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Camino 2023
  • Linda Marieskind

Camino 2023

I committed to doing a second Camino as soon as I came to the end of my journey six years ago. At that time I was still working, my time was limited so I only completed about 300 ks. This time I'm walking the whole Camino, 780 kms. Read more
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  • Linda MarieskindCamino 2023Traveler
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    Zariquiegui to Uterga

    May 18, 2023 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 17 °C

    Up up up I followed Rachel to the top of El Perdon where the iron pilgrims wait for us to take pics. The wind almost took poor Rachel, as I photographed her, we were so pleased to get there, to reach such a pinnacle!

    I then hit myself horribly lost and ended up doing 11 kms instead of just 7 to get here to uterga...with the gusting wind At my back ot was a bit of a struggle to stay upright! Hehe..who knew?

    Enjoyed chat and dinner with Tim, Laurie, Helena (from Portland Oregon, and Denzil...from Brisbane.    Read more

  • Linda MarieskindCamino 2023Traveler
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    Uterga to puente la reina

    May 19, 2023 in Spain ⋅ 🌬 16 °C

    Different opinions on how far I walked today, let's say around 8 kms, mostly all down with a few small ups...got a bit lost in Ubanos, such a quiet village...with beautiful homes and some falling into disrepair. Again the scenery just fabulous and I noted the olive trees and how they've been pruned.

    What a beautiful environment to live in... Many people commute to work in the bigger cities. Shared bege gardens looking amazing coming into Puente la Reina township. I said hola to a group of Argentinian women architects who are enjoying the buildings and working out how to replicate or change some things.. we did some stretching exercises together which was fun took some photos and off we all went..

    The albergue here has a big kitchen but not well serviced, the stove tops taking forever to boil water for my spaghetti.    Read more

  • Linda MarieskindCamino 2023Traveler
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    Uterga to maneru

    May 21, 2023 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 10 °C

    Well yesterday the walk up the hill was so steep it was all I could do to stay upright! On top of that I had developed a sore throat, trip to a pharmacy to get medication. I made it though. Today I'm taking the bus to Estelle and have booked in for 3 days to get myself better, as it's no fun having to pack up everyday and cope with reduced energy.
    I met some people from Argentina who now live in Florida and they had to ask me the question "how old are you! " They were amazed.. I don't think it so amazing...but thére you are they insisted on a photograph...then were on their way.    Read more

  • Linda MarieskindCamino 2023Traveler
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    Ayegui

    May 22, 2023 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 12 °C

    Resting for a few days to get over a cold...I arrived here by bus to Estella and then taxi to this albergue in Ayegui where I could stay for three nights. Not a lot of the albergues allow more than one night hence coming here.

    As I was waiting for the bus I took a couple of photos of the square where I sat, watching the tenants come and go, so different in a small village where everyone knows each other...some are happy to see you others grumpy if you say hola.. but it's the general thing to do, and if one adds "quetal", the face lights up " muy Bien" e tu"…mucho Bien gracias...sets us up for a good conversation.

     Another thing I've noticed is that people have firm boundaries in that they focus on one thing at a time and you wait for service people to finish what they are doing before asking for anything else,.. otherwise they get grumpy. I'm not explaining that very well

    On the way I got to take a photo of one of the wee towns I missed Ceraque, again I think my spelling is wrong...just an amazing town on top of a hill... Famous for many things but one pilgrims love is the free wine that pours out of a fountain...hehe! The other night time photo is the view from my room at this albergue...a bit hazy but an idea of Estella from above.    Read more

  • Linda MarieskindCamino 2023Traveler
    1Today's road
    Leaving AyeguiRoad out of Ayegui1

    Ayegui to Villamayor de Monjardin

    May 25, 2023 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 13 °C

    In recovery mode, I headed out of Ayegui this morning around 7 a.m. I made it to Villamayor by 10.30 just over three hours to cover 8 kms, but again all uphill ..the weather has been ok to begin warm, but the clouds have come and temperature has once again dropped. The constant up was tiring but my what views, the countryside just bursting with vibrant growth...grapes, wheat, poppys and vege just so much to take in.

