Exploring Croatia

A few weeks ago, our traveling group of gals from the American Women's Club in London headed out for another adventure: this time to the lovely town of Dubrovnik in the country of Croatia.

When I told friends in the US, I was headed to Croatia, I saw some puzzled looks on faces, and since I had to do a bit of homework myself to see exactly where we were headed, I decided to include this map, so you could spot our destination. Croatia is one of the 6 countries that resulted from the break-up of the former Yugoslavia in the early 90's. The other 5 countries are Slovenia, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Serbia, Macedonia, and Montenegro. Dubrovnik is located along the Dalmatian coast of Croatia, and is known most distinctly for its fabulous coastline.

Our hotel looked over this small bay with crystal blue-green water,

and as we walked to town, we had peeks of the beautiful Dalmatian coastline we were to enjoy for the following 3 days.

We entered Dubrovnik through the medieval town gate

and we immediately climbed the stairs to walk along the most popular feature of the Old Town: the 2 kilometers of walls

that circle the town. Originally built between the 14th-15th century for protection,

today they offer beautiful views of the sea

and it's easy to understand why George Bernard Shaw called it the "Pearl of the Adriatic."

From the walls, you can observe the patchwork of roofs and spy the beautiful Gothic, Renaissance and Baroque architecture from days gone by.

Its early prosperity is thanks to its significance as a Medieval sea power from the 13th century on, rivaling even Venice for a spell. 

As we made our way along the walls, we spied a look-out below us that we planned to investigate later.

Sunset found us at our destination, one of the "hole in the wall" bars, where we ended the day with refreshments

and looked forward to more adventures to come in the days yet to unfold.

Stay tuned for more in my next blog.

Pumpkin Patch

Pumpkin patch time!

Let me think--what should we get this year?

This little guy is ready for the hunt!

I'll scope them out and you pick them up...

Got one for me!

How about this one for you?

Kisses for little "punkin"

XOXO

A Fall Day in Salisbury

A great weather weekend in the fall calls for a road trip, or train trip, as it might be, since we own no cars here in London to take out on the road. We headed out early on Saturday to see the town of Salisbury with its famous medieval cathedral, known for having the tallest spire in all of Britain.

The town of Salisbury was delightful with its half timbered Tudor houses

medieval gates, Georgian mansions and Victorian villas.

Taking our guided city walk, we came across the smaller parish church of St. Thomas built for the cathedral workmen in 1219, and named for Sir Thomas Becket.

We stumbled upon a market cross built in the 15th century that sheltered the Poultry Market.

But in this century, Paddington quickly followed his keen nose to the homemade do-nut stand in the modern market where we all got a treat,

and then shopped the vendors, stopping to buy fabric from this nice man for a couple of tablecloths.

Approaching the cathedral, we passed the Matron's College which was built as a home for the widows of the clergy.

The cathedral of Salisbury was amazingly built in just 38 years, from 1220-1258. Famous for many reasons, including having the oldest mechanical clock, having the finest of only 4 surviving copies of the Magna Carta, 

and the largest, and what some consider the most beautiful, Cathedral Close in Britain that is surrounded by beautiful houses, all unique in style.

It is the seat of a bishop, who is seen here exiting the cathedral that day after an ordination of new deacons.

Once inside we marveled at the Early Gothic structure

and paused at this model long enough to wonder what it must have been like to live during those days and 

give your heart and soul to building such a magnificent edifice. Have you read Ken Follett's Pillars of the Earth? It's a fictional account of the building of a cathedral in the Middle Ages very much like Salisbury, and ranks as one of his best novels. I highly recommend it. You might remember hearing about it as one of Oprah's picks a few years back.

We loved the beauty and clarity of the stained glass,

the colors and light of the ceiling and arches,

the actual seat of the bishop,

and seeing effigies like these

and this one of John, Lord Cheney, a Knight of the Bath who was a giant of a man, 7 feet tall, who died in 1499.

We admired the Audley Chapel, where prayers were offered for his soul

then strolled outside to view the cloisters, the largest of any cathedral in Britain.

I hope someday you get to see the earliest surviving complete choir stalls (circa 1236)

like we did, and gaze at the carvings of little musical angels that we found.

Speaking of musical angels, as we wrapped up our tour, the Cathedral Boys Choir began to practice. Made up of boys between the ages of 8-13, the young boys live and train at the school there at the cathedral.  I recorded a bit of it, and I think you might enjoy hearing them as much as I did. What sweet music they make.

Enjoy!

Indian Summer in London

London has been experiencing record heat for the last few days--the warmest days ever recorded in October, so everyone has been out soaking up the rays knowing that the true autumn days can't be far away.

Sidewalk cafes have been full,

the Saturday market at Duke of York Square was the home of a children's celebration, complete with a carrousel

and a petting zoo on the grounds of what was the former Duke of York's headquarters and now is the site of the Saatchi Gallery.

The dahlias are in bloom

and the grounds of the St.Luke's Church  here in Chelsea were full of worshippers: 

sun-worshippers that is.

Today was the beginning of the Legal Year and justices and judges made their way to Westminster Abbey for their traditional prayer service which dates back to the Middle Ages when they asked for divine guidance in their decision making.

The service was presided over by the Lord Chancellor and the Lord Chief Justice, and 

then they all made their way to Westminster Hall in the Houses of Parliament for their traditional breakfast.

Today was a lucky day for me, because a friend who works for a member of Parliament took 4 of us on a special tour of the House of Parliament. Although interior photos were not allowed,

I snapped a few of the outside of Parliament from the courtyards. 

We were amazed by the opulence and the history of such a distinguished institution as we toured the House of Commons, the House of Lords, and the Queen's Robing Room where she is robed for the opening day of Parliament. The tour was definitely one of the highlights of our stay here in London.

Tomorrow the weather changes and fall returns to London, but that's OK, because I'm off on a girls' trip to Croatia where the weather is sunny and warm. Lots to learn and see in an amazingly beautiful country I'm told!