Westbury
When we left Cornwall we headed north to the county of Wiltshire. We were looking for a centrally located place where we could visit the local sites and we found one with Pam and Michael Thompson.
Throughout most of our time traveling in Europe, our home stays have been self-contained. In other words, we have rented properties where we had the entire space to ourselves. I choose places based a lot on price but also on the photos (tastefully updated), on the amenities and on the location. I am always looking for something with Wi-Fi and usually a washer since we have been traveling very light and often need to do a load of laundry or two. And like I said, I also, almost entirely, limit my searches to spaces that are self-contained. It’s just easier and tends to be more comfortable for us.
I was drawn to Michael and Pam’s home. I have booked a lot of places over the last few months and so I don’t remember what kind of options I had while searching for something in Wiltshire but I imagine I used the same criteria I had been using for past housing choices. The price, location and looks (tasteful and updated) were spot on. For whatever reason, I selected Pam and Michael’s home knowing that, in this case, we would be renting only the room and would not have the entire space to ourselves. Perhaps I was craving some different company for myself and my family after spending the last three months almost exclusively with one another.
We found their home easily enough and Pam was there to greet us and show us around. She had four other beds available for rent (seven in total!) but we were the only guests that were booked. She graciously offered one of the other rooms for Reece if she wanted her own space. She had no issue with us using the kitchen and helping ourselves to tools and equipment and such. She told us to make ourselves at home. And we did.
Stonehenge
Our first day we had a lovely breakfast waiting for us of milk, juice, cereal, coffee/tea, toast, etc. from which we were to help ourselves. Both Pam and Michael, whom we met the night before, were out of the house early. We had a 10 a.m. entrance fee into Stonehenge and we still had to drive there … it was only about a 30 minute drive but in unknown territory so we headed out about 9:15 and easily made our way where we skipped the line (there actually wasn’t much of one at that point, but there was by the time we left) and walked directly in.
We took the bus out to the site. Apparently, not so long ago, you could walk right up to the stones and touch them. I have heard tales of people carving their initials in them. The stones are actually about a mile and a half, if I remember correctly, from the parking and exhibition area. We toured around, took the requisite selfie and then decided to get our exercise by walking back. We then toured the museum area and called it day.
When we got back to the house, we had some lunch and then decided to get some more exercise and walk up the hill to checkout the White Horse.
Westbury White Horse
The Westbury or Bratton White Horse is a 180 feet tall and 170 feet wide hill figure approximately 1.5 miles east of Westbury in Wiltshire, England. It is located on the edge of Bratton Downs and it is the oldest of several white horses carved in Wiltshire. It was restored in 1778, an action which may have obliterated another horse that had occupied the same slope. A contemporary engraving from the 1760s appears to show a horse facing in the opposite direction that was rather smaller than the present figure. It is also considered a symbol for Wiltshire as a whole.
We definitely got our exercise that day! And on the way back down the hill from visiting the White Horse, I was photobombed by a different white (and brown) horse, of the living flesh variety.
The evening was capped off with a delicious fish and chips meal, recommended by our hosts. And a big can of cider to share. And I have to say that I am really enjoying the cider in these parts!
Later that evening, we got the opportunity to sit and chat with Pam and Michael. This is one of the benefits we have missed out on by keeping to ourselves … lovely connections with lovely people. That evening, talking about our families and travels while women’s football was on the telly (I have picked up some nuances of the British English language) was one of the highlights of this four month trip.
Bath
Being Jane Austen fans, we were encouraged to go to Bath, where she spent quite a few years in the early 1800’s and is also a location that features quite prominently in her books. It was only a quick train ride (giving me a break from driving) a few towns over and a short walk to the train station from our Airbnb. We took both tours that the Hop On/Hop Off Bus Company had to offer and quickly got a good look of the city.
We hopped off the bus at the cathedral and began wandering around to see what we could see. We didn’t even attempt to visit the Baths after seeing the line out the door. But we did stop for refreshment and the opportunity to use the toilet.
And then we found the Jane Austen museum where we got our photo taken with a very realistic wax figurine of Jane Austen. AND Captain Wentworth from Persuasion!
After the Jane Austen museum we found our way to Royal Victoria Park. Since we have been traveling throughout the UK, the citizens have been apologizing for the weather. Apparently, it is unseasonably cold and they have had much rain. We don’t know any different and although some sun and warmth would be nice, it doesn’t faze these Juneau-ites. However, no one has told the flowers. They are blooming in full force. And its gorgeous.
And then we did some more walking and saw some cool things.
We finished our day with burgers and drinks.
Although we were sad to leave, we were also so grateful to have met Pam and Michael Thompson. I believe that people come into our lives for a reason … they have a lesson to teach us, or we them … or maybe the powers that be just know that we are meant to be part of one another’s lives, to be friends.There are few people with whom genuine connections are made. Being open to those opportunities and embracing those possibilities is one of the truly beautiful things in life. I think of all the things that had to align to for us to cross paths with Pam and Michael … and it is truly miraculous.
Here’s to meeting new people and making connections!
Cheers!
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