    It was good to get out of bed, to say cheerio to Francesco, the hospitalier who looked after me for days and let me stay on. I had taken a walk on my second sick day to the supermarket in Ayegui and got myself some vegan food which he happily added to his "salad" for me. I sorely needed some vegan protein.

    The road up to Villamayor was a it constant up as I said, so every 50 metres or so, I had to take a break to catch my breath. I'd find a seat somewhere and park myself. So many pilgrims stop to ask if I'm ok, which is lovely and very supportive and encouraging.

    I thought as it was so early when I got here that I could keep going the next stop Los Arcus, 13 km away, but sitting, talking to a lass from Maryland US...whose mother she told me is a hypochondriac..said her mother would say don't overdo it because you can get sick again. .. so I stayed..I have to say though I was in two minds.

    I lit quite a few candles in the old church and quietly sent up some prayers for everyone's health comfort and peace, my own included! I have foregone the pleasure of climbing to the top today ( another hour) to see the castle ruins...it's very very old 12 century owned by king Sancho garces..a very famous king of Navarre.

    Tonight, we will dine altogether on a pilgrim menu all prepared by volunteers from the Netherlands again.    Read more

  • Linda MarieskindCamino 2023Traveler
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    Los Arcos

    May 26, 2023 in Spain ⋅ ☁️ 21 °C

    I left Villamaria at 8.10 a m. And walked through the beautiful fields for the next 13 kms to arrive here in Los Arcos. I tried to get a sense of the very old albergue I stayed in last night with a couple of pics, but they're a bit blurred.
    The rest of the photos today are of the beautiful surroundings as we walked. Jessie I met on the trail, from Colorado, was very kind and shared some time and resources with me. After she walked on she came back to me and put some flowers in my hair, "heart's desire" she said, and she was off again. This is as it happens on the Camino. We are all fleeting companions.    Read more

  • Linda MarieskindCamino 2023Traveler
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    Palacio Albergue Sansol

    May 28, 2023 in Spain ⋅ ☀️ 15 °C

    Here in Sansol just a 6 km walk from Los Arcos, I arrived at Palacio de Sansol. This was a 17th century ruin, bought by a retired chemistry professor and refurbished at a cost of over one million euros. That's around 1.75 million nzd!

    He obviously had a vision, and this 78 year old still does all the cooking for guests every night. I was glad to be here and bought a luxurious single room for a couple of nights.

    On my way into Sansol, I again met Jessie who had stayed here last night, again she offered me resources and fruit, asking if there was anything else she could do for me, I think I reminded her of her mum. She's a lovely young woman and I wish her all good things. I really did look so bedraggled.

    As the weather heats up, I'm gonna have to pack my jacket which I've been trying around my chest for ease of carrying. I'm having my back pack transported for now to make it easier.    Read more

  • Linda MarieskindCamino 2023Traveler
    5Goodbye to Sansol Palacio1My pod at winederfulA seat madam?The dining area, the gloves light up at night1

    Logrono

    May 30, 2023 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 17 °C

    Today I set my sights on Logrono, a bus ride from this beautiful Palacio. I go to "Winederful" hostel there for three days while I explore the museums, churches, art of the city. In the heart of wine country, there are plenty of day trips to the vineyards but I'll be doing my trip to an olive Grove.

    Once arriving here at Logrono and a two km walk from the bus...and Two hours waiting for the albergue to open at 3pm so now in my sleep pod. Very clean sheets, pillow cases and towel at 30 euros a night.. logrono is a huge town, city really so after a rest I will go explore....

    So, I got lost with another two hours out of my day I bought some food to prepare dinner after finally making it back. One of the other walkers had a good laugh at my bad luck so passing her on my way in she took my advice and was back at the hostel in ten minutes, still laughing at my sense of geography! She is Donna from the gold coast in Australia!    Read more

  • Linda MarieskindCamino 2023Traveler

    Day in Logrono

    May 31, 2023 in Spain ⋅ ☁️ 24 °C

    What a day, this place is huge! So many places to see and visit with no tourist bus around.. ..I'll post the pics of today so far so a visual idea of the place may be seen I started off with morning tea at a cafe..or breakfast as they call it here...orange juice, cafe, tostada's with apricot jam?
    Walked past a dress shop very upmarket...I wouldn't shop in there but thought my sister's and daughters and daughters in law would like to see the fashion .

