Anne’s View

Not sure where to start??

We left New Zealand on the 24th of August for Denver. We were very lucky in that we had 4 flights to Denver and all were early or on time. How is that for a record?? All flights were good and fairly smooth. We arrived exhausted and had trouble adjusting to the altitude. What a difference almost 7000 feet make and getting older does not help.

We had a wonderful but hectic 2 weeks in Colorado visiting family and friends and shopping of course. No down time here, seemed that we were always on the go. Then it was off to Minnesota to visit more family and friends. Also, stopped in Omaha to visit old friends from school. Again it was great but seemed to be a lot of talking, eating and sitting—I should say laughing too!! It was great seeing everyone but as always the older you get the more you notice the ones that were missing this trip.

On September 15 we flew to London and started the holiday part of the trip. Although just getting the rental car and getting out of London seemed like hard WORK!! But we made it to Chichester and an apartment that we love and were happy to come back to. Got in and fell asleep for 12 hours and woke up the next morning ready to tackle the sights!!

We went to Chichester Cathedral and while there attended a free concert—piano and clarinet sonata by Brahms and another piece. Very interesting. Then it was on to the remains of a Roman Palace, Fishbourne, It was amazing—the size and the mosaic floors were unbelievable. Based on the footprint of the foundations it WAS bigger than Buckingham Palace.

The next day we went to tour Arundel Castel. Absolutely amazing—the original keep dates from 1066—Norman conquest!! This place it still owned by the family and is in pristine condition. It takes 4-5 hours to tour and if the bodies and brains had kept up we could have stayed longer.

We drove from Chichester to Brighton to see the Royal Pavilion. What a disappointment—the town seemed dirty and run down and the Royal Pavilion was closed for rearranging of exhibits?? Then we drove on to Hastings where we are staying in a little cottage apartment aptly called “Dippy Cottage”, a bit quirky but it works and the hostess is great!!

I decided that I needed a day of down time, so Robert went to Bodiam Castle by himself.

Yesterday we walked the Battle of Hastings battle field, what an experience.

Today was Anne of Cleves house!! Just love the history!! So this is our last day in England. Tomorrow AM we are off to France. Next chapter will be from there.

Oh and the weather you ask?? Well, let us just say like Goldie Locks and the Three Bears—Colorado was way too hot–0ne day 97 degrees, Nebraska and Minnesota were too cool and rainy but you guessed it—Jolly Old England is just right—perfect autumnal temperatures and the most gorgeous blue skies!! Who could ask for more??