Blogs from Hampshire, England, United Kingdom, Europe - page 3

After witnessing yesterday‘s epic traffic/gridlock at Waterloo Bridge, my brain would simply NOT shut off during the night, trying to calculate the best way for me to catch this morning’s train to Winchester. Every mode had risks: the Tube involved carrying my large, heavy case on stairs at each end, all surface-modes involved rush hour. So, after about three hours’ sleep, I showered, packed up, woke Fae for a hug, and took off for Waterloo Station at dawn. Naturally, I caught the first bus and arrived a ridiculous two hours early. However, I made the most of my time, ensconcing myself at a luxury mezzanine cafe, enjoying Eggs Florentine and a latte while watching the mayhem on the station floor below.... Tonight I’m in a cozy Air BnB room near the rail station, and have spent ... read more

We got on the 10:15 bus for Alton on 15 May. The No.38 brought us to Selborne in 40 minutes. We got off on the B3006 road, and walked past the village café and the village hall. There were a number of thatched roof houses as described on Gilbert White’s book. Gilbert White House with Oates Collections Dr Gilbert White’s house was on the B3006 road. We paid £10 each for the admission fees. At the Orientation Room, we were informed that Gilbert White House was the home for Revered Gilbert White and visitors can find his and his family’s memorabilia, and because of the later extension, the house acquired collections of documents of two very different explorers of the natural world: Captain Lawrence Oates who undertook the epic journey to the Antarctica with Captain Scott; ... read more

Our journey begins; a return to Malaysia We left home on Tuesday under unseasonal grey skies. Murcia airport is right by the sea on the Mar Menor, the ‘little sea’ next to the Mediterranean on the southern Costa Blanca. We have lived in this part of Spain for twenty years now and it is the first time we have seen white caps on dark grey/green waves on the Mar Menor; on the Med yes, but never before on the little sea. Despite this and a bumpy start, the journey to Heathrow was fine. One forgets how good BA short-haul flights are compared to the usual economy lines (more leg room and a food tray that is not in your lap!) We landed ten minutes early and the rucksacks came through quickly. A good start! The weather ... read more

On our way to pick up a cruise to Norway via a stopover in Winchester. A quick cruise up to the Arctic Circle to try and spot the Northern Lights in Alta, Norway. Just four Norwegian ports. Cheers... read more

Today was a driving day. We left Wells after breakfast and made some stops on our way to Southhampton. The first was at Stourhead. This is a big property with beautiful gardens. There were already quite a few people in the carpark as we parked our car, and some already in the gardens. The house did not open until 11am, so we started in the gardens. The weather was fine and the sun was coming out, so a good day! The gardens were lovely to walk through. A large lake invited us to take photos including the reflection of the buildings and trees on the water. Around the lake there are many small buildings- grottos, temples and cottages. We were surprised that you couldn’t see the house from the gardens, or the gardens with the pond ... read more