    I then visited the Cathedral to light some candles for all of us, listened to a bit of the service before continuing down to the tourist office, fortunately finding the "Museo o de la Rioja" showing a fascinating history of the region and focusing on some of the amazing women of the area too.

    I came across a fountain in the middle of a roundabout and quickly was lost! But found the medieval tower which was also fascinating...a beautiful video played on the wall of the round tower dating back to. 12th century.    Read more

  • Linda MarieskindCamino 2023Traveler
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    Today in Logrono

    May 31, 2023 in Spain ⋅ ☁️ 21 °C

    After my walk this morning into the afternoon, the heat was stifling so back to hostel to prepare dinner. Slept all late afternoon, and felt a bit let down that the day was almost gone.

    But that's recovery for you in Logrono. A lot of pilgrims feel the heat and wish they had started out earlier in the day.

    I met lovely Zoe from California who shared her electrolyte tablets with me as I arrived yesterday. Today she turned in when I was talking to Donna from over the ditch to help out with a query, my sim card won't let me call businesses...and I have to go to a separate website to buy minutes then go to the original seller of the sim to top up! So annoying. Same issue that you had oor Annie, I think. How does the sim know that I'm calling a business?

    I wanted to post a few more photos from today's walkabout before I settle in for the night wishing everyone God speed with love 💕

    The photos are of my bunk room before I left this morning. Six bunks with lovely white starched sheets pillowcases, lovely white bath towels and curtains across our bunks! Luxury!

    Then a long walk down a "Calle" street which doesn't allow cars toward the cathedral. After the cathedral, I stopped at the tourist office which has the statues of pilgrims in front of it. Behind this was the medieval tower. That was quite eerie and depicted a video on the wall of its history.

    Then it was on to the "Museo o de la Rioja" which has an amazing palace as it's home.    Read more

  • Linda MarieskindCamino 2023Traveler
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    Last day logrono

    June 1, 2023 in Spain ⋅ ☁️ 22 °C

    I met Jo from Epsom, Korean immigrant, we visited the church together, lit some candles, said a few prayers, then went on our ways.

    A bit of shopping for Macaylas birthday, it was fun trying to find a birthday card...ah well it's her big birthday so had to find something special.

    I was going to find the post office but what a walk and then one has to take a ticket and wait in line for your turn which may be two hours away. I wanted to stay but it got too hot so I'm gonna try again tonight!

    Photos are of the church and king Alfonso of Spain. A little vegan vege pastie which was very tasty...and the cathedral from the outside ... Who can believe this year goes so fast June already. Got a wee birthday card off to macayla nearly 21 woohoo!! Love n hugs XO ❤️    Read more

  • Linda MarieskindCamino 2023Traveler
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    Santander here i come

    June 2, 2023 in Spain ⋅ ☁️ 16 °C

    A trip to the bus station that ought to have taken 20 minutes has taken me an hour and ten minutes panicking that I was gonna miss my bus, picked up the pace and kept asking people on the street "Por favor, Ayudami, yo necesito El autobus estacion gracias...!! The Ayudami politely really works?! People laugh at me, a grown adult asking for help!! Glad to make their day and got here with twenty minutes to spare?

    Just a couple of photos of breakfast this morning, so you see Sarah I took your advice! Grapefruit! A photo of the map to get here after I got lost..and the bus station that has people's homes right above it.! Imagine living there!

    And we're away! Leaving logrono !! A cool 20 degrees here at the moment in Victoria...on way to Santander.nearly there, now 25 degrees out.. we've been through Victoria, Bilbao, la rozas, and I've seen the sea! What a wonderful sight!    Read more

  • Linda MarieskindCamino 2023Traveler
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    Santander

    June 2, 2023 in Spain ⋅ ☁️ 22 °C

    Arrived in Santander around 1.30 pm
    A typical sea side city but heavy with high rises and industry too. Off to information to get directions then proceeded to get lost ..again!!

    I had only just left the bus though when, You won't believe what happened to me today...it's a great Camino story...I had just got off the bus in Santander (after Logrono) and trying to find my way around to the ferry terminal and then my lodgings via a super mercado.

