Aren't they just about the most English place names you've ever heard? The names are only rivaled by the history and architecture, let me tell you.
The morning started with a delightful breakfast spread and Rhys and Louise's. Full on B&B treatment - so unexpected and so sweet! Then we followed Rhys' walking directions along the Avon River to the Tewkesbury Abbey. While that sounds like something easy and not worth mentioning, it isn't. You see, I typically can't take in verbal directions and teachings. I'm a visual learner and struggle to remember anything verbally presented. But as established in the last post, Rhys and I are similar enough as humans that he speaks a language I understand. Directions complete with landmarks and visual cues for making turns! I could paint a picture in my mind as he talked and had no issues recollecting it and leading us there. Was this my Catholic Miracle fresh from St Winifride's Well??? You can't rule it out!
Tewkesbury Cathedral is like 1000+ years old and one of the finest examples of Norman architecture in Britain. (Romanesque style is before the Gothic period and the architecture features thick walls, rounded arches vs pointed, symmetrical design with sturdy pillars and barrel vaults).
It has a long and interesting history - not devoid of bloodshed - but these days seems to play host to events featuring art and craft, theatre and games, childrens fun and more... something for the whole community to partake in. Honestly, it was a breath of fresh air as I had gotten used to the usual Catholic experience with strong smells of incense and mustiness, quiet and cool cathedrals that are empty and grounds that lack life and love ... and scream "find the money to maintain me better!"
A walk through Tewkesbury with it's beautiful and crooked Tudor style buildings would not be complete without coffee and cake. And a quick stop to pick out a silver charm for my bracelet!
By lunch time we were headed to Bath. I thought Mark would enjoy something super British and Roman, yet different from the other sights I had navigated us to all week. The baths of Bath!
Incredibly touristy but worth the stop. We meandered while listening to the audio guide. Took pictures and learned a crazy amount too.
Call me crazy, but I was EXCITED to find a nice hotel near Heathrow and have some downtime. Repacking, refueling and relaxing before tomorrows flight seemed the perfect way to end the day - the week - the whole trip.
Mentally, I was ready to go home. The call of the fur-babies was strong!
And then... the fun began...
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