Finally after a week and a half of work- yes, even if it were the Olympic Games- I was so ready for a looooong break away from being a super PA. Let's just say, I was everywhere and anywhere I was needed. So, in return, I want a vacation where I need not to worry about a thing. The deal: my sister does all the planning and decision-making for our Europe trip this time. For the most part, I didn't know where we were going or what we were doing until someone or something hinted our next destination...so in full trust, I caught the next Ivy's Private Tour out of London!
But, where to? It wasn't that much of a surprise when she had asked the train station customer service if we could make it on the next train to Manchester. Even so, I knew Europe was a pain for foreigners who would like to pre-purchase any transportation. Even with her visa card, she couldn't buy the tickets online, so the only other option was to purchase at the station. Problem? There's no discount buying in person! So what is the real message here? It's only on sale for Europeans. Thanks for the hospitality! Anyways, as I was saying, back at the ticketing machine, we bought our ride to Manchester and ran like the wind to catch the train in time.
(can you spot the Vancovuer 2010 presence?)
With the hopes of finding a decently-priced GPS down the drain, we had to go by the Google screenshots that I had suggested Ivy to take the night before. Honestly, it's a great idea when you can count on constant data service and recharging of phone when necessary, but without both, Google GPS is definitely not a Plan A. As always, it’s too late to do anything about that, so we just had to go with what we had. Surprisingly, under those circumstances, it went quite well. With my map-reading and her driving skills- that was the best combination as the reverse was just a horrendous attempt- we soon arrived at our first destination.
Not wanting to know where we were heading, I could only make brilliant guesses upon seeing highway and attraction signs. Though I did see them miles away, it didn’t occur to me what we were in this tiny little township of Lake District for until I got to the door of the Beatrix Potter Emporium. For the life of me, I never remembered this name. As a crazy Harry Potter fan, I automatically related this to HP as it had the word “Potter” in it. How horribly wrong was I? But of course, a glance of this iconic bunny, I knew. Ever since I was little, I’ve always loved her illustrations within the little books! My memory keeps serving up this doodle from “The Two Bad Mice”. How cute were they when they broke into the doll house, and destroyed the dinner table filled with plastic plates? And the adorable bunny with the blue jacket? It’s almost impossible not to know this series of mini adventures- yet, again, I was surprised to find out le BF had no idea what I was talking about. So, I had to get him the one and only original “The Tale of Peter Rabbit” for souvenir. Finally, he’s getting out of “France-Only”- I hope.
(Peter Rabbit getting ready to venture the world!)
But anyway, the emporium had tons of scenes from the various stories, and it reminded me of how each children’s story had a theme to learn. Perfect way for them to be slowly poured into the empty young minds of the youth. It also had a cute little garden and a café to have some afternoon tea. As we did arrive later than expected, by the time we sat down to enjoy their massive scones with homemade cream and jam, they were just about getting ready to close. I do have to say, they did a yummy job with them scones & fillings. I haven’t had something quite worth mentioning in a long while, but so, this one was definitely among one of the best- after Secret Garden, of course. So, hoppidy-hop, we were on our way to the next destination.
(Look at her, taking her sweet time while the servers waited...)
(We couldn’t help but notice how many people were giving in to the fish & chips of this particular restaurant called Seafarers, so we had to try it. Though, by then, I was already starting to ban all fish & chips intake, but what the heck? We’re in UK. Plus, I could go for some nice and hot fries draped with home-made gravy. *Drool*)
Driving into the sunset, I was starting to wonder where in the world we were going. Then, finally, we found the super hidden bed & breakfast called “2 The Crofts” in Northumberland. First thing, I had to park the car properly to avoid blocking the driveway. But seriously, I haven’t driven much in the last 3 years. Don’t even mention parking a car with the opposite-side steering wheel. Then, what do you know? Not as horrible as I had expected. Though, the only worry was that I’d step on the gas pedal too hard and back right into the living room of the house. Totally possible, but didn’t happen thanks to my amazing on-call driving skills.
(knocking on some random person's door...)
This place was amazing! I’ve never stayed at a Bed & Breakfast before, so I didn’t know what to expect. We were swiftly greeted by the owner and directed to our room on the second floor. Come to think of it, with at least 3 or 4 guest rooms, this must be a huge house. What a cute feeling to be staying at the house of a total stranger who doesn’t mind at all! After that short introduction, we were left to our own for the night. The house felt quite old, but definitely renovated because the en-suite washroom was almost brand new. We also had access a small table of necessities, with a tiny fridge housing a jug of milk. Just adorable. Having done nothing at all, the time sure flew and we were hungry again. Thanks to the invention of instant noodles, we were saved for the night.
