Along the way from Land's End to St. Ives

I was dozing in the back of the coach when I was awaken by the coach slowing down and people seemed alarmed. A local bus heading in the opposite direction of our bus hit a pedestrian. The front window of the bus shattered. We had two nurses on our bus who got out to see if they could help. The man was bleeding profusely. They reported back that his nose was broken and that he had head lacerations. He was responsive;however, he seemed to be in shock. The driver of the bus said that the man looked right at him and walked out in front of him. The car traveling right in front of us was owned by a retired surgeon. He stopped and offered his services until the police and ambulance came. It was truly quite scary. Our coach had to back up down the road at least a 1/4 mile since we were unable to get around the police cars and ambulance. Please pray for this man. We left not really knowing if he would be ok. Pray for the bus driver as he was a basket case. First time I have witnessed an accident like this while traveling. Praying for traveling safety for the rest of the trip.

Not a typical Sunday

Today we visited Kew Gardens and Wimbledon. Kew Gardens was one of the most beautiful gardens I have ever seen. We arrived right at opening and spent an hour and a half wandering the gardens on our own. We also took an hour led tour which was very interesting and Charlie was able to share a memory with the guide about a catalpa tree that was planted by his grandfather. The catalpa tree attracts caterpillars which are used for fish bait. The gardens had a beautiful goldfish pond. I said to the fish, "If I had food, I would feed you." To which Charlie said, "Well, if I had grease, I would eat you." He is always good for a laugh.

We traveled to Wimbledon by tube, had lunch at Pizza Express, and then went on to the All England Lawn and Tennis Club. Before I move on to Wimbledon, let me assure you Pizza Express is nothing like any pizza place at home. We got salads and they were big, fresh, and well prepared.

At Wimbledon we saw Court 1, Center Court, and a number of the outside courts. There were members of the All England Lawn, Tennis and Croquet Club playing a tournament. We were not able to photograph anyone on court.  We saw the press room, the room where player interviews are held, the players restaurant, and much more. The Museum was really good.

Just in case you are not aware, the dates for next year's Wimbledon will be a week later. They are moving the dates in hopes of preventing player injury. Most players finish the French Open which is played on clay before arriving in London where they play on grass. Changing the date gives players a chance to rest and practice before Wimbledon starts.

We have one more day in London. I can't imagine it getting any better.

blpearce@gmail.com

Museum Day for my history loving spouse

Day 3 in London started with another Tube ride to the British Library. Once again no photos.  We saw original works of The Beatles songs. Lines were written and scratched out, words changed to make it better, etc. We saw music scores of Handel and other famous  composers. Bibles dating back to the 4th century were unbelievable. A letter written by Henry the VIII and Anne Boleyn to Woosley asking him to help get Henry's marriage to Catherine annulled was one of my favorites.

Next we walked to the Foundling Museum. This Museum explains how Thomas Coram spent 17 years  in 1739 working to get a place for children to stay when their parents could not afford to keep them. Each child had a memento from the parent that would be identified if the parent was able to come back for the child. This museum broke my heart.

The Charles Dickens' Museum was very interesting. We saw original manuscripts, his writing desk, and his 10 children's playroom.

The British Museum was our last stop. The Rosetta Stone was tops on the list. We did have lunch at the Museum. Our dish was called Arancini. It is a dish from Italy made of rice, mozzarella cheese, and mushrooms.

We came back to the hotel for a rest. As we say back home, "our dogs were barking."

Charlie says we are averaging about 10 miles a day walking and climbing stairs. Time to soak the feet!

Evensong at Westminster Abbey

We attended Evensong after touring Westminster Abbey. Sitting in the Quire, I felt like  I was listening to angels singing. It was one of the most meaningful and beautiful services I have ever witnessed. Scripture and prayers are sung not read. Charlie and I agreed it was the highlight of the day.

Evensong at Westminster Abbey - London

This afternoon we toured Westminster Abbey and attended Evensong, a choral worship service. It was a hauntingly beautiful service. Videoing is not permitted during Evensong; however, I did find a recording on youtube. I had to share it.

Standing in awe at the Tower of London

Today I was touched by history. For weeks, Charlie and I have been reading about the poppies that are being placed around the Tower of London. The installation, called “Blood Swept Lands And Seas Of Red,” is made up of 888,246 poppies – one for each of the British and Commonwealth soldiers killed in World War I. 

I have to admit that reading "In Flanders Fields" meant little or nothing to me in high school; however, the poem took on new meaning today as I looked out over a sea of poppies and reflected on what they stood for.

"In Flanders Fields" is a war poem written during the First World War by Canadian physician Lieutenant Colonel John McCrae. 

In Flanders fields the poppies blow
      Between the crosses, row on row,
   That mark our place; and in the sky
   The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.

We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
   Loved and were loved, and now we lie
         In Flanders fields.

Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
   The torch; be yours to hold it high.
   If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
         In Flanders fields.


Inspired by "In Flanders Fields", American professor Moina Michael resolved at the war's conclusion in 1918 to wear a red poppy year-round to honor the soldiers who died in the war and later penned this poem.

We Shall Keep the Faith

Oh! you who sleep in Flanders Fields,
Sleep sweet - to rise anew!
We caught the torch you threw
And holding high, we keep the Faith With All who died.

We cherish, too, the poppy red
That grows on fields where valor led;
It seems to signal to the skies That blood of heroes never dies,
But lends a lustre to the red
Of the flower that blooms above the dead In Flanders Fields.

And now the Torch and Poppy Red
We wear in honor of our dead.
Fear not that ye have died for naught;
We'll teach the lesson that ye wrought In Flanders Fields.

After a year and a half of planning and dreaming, we're off!

Eight months ago today I was sitting at St. Dominic's surrounded by family and friends while we waited for Charlie to come out of open heart surgery. Eight months later, we are flying to London where we will see as much as can be squeezed into 6 days, and Charlie will immerse himself in the history of the Brits.  My traveling friends know I love different cultures, the people, and the beautiful scenery. I do not have my husband's love of history; however, for our 6 days in London and our 12 days wandering around England, Scotland and Wales, I will be taking in the history. 

We land in London tomorrow around noon. After making our way through customs, we hope to reach our hotel, drop our luggage off and go straight to Westminster Abbey. We want to take the 90 minute verger led tour, and then take a cruise on the Thames River. Of course, there is a plan B and a plan C. 

Hope you will follow us as we wander through historical places and beautiful countryside.  Keep calm and carry on!

https://www.facebook.com/blpearce