What a great weekend we've had. We took the
ferry over to France and drove through the countryside, staying in a
hotel on the Belgium border. Yes, the Belgian chocolates are all that
and we had some exquisite French red wine. The occasion was to
celebrate our 10th wedding anniversary. Belgian chocolates, French wine
and a hotel room - need I say more...
We have so much to tell you, but I'll just touch on the stuff you may
find interesting.
November I had to fly home to Australia to complete my Settlement Visa.
The night before I left for Oz, we spent it in Ottery St Marys being
initiated into a strange and ancient, and terrifingly exhilarating
tradition called Flaming Tar Barrels. Imagine a village square at night
packed so tightly with people that you can't see your own shoes. Then
imagine a large wooden barrel half filled with goose fat and set on
fire. Then imagine this flaming barrel being rushed through the tightly
packed crowd on the shoulders of some big, burly and slightly insane
men. What a rush!! See my pics. I thought we were goners a few times,
the barrel grazed by us several times. They carry the barrels on their
shoulders until it disintegrates around them. A truly fabulous send off
and something to rave about back home. A tradition that's been carried
on for hundreds of years. Needless to say, they were having some
challenges with insurance, which I find quite sad. It's definitely an
activity that separates the thrill seekers from the cautious.
So, I spent most of November in Oz and was back in England a month
later. It was great to see family, including my new nephew, and
friends, but felt odd being separated from Marno after living in each
others pockets for a year. December saw us back together and the first
thing we did (apart from the usual snogging, etc) was visit Windsor
Castle. I honestly don't think I've ever been in the presence of so
much opulence. The treasure room was mind blowing - artifacts, treasure
won by conquests and gifts from ancient rulers, that you suddenly
realise actually existed. While we were there we watched the changing
of the guards.
Christmas we spent with our cousins Sharon and Rebekah in Somerset. We
were priviledged to experience a Meet in the village of Wiveliscombe -
another old tradition - fox hunting. Huge horses, baying dogs and lots
of locals gathered in the town square as a send off to the hunting
party. Of course, they don't hunt live foxes (well, not legally,
anyway). While in Somerset we enjoyed some very pleasant walks and
strolled down an ancient sunken lane probably dating back to Roman
times.
New Years Eve - well, wait till you see the pics. We spent NYE with our
friends Sam and Louise in Exmouth. Let me just say this, if you don't
go fancy dress in Exmouth on NYE you'll be the odd one out. So, I
dressed Marno as Priscilla Queen of the Dessert and I slapped on some
green face paint a giant nose wort and witches hat. Needless to say
Marno was propositioned countless times and shamelessly battered his
long pink lashes at every opportunity.
Then it was back to the Isle of Wight. I started fulltime work in
January and Marno is working for the same mob. The building I'm working
in has an interesting history. Secret tunnels have been found in the
basement dating back to the medieval era. Curiously they connect to the
Inn on the main drag. It's rumoured that the building is one of the
most haunted in England. I've not seen anything, but then I'm a bit of
a skeptic. Several staff members flatly refuse to go down to the
basement. So saying, it's company policy to sign the board before going
down there.
We've been so spoilt by the weather - it's been very mild. Only one
morning did we awake to find the surface of the water frozen around us.
It was very satisfying to lob pebbles at it. Mild over Christmas, then
snow in March. A new experience for us on the boat. I've got a few pics
to show you too. Spring has been breaktakingly beautiful. Fields of
sunshine yellow (rape seed), red poppies and blue linseed surround us
on the island.
Mum and dad arrive here on Monday and I'll meet them in Taunton to
visit the Chelsea Flower Show in London. In July we plan to spend a
week in France with them, staying in a quaint country cottage in
Brittany. We also hope to catch up with Richard, Barb and Bailey in
France in July too. Perhaps Germany for Oktoberfest. We're also looking
forward to meeting up with Stuart and Tara again of Mange Tout, who are
crossing the Atlantic as I write.
Send mail to marno@yachtattitudes.com with
questions or comments about this web site.
Last modified:
04/23/09
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