    Next thing I hear my name being called out...12000 miles from home in a new city, I didn't think it was meant for me, but turned round and here was Lisa a young French girl 19 years on her own..I had met her on the train on the way to St Jean Pied de Porte a month ago. How she remembered me I'll never know, I remembered her face but not her name.

    It turned out she was very distressed and didn't know what to do. I began listening to her, and she dissolved into many tears. I think she has been hurt on the walk... But couldn't say what, just about a boy. I stayed with her for an hour or so, asked if she'd like to go sit have a coffee but she was reluctant.

    I had to leave her in the end but not before she made a decision to go home to France to heal a bit by walking in familiar surroundings... I am keeping in touch with her I want her to be safe! Poor young woman, her heart was broken.

    But how amazing was that!! We weren't even on our start Camino! I'm sure the good Lord put us together today. Just a pic of Lisa and I and then my walk along the promenade to my accommodation.    Read more

  • Linda MarieskindCamino 2023Traveler
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    Santander day 2

    June 2, 2023 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 20 °C

    Today I'm off to find the tourist bus to get around the various sites here I do not want to get lost again!

    From Santander web site, I learned that it is the capital city of the Cantabria region on Spain’s north coast. The Palacio de la Magdalena, once the royal summer residence, lies at the mouth of the Bay of Santander on the rocky La Magdalena Peninsula.

     West, the city center is home to the Catedral de Santander, with its octagonal cupola and Gothic cloister. Nearby, the Paseo de Pereda promenade runs along one side of the Jardines de Pereda gardens, where I walked along yesterday..the road up to my accommodation is so steep I had gone 3/4 of the way up when I noticed someone moving up without walking...oh my days it's a conveyer belt!! Hehe.. I headed for the last section of that conveyor belt be assured!

    I had walked about 7 km to get here..tho my watch says 13.. I don't think that's right...

    What a day! I understand why the scots lassies I met would like to come back to Santander, it is a beautiful spot. So huge it'd take a week to find your way around. The beaches are definitely beautiful and the parks magnificently huge! Specially up by palace Magdalena...apparently commissioned by queen Victoria's grand daughter! Unfortunately when I got to the palace there was a huge wedding going on and it was closed to the public as was the cathedral!    Read more

  • Linda MarieskindCamino 2023Traveler
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    Ferry to portsmouth

    June 4, 2023 in Spain ⋅ ⛅ 21 °C

    Well this is funny they,'ve had to see the instructional manual to open the doors to get through customs and onto the bus to take us to the ferry!

    photo of lovely hostess at ferry terminal below and last photos of Santander, leaving there and chugging along Bay of Biscay into the English Channel and Portsmouth.,oh and a couple of the cabin on board...it was a great crossing, I even got a bit of the sun ..

    Quite a walk from ferry to accommodatiom,, finally got a taxi..to arrive here at Victorin house. Today I meet my cousin Jean at Solent..a lovely wee place right on the beach front ...look for more photos tonight! Xx❤️💖    Read more

  • Linda MarieskindCamino 2023Traveler
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    Today portsmouth to Port Solent

    June 6, 2023 in England ⋅ ☀️ 13 °C

    Two buses and a bit of a walk later our cousin Jean and I met at Port Solent...it was a fabulous first meeting, we didn't stop talking for four hours, so so good to hear more about our extended large family.

    We both agreed our lives could have been so much richer had we known each other growing up. If the brothers had known each other they would have been great support for each other. Our mums would have gotten on like a house on fire as well, they had a very similar look about them too, and to all intents and purposes similar beliefs and values.

    We are meeting again tomorrow with our other girl cousin Gill, then on Thursday with the two brothers John Mackie and. Philip Mackie and their wives, and at John's son, David Mackie's restaurant !! Honestly we had such a lot to talk about, I will try to capture more on Thursday.

    The wee travels I had today reminds me how big our world is and how many relatives we probably have!!

    Ps have you all seen the routes I've been on? If you look at the top photo it usually says to press on the right for the route white lines all over the place!!    Read more

  • Linda MarieskindCamino 2023Traveler

    Southsea to eastleigh then Brighton

    June 9, 2023 in England ⋅ ☀️ 13 °C

    Yesterday I took the bus, from Southsea, first to go see the "Victory" Capt Nelson's ship..in Portsmouth harbour then to Eastleigh to meet our cousins, four of them with their spouses.

