they're close to us, just a couple hours' drive away in Birmingham. Three: they're manager, Martin O'Neil, is a good coach and a neat guy. And four: they're good, darned good.
Villa Park in 1948, 70 years after the team was founded.
What this means in practice is that I'm now opposed to our arch rival, Birmingham City. When this name is mentioned, I become visibly angry and say bad things about them, really bad things--about their mothers, their breeding, and of course about their working-class accent. But our rivalry, I'm told, is not as bad as with other teams, so I don't stab, shoot, or generally maim them.
My guys doing their thing.
What Have We Been Up To?
Hello Everyone!
Boy, it's been too long since we've tried being organized and kept our blog up to date! I have so many photos and stories to post! We want to thank you all for checking this site on occasion, looking for updates! Hopefully we can remedy our "blogless symptoms"! I thought I'd jot down a few fun things we've been doing these days!
1. Driving! - AJ and I acquired a fun, little Citroen AX car and been having a blast with our newfound freedom! Not to disappoint the Colorado blood that now runs through us, I often demand at least one good "walk" a weekend. AJ found a great book on walks around the Bristol area, ranging from 5 miles to 25 miles. We've tackled about 8 so far...and we have been inspired by the England countryside! If any friends or family make it here for a visit, no doubt we'll want to drag you along on one of these ventures!
2. Fly-Tying! - AJ just joined the local fly-tying guild that meets on Wednesday nights. He tells me that he is one of the youngest attendees! It's a known fact that fly-fishing is an "older man's" sport here. Ahhh well! An early start is never harmful, I suppose!
3. Running! - Okay, I must admit...I am having a BLAST here! I joined the Great Western Runners days after we arrived here, and I just can't get enough. If I can explain, the enthusiasm for running here seems to surpass even that in Colorado...which is a BOLD statement! It's incredible! Folks are very serious about their running. Formal practice is available almost every day of the week, if you're up for it and every weekend has between 3 to 10 available races in the area. The cross country season just ended, with the last race this past Saturday here in Bristol at Blaise Castle. It was awesome! I think I scared AJ when I appeared to be in "La La Land" at the finish. It was a little warmer outside, I think. Ahh well, it was a successful race! AJ and I have our eyes set on the Brisol 10k coming up and then the Welsh Castle Relay in June! Lots of fun!
4. School/Work! - Nothing too exciting to report on this front, except good progress and good work, I suppose! AJ is flourishing under his "mentorship" program here at Trinity College. He's made a permanent home down in the basement of the college library and even has "his seat". Next year's freshman ought to beware...they better not sit in his spot! Ha.Ha. Work is going great for me, too! They give me so much responsibility that it's almost scary! I had a blast working on a hydraulic modelling job and was even summoned for meeting with the client in Glasgow & Edinburgh, Scotland! Boy, I was enamored with the sites, the accent (way strong!), and the scenery!
5. Church! - AJ and I are truly enjoying our Bible Study that meets every Thursday. Contrary to our experience with Honeymooners at Little Bible Chapel, we are about half the age of the next youngest attendees! Ha.Ha. There is great wisdom to gain from that, for sure! We've learned a lot and have enjoyed the engaging conversations and study.
I suppose I should sign off here and attend to my responsibilities here at work! Thanks for reading and we hope to be in touch sooner than later!
AJ & Andie
P.S. We're looking forward to our grand U.S. adventure in mid-April! We'll be in CO from Wed. April 16th - Fri. April 20th and WI from Thu. April 3rd - Fri. April 11th. Cheers!
Boy, it's been too long since we've tried being organized and kept our blog up to date! I have so many photos and stories to post! We want to thank you all for checking this site on occasion, looking for updates! Hopefully we can remedy our "blogless symptoms"! I thought I'd jot down a few fun things we've been doing these days!
1. Driving! - AJ and I acquired a fun, little Citroen AX car and been having a blast with our newfound freedom! Not to disappoint the Colorado blood that now runs through us, I often demand at least one good "walk" a weekend. AJ found a great book on walks around the Bristol area, ranging from 5 miles to 25 miles. We've tackled about 8 so far...and we have been inspired by the England countryside! If any friends or family make it here for a visit, no doubt we'll want to drag you along on one of these ventures!
2. Fly-Tying! - AJ just joined the local fly-tying guild that meets on Wednesday nights. He tells me that he is one of the youngest attendees! It's a known fact that fly-fishing is an "older man's" sport here. Ahhh well! An early start is never harmful, I suppose!
3. Running! - Okay, I must admit...I am having a BLAST here! I joined the Great Western Runners days after we arrived here, and I just can't get enough. If I can explain, the enthusiasm for running here seems to surpass even that in Colorado...which is a BOLD statement! It's incredible! Folks are very serious about their running. Formal practice is available almost every day of the week, if you're up for it and every weekend has between 3 to 10 available races in the area. The cross country season just ended, with the last race this past Saturday here in Bristol at Blaise Castle. It was awesome! I think I scared AJ when I appeared to be in "La La Land" at the finish. It was a little warmer outside, I think. Ahh well, it was a successful race! AJ and I have our eyes set on the Brisol 10k coming up and then the Welsh Castle Relay in June! Lots of fun!
4. School/Work! - Nothing too exciting to report on this front, except good progress and good work, I suppose! AJ is flourishing under his "mentorship" program here at Trinity College. He's made a permanent home down in the basement of the college library and even has "his seat". Next year's freshman ought to beware...they better not sit in his spot! Ha.Ha. Work is going great for me, too! They give me so much responsibility that it's almost scary! I had a blast working on a hydraulic modelling job and was even summoned for meeting with the client in Glasgow & Edinburgh, Scotland! Boy, I was enamored with the sites, the accent (way strong!), and the scenery!
5. Church! - AJ and I are truly enjoying our Bible Study that meets every Thursday. Contrary to our experience with Honeymooners at Little Bible Chapel, we are about half the age of the next youngest attendees! Ha.Ha. There is great wisdom to gain from that, for sure! We've learned a lot and have enjoyed the engaging conversations and study.
I suppose I should sign off here and attend to my responsibilities here at work! Thanks for reading and we hope to be in touch sooner than later!
AJ & Andie
P.S. We're looking forward to our grand U.S. adventure in mid-April! We'll be in CO from Wed. April 16th - Fri. April 20th and WI from Thu. April 3rd - Fri. April 11th. Cheers!