(cute and homey, eh?)
The next morning was the perfect morning. While still lying in bed, I could hear a faint sound of children’s laughter and the gentle cling-clang of dishes. Making my way down the stairs, the aroma of breakfast filled the air. A waft of freshly-popped toast and bacon sizzling on the stove top. I couldn’t have been more excited to wake up! Mind you, breakfast for the last two weeks in the hotel was less than enjoyable. Despite the wide selection of scrumptiousness, the hustle and bustle of the busy dining area almost created a sort of unnecessary panic or rush. But anyway *taking a big chalk erasing to wipe out that memory*, we had the opportunity to read the guestbook and decide where to go next. Apparently, we were pretty close to Hadrian’s Wall- a world heritage site not to be missed. So, after a quick tidying, we loaded the car and charged for these ancient Roman walls.
(I want to have breakfast here everyday!)
(almost felt like a dream breakfast in some dream land)
Although not on our itinerary, the Hadrian’s Wall was an interesting visit. The site had many ruins of what used to be the living quarters of a Roman defense army, with a rather small bathhouse and meeting hall. Honestly, I couldn’t have been more glad to be a person of this time. Yes, there was no doubt in the calmness of such scenery, and how relaxing it must have been to live by the riverside. But to me, it felt like Stone Age. I know it wasn’t that far back, but it sure felt like it to someone who demanded a certain level of comfort and pampering. Then again, a person of that time wouldn’t have known any different. Regardless, I’m glad to be in the now.
(what's this building? Oh, the kitchen eh...)
Next stop was a must for all HP fans: Alnwick Castle & Garden. Many scenes, including the first HP broomstick flying lesson took place on these grounds. It was almost a surreal feeling, knowing that this was where HP began, where the imagination took shape. But of course, let’s not forget the real history behind this castle. A medieval fortress, it was built to withstand any army. The castle gateway in the picture below had never been successfully breached. Of course, within a few meters, it had at least 20 defense mechanisms, including random pockets where weapons of all sorts can be ejected and full-on fire or water drowning from above. Just listening to all the different stages to which an attacker would suffer should he decide to charge this gate, it gave me chills.
(who's up for a quick lesson?)
(THIS is the tunnel of death...)
After following the ground tour briefly, we skipped the rest to venture the castle. Can you imagine the family of dukedom still lived here? For the past 700 years, they had maintained the castle and its surroundings. Suppose the family returns around 6pm every day, so all visitors have to be evacuated. I thought the guard was only kidding, but seeing how the Library had turned into a chillax place with a flat-screen TV and a whole table of booze, a logical person would know he was telling the truth. Nonetheless, it was quite a site to see all whole room of super old books! Apparently, some originals could be found right here! I had this image of me touching one of them only to find it turn into dust the next moment because it was too fragile. But of course, they had thought of a solution: a temperature-controlled environment to properly preserve the books. Brilliant, except I don’t think anyone enjoys them in this room anymore. Unfortunately.
(What a beautiful weather for a stroll at the castle)
To be fair, the Garden was certainly a rank below the beauty of Château de Vaux-le-Vicomte. Possibly because it was overly packed with people, it didn't give me the same feeling of grandness and elegance. But Vaux-le-Vicomte didn’t have a “Poison Garden” filled with plants that could kill slowly, quickly, painlessly or with a vengeance. How mysteriously scary, eh? I’m telling you, our tour guide could be the most dangerous person ever, knowing exactly what, when, where and how of all these plants. It does tempt me to do more research *evil grin* Just kidding!
(super adorable baby exploring the garden...)
(Queen of Poison Ivy)
(One of the largest treehouses in the world, except it's CLOSED when we visit. Why does it always happen to meeeeeeeeeeeee?)
The day was slipping away hastily, and so we had to be on our way. It didn’t take long for me to find out our next destination as the signs began counties before: Edinburgh. That reminded me of us driving through this little town of maybe 5 streets. You know how some scary movies begin with travelers stopping at a small village for directions or whatnot. But seeing how it was such a sunny afternoon, this quiet UK town should be safe. So we parked in front of a convenience store for a quick restock of water and refreshments. Not long, we were on full-speed to Edinburgh.
(how cute~ but all in my belly anyway :P)
(Our ride for the trip! Still remember that funky smell from the vent...)
(the world is our playground!)
(the most satisfying meal ever!)