    The ship was amazing and I was awestruck by it's size, the ingenuity it must have taken firstly to conceive then to produce. It's a wonder the ship could float under the weight of all the guns on board! Just a huge testament to the craftsmanship of the day and to the hundreds of man hours it would have taken to build.

    It felt a bit Erie as one had to stop in some parts of the decks to get around, the population must have been a lot smaller then? Also around the surgeons area there was a feeling of dread for what must have happened to the men who lost their lives and limbs!!

    From Wikipedia: "HMS Victory is a 104-gun first-rate ship of the line of the Royal Navy. She was ordered in 1758, laid down in 1759, and launched in 1765. With 245 years of service as of 2023, she is the world's oldest naval vessel still in commission."

    On the bus again, I was met by cousin Jean and her husband Mike at Fareham to travel to Eastleigh in their car. We were to meet at David Mackie' s restaurant called "Steam Town Brewed".

    It is hard to explain the myriad of feelings at being met by our first cousins for the first time! I immediately felt an emotional connection, after searching for them seriously for the last 30 years, it was so easy just to slip into family mode, all catering at once trying to tell and listen to family stories I so wanted to hear!

    We talked about our Grannie who immigrated to Canada, about our Dad's, the brothers John and David Mackie, who had always wanted to meet and never did, the effect of the traumas we all faced in light of their trauma... We talked about our now families and such likenesses and similarities, characteristic traits...the dimples, blue eyes, brown eyes, the everyone talking at once and "over" each other, the creativity and busy ness!

    We enjoyed good food and comfort with each other and said sad goodbyes as I went to catch the last train to Brighton.    Read more

  • Linda MarieskindCamino 2023Traveler

    Brighton days

    June 10, 2023 in England ⋅ ☀️ 27 °C

    Saturday and what a packed place Brighton is and how diverse in it's shopping precincts as well. It's certainly a stunning town, but very busy...
    Yesterday I walked around 10 kilometres right up the beach and back to get an idea of the place. A stunning walk along the promenade beach for miles!
    I then got lost in town as I do..but soon found my way to my accommodation again. Came across the amazing Royal Pavilion and won't mind visiting this for a morning.....
    From Wikipedia:-
    "The Royal Pavilion, and surrounding gardens, also known as the Brighton Pavilion, is a Grade I listed[1] former royal residence located in Brighton, England. Beginning in 1787, it was built in three stages as a seaside retreat for George, Prince of Wales, who became the Prince Regent in 1811, and King George IV in 1820. It is built in the Indo-Saracenic style prevalent in India for most of the 19th century. The current appearance of the Pavilion, with its domes and minarets, is the work of architect John Nash, who extended the building starting in 1815."

    So my explorations go on..I've added a couple of scenes of the pavilion, my walk down the promenade and a couple of the dining room at my accommodation.    Read more

  • Linda MarieskindCamino 2023Traveler
    2

    Stanmer Park/House/gardens

    June 11, 2023 in England ⋅ ☁️ 27 °C

    Stanmer Park seemed like a good outing and walk in a forest today. Just a bus ride from Brighton passing the massive University of Brighton and some other parks on the way. Built in the 1700s Stanmer house is now used for offices, a bar and restaurant. And event centre.

    It is said that a daughter of king George 3rd, princess Amelia would often visit, gone are the days! Again I got lost and it was always the climb up....but eventually found my way down and around to the walled garden. some photos are where I was lost up in the forest on the hill!! A lovely morning out of the city. 😊🌳

    You'll see I had some toast and marmalade with a pot of tea here at the tea rooms, and, tho, served pure anchor butter, opted for peanut butter instead!!    Read more

  • Linda MarieskindCamino 2023Traveler

    Royal pavilion dome and the lanes

    June 12, 2023 in England ⋅ ☁️ 20 °C

    A day to the pavilion only to find it full of young people on school trips. I'm going to try again in the a.m. the "Dome" was closed no theatre offering, as was the museum!!

    The lanes are interesting on their own, full of little art galleries, clothing, shoe shops real boutique places.

    I spent some time writing at the library and having breakfast with some of the locals... A hardy bunch of 70+ year olds doing deals with each other. Very funny!

