Before I resume our UK story, let me spend a brief minute on today's activity, being Disneyland Paris, or better known back home as EuroDisney. I will only spend a minute, as while a great experience for the usual fun-park reasons, I think we have realised that fun parks are not for us. Perhaps Seaworld with its live animals and shows, but that is all! From 10am to 7.30pm...a marathon effort for us all, followed by a 40 minute train and then what seemed like another 40 minutes following the 'sortie' signs out of Chatelet station. Sasha loved it as she has the height and courage to go on the most nerve-wracking rides, but for Sam, only 6, and Will with a terrible fear of speed and height, the options were limited. And as our kids get older, the world of imagination and Disney characters diminishes. Moral of the story...when in Paris, stay in Paris!!
Having said all that, the parks are amazing and the facilities, choices and service first-class!
Well as you probably know by now, our UK adventure has drawn to a close and we had the most fantastic time. It has been very busy and crowded given peak holiday season in the UK, however this has not diminished from our experience (the queues, perhaps a little), but added enormously to the atmosphere. The language we heard the least was English!
When we left you last, we were headed to Bath, where I was (together with many others I'm sure) in search of Mr Darcy. While no luck there, my expectations were exceeded by the beautiful countryside and romantic architecture. Bath itself is a bustling university town, with great restaurants, shops and gardens, but it is the classic 'Circle' and 'Royal Crescent' architecture that is synonymous with the town, and truly captures your imagination and sense of history, and Jane Austen story-telling! On approach into Bath, we were so lucky to come across a magnificant property called Dyrham Park, home to an absolutely spectactular estate, site of films such as Remains of the Day and Sense and Sensibility. I was in heaven....and the kids just loved the grounds, history and the deer!!
Another observation in certain parts of England, was that a class system still does exist! This was particularly and humorously played out in Bath, when we were playing in an open, public park near the Royal Cresent. Separating this park and the homes along the Royal Cresent was a more manicured lawn and low iron gates..that actually led around to the open, public gate through which we entered. Much to our amusement along came the 'jolly good show' set with their Ralph Lauren Polo shirts, remote control helicopter, Scottish terrier and keys! Our kids oblivious to the 'system' happily went to climb the wall between the manicured and less-manicured lawns, to play with the dog that had come over to them. It was a matter of seconds before one of the 'residents' came over and without acknowledging the kids, collected their dog. I felt like shouting..."we have a big house in Camberwell with a pool...and a poodle!!" Oh well, each to their own! It felt like we were stepping back in time.
Here are some beautiful photos (more to follow), note the different grass areas!
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