Cathedrals and stones in the grass

On Wednesday I left my hotel room in the Ibis, Bristol and made my merry way to the Bristol Temple Meads station. I caught the train at 10.23am, Starbucks Soy Latte in hand and found somewhere to put my luggage… which happened to be the opposite end of the carriage to where I was seated. This will become important later. The train left and I settled into my seat with my headphones in and that mornings copy of the Metro. More news of carnage on the streets of London, and today, Manchester. 

At about 11.30am Salisbury station was approaching, which was where I was to met Rodney and Gill. I packed up all of my belongings and commenced the trip to collect my suitcase. After fighting my way through many bodies who seemed to all be in a rush I had my hands on my suitcase, lifted it up, propped it on its wheels and aimed for the door.  Which subsequently shut in my face. I smacked my hand down on the ‘open’ button which was glowing to my right, to no avail. I pushed it again. A boy who was standing nearby said ‘Sorry… I don’t think they open again once closed…’ to which my response was ‘Are you Sarah-ious???!!!!’  So there I was, ready to go by in front of the door to exit at Salisbury station, so close, yet so far. I had to go to the next station and cross the line and come back again. I figured this worked like the London Underground, it would be ten minutes tops. Wrong. An hour and a half later, I finally arrived at Salisbury station, as the train coming back the other way takes the long route, and stops at every little town. Well that was an hour and a half of my life I can never get back!!

Rodney and Gill were patiently waiting for me (shifting their car from the temporary car-park every 20 minutes) and we were finally off to explore Salisbury. The Cathedral, like all the others I have seen since being in England, was incredible. Just huge, unbelievably old (1220) and ornate. On walking into the cathedral grounds we noticed a statue of a man holding a coffee cup where I am sure some other religious figure once stood. I was a little baffled as he seemed so out of place, and then we realised that there was an exhibition on inside and outside the cathedral, and this was a part of it. There were 20 examples and I think I managed to locate 13 of them.

Myself and the giant woman! 

The most entertaining sculpture inside the cathedral! 

Stunning colour!

The most interesting part of the Salisbury Cathedral was the Magna Carta, which is the document that set down for the first time, the relationship between King John and his subjects and their rights. It was written in 1215 (OMG!!!) in Latin on vellum, and the writing is so teeny tiny and neat, but I had no chance of reading what the hang it said being I don’t read Latin… but it was just incredible to see something with my very own eyes that is from 1215. It is so difficult to even comprehend something that old. Especially being a New Zealander! Salisbury Cathedral also has Britain’s tallest spire, which is 123m high, and the world’s oldest mechanical working clock (dated 1386).  I know people will say ‘...seen one church, you’ve seen them all…’ but I would have to a certain degree disagree… there are different ‘things’ at each and every one. Some even house surprises, like the time I went to Chichester Cathedral and who should be buried there but Gustav Holst!

Salisbury Cathedral.

After we had some lunch we journeyed onto Stonehenge. I was under the impression that Stonehenge was on a hill, and set way back from the road to the point it was not easy to see from the road. But we rounded a corner, and BANG there it was! Something I have only ever seen on the television or in books and on the internet was in my line of vision, from the car! I got in for free (thank you Anne and Dave Nellist + National Trust membership!) and listened to the audio guide all the way around the stones. It was cold and incredibly windy (as Rodney’s hair would suggest!) but quite cool to have been there, and now it is something I can add to the list of things I have seen and can now talk about. The stones are believed to have been erected between 2400-2200BC, but even now people don’t really know why. There are so many theories, but what I thought, was how cool it would be if Dr. Who was real and we could just go back in time and see what it was all really about.

Rodney and I at Stonehenge

On Thursday Rodney drove Gill and I to Brighton. I have heard about Brighton, and I know several of my London town friends have gone there for weekends away. I also knew it had a beach. Yusss! The weather was not great, but that aside, I always like to see the ocean. I think seeing the ocean makes me feel at home in some ways – being I have never lived all that far from the sea! We went to see the Royal Pavilion, which I thought was rather Indian looking as far as architecture goes. I had no real idea as to what it was we were about to see, but given the excellent and informative audio guides I soon found out! The Pavilion was built in 1787 as a seaside retreat for George, Prince of Wales, who later became George IV. Queen Victoria also frequented the residence during her reign although she didn’t like it there due to the lack of privacy. It has now been set up as a museum, and has been restored really well. The banquet room was the most impressive of all the rooms – although the kitchen was pretty amazing too! A lot of what you see there (furniture/furnishings) are all original, and incredibly well preserved. It really is worth seeing if ever you are in Brighton.

Quackles and Paddles in Brighton

Me near Brighton pier

The insane kitchen at the Pavilion

The equally insane Banquet room at the Pavilion. 

That evening was really exciting as Rodney had arranged with a fellow musician, Steve, to bring a flute to the RMA band rehearsal at the Royal Marines Eastney Barracks – and for me to join in on the rehearsal! It was really fun being given the opportunity to play (of course I mean fright (sight) read!!!) the repertoire for the evening, which included such pieces as 633 Squadron (which I have always wanted to play!), Robin Hood Prince of Thieves, Hits from the Movies and others. I was disappointed we didn’t get to play Pirates of the Caribbean, as it was the same version I gave my school Orchestra last year! It was nice to meet a whole bunch of ex Royal Marines who served with my Grandfather and they all commented how much better looking I was. I would reply ‘Yes- I get that from my mother’. Haha. I remembered last night how much I enjoy playing in a large group, and will be further investigating Auckland Wind Orchestra when I return. It was also nice to have a blow on a flute, and I was impressed with myself as I managed to mostly play everything. Turns out I am a better sight-reader than I thought.

My part for the evening :)

Today (Friday 12^th August) we all went to Winchester to have a look around the town, and the Cathedral. I rode a bronze piggy (as ya do) and went into The Great Hall, which is where King Arthur’s round table is located. Much to my dismay, today I found out that King Arthur is a myth. We went into Winchester Cathedral (I know, another church!) which is the largest Cathedral in England. It is also where Jane Austen’s body lies (see, there are interesting treasures every church you go!) and it was constructed in 1079. A random fact about Winchester Cathedral is that it was used as part of the film set for ‘The Da Vinci Code’ in 2005.

Riding a Piggy :)

King Arthur's Round Table.... HUGE!

Winchester Cathedral. Note the lovely English sky.

Yep... Jane Austen lies under here...

I've seen many Cathedral's, but they never fail to impress!

We finished the day with a trip to the Winchester City Mill, and once again I got in for free with my National Trust Membership –yusss! It started milling corn in 1086, and remained in use until the early 1900’s.  It was then used as a laundry until 1928, and then became a youth hostel until quit recently. In 2004 it was purchased by some rich people and handed over to the National Trust, where they restored the mill and it now grinds corn once more to make flour, though more for interests sake than mass production! Another interesting place to visit.

I have had a wonderful four days with Rodney and Gill, they have taken me on so many day-trips and looked after me so well - I'll miss them when I go as I am not sure when I will next see them!

Today we are all taking it slower, I am trying to pack up my suitcase which yet again seems to have vomited all over the place... and we are off to see some Scarecrows later (some sort of Scarecrow festival!) and tomorrow I head Canterbury (via London!) to catch up with Kat Walters (who I went to school with) and her new husband. More adventures to come... watch this space!

Cheery bye :)