Leaving the loverly roasty, toasty, balmy 30+ degree summer days of Melbourne to travel to the other side of the planet to a nippy 3 degrees seemed kinda crazy, but Daryle had a work thing in London so we packed our waterproof boots and off we did go.
It’s been an utterly MAGICAL visit to the United Kingdom (writing the first draft on the plane home)…
Eleven chilly days roaming the English countryside: cushioned in a thousand woolly layers, tearing down windy narrow country lanes in our rented jeep, mud flying as we navigate through deep sloshy puddles (Daryle rather enjoyed this you could tell by the satisfied smirk on his face), The Beatles blaring, us both singing along cheerily. The lack of sunshine did not deter us one iota, in fact we rather gratefully manifest uncharacteristically easy weather, albeit cold, we did not get drenched or snowed in even once! Ha!
Staying in the sleepy wee village of Selborne, in Hampshire, we lodged in a cosy stone cottage complete with fire and bathtub, directly across the road from the Selborne Arms with its grand fireplace and cosy nooks we were very well situated. We walked the ancient zig zag path to Selborne common, chatted at length with Robert from the local pottery studio and of course I purchased a new polka dot ‘cuppa tea’ mug from his happy studio.
We took the train to London, rode the double decker bus around the sights pointing out well known buildings, ooohed and ahhhed and cruised down the Thames past history and modern shards alike. We traipsed through Winchester, Salisbury and walked the hills to magical Stonehenge, (twice, just cos) soaking in her ancient mysteries, hungry for the secrets to avail themselves to us. And of course they did!
Glastonbury too, with her ancient stories of Avalon and King Arthur caught our imagination as we happened upon a kind of early morn spring ceremony in the mists up on the legendary Tor. Feeling the potent energy of mother earth herself, bubbling beneath our feet and the icy air on our faces we were completely entranced by the local wizard as he reminded us of nature’s truth and spirit.
And even though we only covered a small area of England on this trip, we left with our hearts full and sparkly sparkles in our eyes...
PHOTOS: From top to botttom: Our cottage in Selborne and the unique historic cottages with fairy like mushroom roofs, the village church and Selborne pottery where I spent time talking with Robert Goldsmith the potter, and purchased my beloved polka dot tea cup!, Winchester and its magnificent cathedral where many people including Jane Austen are buried. Salisbury and Stonehenge (the magnificent sunset over Stonehenge was breathtaking) London and all things inner London town including Daryle eating THE BEST pasty ever!, Glastonbury: Village shops, Glastonbury Abbey where King Arthur and Lady Guinivere were supposedly laid to rest, Glastonbury Tor and the Chalice well. Last walks in the village.
My Favouritist things:
As you may know, I eat a plant based diet for the most part, however I LOVE LOVE LOVE a good Fish and chips so it didn’t take me long to scope out a great chippy within 10 minutes of our cosy cottage. Scrumptious!!! Two small Cod and chips to go please!!!!
The wee mushroom like thatched roof cottages (from another time, well literally) that filled our village, complete with their gnome sized doors hung with herbal wreaths they tickled me every time one came into view. The full on feeling that we had stepped into a Harry Potter set or that I would turn around to see Jane Austen marching out from the misty trees frowning, or that Beatrix Potters Mrs Tiggy Winkle would totter round the corner her wee basket full of clean washing…The visual experience was delightful in every way.
Glastonbury Tor which we traversed early in the morning to partake in a Spring equinox circle, standing on this sacred ground where ley lines cross it was an uplifting experience and has stayed with us.
Something that inevitably happens to me as a creative when I travel is that I crave my studio, I miss the ability to create in wee moments… make a card, sketch an idea, potter with my paints and make a clay form. Creativity is not only in the grand gestures for me, but also in the pocket-sized callings that I answer on a daily basis. Sometimes just being amidst my art supplies even. Do not underestimate the power of small creative actions, the faithful actions that remind us that we are more than the physical bodies we inhabit, we are soooo much more. So yes, I am looking forward to taking the travel inspirations and magick back into my play space and see what comes forth, I long for it after being away, and I believe it longs for me as well…
Your words paint the picture so beautifully! Can feel your experience
lovely to see you enjoying life!😍