Today is a public holiday in England. The day was set aside to commemorate St. Stephen who was the first Christian martyr. Later, it became a chance for the rich to give gift to the poor and the working class, especially any servants in the household. When I asked our hosts, Ben and Wendy, how it was celebrated today, they gave a couple of different descriptions. One said it has become the biggest shopping day with many merchants opening their shops with big sales. (We noticed that most of the shops in town here did not open up today). The other said that because Christmas day was viewed as a holy day, gifts were not opened because it was a day for worship. The following day Boxing Day became the day which everyone would open their gifts. Now even that has changed and it is a day to go and visit extended relatives.
We stayed around the house today. It was sunny again but very cold. Temperatures are supposed to drop over the weekend, but no snow or rain for us. Tim worked on his dissertation, while Sierra and I played with Florence. I have a little sore throat that I hope will go away.
Sierra is tired of travelling, good thing we are headed home
Sierra and Westminster Abbey
Heather in front of Westminster Abbey
Sierra and Tim with Big Ben
London Eye
Sierra and London Bridge
The Tower of London behind us
Our first class train ride from Birmingham to London
Our mini snowman with English snow
We're smiling because our tummies are full of warm fish and chips
Sierra enjoying her fish and chips
Tim and his authentic fish and chips
One of the costumed characters describing the 1920s
Village shops
The frozen canal boats
Trying to write on her slate
A serious student
Tim and Sierra in front of the Tilted Cottage
Castle in Clitheroe
Clitheroe Friends Meeting House
Pendle Hill
Two peas in a pod - an English one and an American one
Warwick pathways
Fountain in Peacock Garden
Inside castle tower
Outside view of Great Hall from castle walls
Standing with Henry VIII
Knight inside Great Hall
In front of Warwick Castle
Sierra on the grounds of Woodbrooke Quaker Study Centre
3 comments:
Everything sounds so exciting. I am so glad that all three of you get to embrace such a wonderful experience together. Loved talking with you both on Christmas day! Love & Hugs-
I love, love, love your blog! I have been behind reading due to the snow here...it's been awful!!
Kevin helps me with the last half of my route after attempting to deliver his. Our usual delivery time is 6-7 hours - before snow a normal route (for each of us) is 2 - 2 1/2 hours. I work at the store from noon 'til 5, so not a lot of time for the regular Christmas prep.
We are hopeful for an end to this tomorrow or Sunday! Rain, please come soon..
Take care and looking forward to more posts from you :-)
Love,Jill
I finally remembered you guys were on your trip. I think our freezing weather and snow have effected my brain. Sounds like an adventure to say the least. You caught my attention with the bacon wrapped sausages. We might put you in charge of those on our next McLeland Camping Trip.
The Pictures were great. Have fun on the rest of your trip.
Cousin Mike
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