I've had some comments from family members about all the castle pictures we've been sending so here's a change of pace! Today was spent following the King Arthur legend! It has always fascinated me and there are sites all over Britain that claim a connection to him. Unfortunately, we couldn't see them all! That will be the next trip!We started our day with a visit to Tintagel - the supposed birthplace of Arthur (although the castle on the site post dates his birth). It wasn't too hard to imagine this being true as we walked down a very steep hill to reach the base of another very steep hill!! The castle sits perched on the cliffs on the coast of Cornwall with waves crashing on the rocks belong. We were there early enough that we were the only people and didn't have "tourists" sucking up the mystery and mysticism in the air!
We had a lovely visit with Dad's cousin Paul and Hilary. They live in a great old schoolhouse with a spectacular view of Somerset fields and valleys! Too have that out your window every day...!! We have been seeing Britain through a tourist's eyes (although I really hate to admit that I have been a tourist!!) and Paul and Hillary provided us with a different perspective and more insight as to why people would leave this beautiful country. Social conditions aren't good in many areas and people are disillusioned and discontent. Owning a home is virtually unattainable for so many and housing costs in those regions we have loved so much are soaring. Those lovely little cottages are out of reach for the average person as they are snapped up by the wealthy and the tourist agencies. I had a few moments of guilt for being a part of this cycle.
We would have loved to stay longer but time was ticking and we had more we wanted to do before the day ended. On to Glastonbury and more mystic vibes! The town is a quirky combination of New Age and h
istory! You can walk by buildings from the 17th century and find a shop offering tours of Avalon or psychic readings! We spent some time at Glastonbury Abbey and found these two sites in the photos. We had toured several abbeys and priories already so while the architecture was amazing (as was the light and shadow on the ruins!), it was this connection to Arthur that hooked me! And, after visiting so many of the castles that King Edward was instrumental in building, his connection in this story felt like "a friend of a friend"!
istory! You can walk by buildings from the 17th century and find a shop offering tours of Avalon or psychic readings! We spent some time at Glastonbury Abbey and found these two sites in the photos. We had toured several abbeys and priories already so while the architecture was amazing (as was the light and shadow on the ruins!), it was this connection to Arthur that hooked me! And, after visiting so many of the castles that King Edward was instrumental in building, his connection in this story felt like "a friend of a friend"!Avebury was our final destination for the day. We arrived just before dusk so the sky had that lovely soft glow. The "tourists" had gone home and we were alone to meet the stones. Perhaps that is why this visit was far more powerful for me than Stonehenge. We walked down a path that wound through the woods and into the village and there they were, sitting as they have for thousands and thousands of years (2500 BC!). Homes sit on the edge of the site but it seems very natural and makes more sense than glitzy visitors' centres. Can you imagine looking out everyday and seeing these ancient monuments?! It's almost overwhelming to be standing in prehistoric sites like this. You can't help but feel extremely insignificant! These stones have survived for centuries and continue to be magnificent. This and the fact that it was our last evening in Britain made it a very awe-inspiring and moving experience. This was the Britain I have grown to love!