    I enjoyed afternoon tea Al fresco looking out at the Royal Pavilion when a poor woman became the focus of everyone's attention when she dropped a tray full of glasses, cups plates... poor thing I did go to her aid, she was so upset. Luckily the waiter came with a brush and told her not to worry "it happens". How kind!

    After the heat of the last few days I was so surprised to get down to the beach front around 4 30pm to find it steeped in mist creeping up onto the promenade. It didn't stop people from enjoying sitting on the sand or at a favourite cafe on the beach or on the merry go round! Such resilience!

    Notice the date above the tattoo shop...1770!! Such history.    Read more

  • Linda MarieskindCamino 2023Traveler
    1

    Seaford and seven sisters park

    June 13, 2023 in England ⋅ 🌙 19 °C

    Today I walked part of the English coast walk and saw the seven sisters. A very hot day today, so got a bit sun kissed and walked just on 14 kms. In the boiling no shade pathway! Silly but determined! I finally realized and so tied my shirt round my head and neck ...

    First I went to Seaford, a pretty wee village and was fascinated by the cliffs there and the long rows of beach huts. Walking along that promenade I was reminded of how Brighton would once have looked bright and cheerful, instead of all the building renos going on amongst the crumbling structures, graffiti and filthy streets, it is party central here, so one can imagine the mess of the streets first thing in the morning after the revellers are done!!

    Oh how I long to be back on the Camino in Spain!!

    I then chatted with a local whom I asked about the seven sisters (cliffs) and she suggested I get the bus and rejoin the coastal path at the seven sisters park. I took her advice and walked back into the wee villages of Seaford to catch a bus... It wasn't far, and soon I was on the coastal path again ..... It was further than I expected in scorching heat, but I was determined to get to the viewing point.

    As the grass verges and .mud flats gave way to a very Stony beach, the sisters came into view, but it was still a hike over the stones, sinking into gravel then sand until the water front reached and a great view of the sisters emerged.

    Fascinating coastal walk with so much history...I particularly liked the museum with the gun on top...built to keep Napoleon at bay across the chanel!!??! Sadly tho the museum was closed!!

    I retraced my steps back to Brighton and met a lovely man at witherspoons where I stopped for dinner...a vegan hamburger and zero alcohol beer to quench the thirst of the journey. I was about to leave when he, Mark, suggested he buy me another beer as he was enjoying our chat. It was beginning to cool down outside and a nice evening to chill. He invited me to come and see where he works for the National trust at "Attingham house" in Shropshire...a very interesting human being,..I'll see how I go, but the wind takes me so many places.

    Also my German friend, Christian, finished his Camino today and shared a photo of his Compostella, I am so delighted for him... When we met he was limping with sprained ankle and knee, but he made it!!! Well done Christian ...a train driver from Germany.    Read more

  • Linda MarieskindCamino 2023Traveler
    King Georges bedroom

    Royal Pavillion

    June 14, 2023 in England ⋅ ☀️ 23 °C

    Well , what a surprise today at the Royal Pavilion. I was in two minds about visiting it as it cost eighteen pounds. I had had dinner with Mark, caretaker from Shropshire who told me I shouldn't miss it. So there had been a few people who had suggested this by now, so I went.

    My word, what another amazing structure, amazing vision of King George the 4th. He may have been an exorbitant spender, and indeed he kept getting the money he needed to build the palace, Indian on the outside and Chinese on the inside, but what an accomplishment. Testament to the artisans of the times. Absolutely stunning.

    It is great that they work so hard to maintain the place as it is a real draw card for Brighton. It is said that Queen Victoria sold it to the Brighton council as it wasn't big enough for her family. Ostentatious but really not many bedrooms.

    I loved this pavilion and environs, and sat at the outdoor tea house to watch passers by and enjoy the shade as the temperature was climbing to 27 degrees.    Read more

  • Linda MarieskindCamino 2023Traveler

    The Brighton Pier and London

    June 15, 2023 in England ⋅ ☀️ 23 °C

    Today was my last day in Brighton and off I went to walk the length of the pier before walking another km going to see the "Picasso" exhibition. After being sent to the art gallery I was told that the exhibition was on at "The Dome" which was once the stables for the Royal Pavilion and around yet another block. The queue was out the door and being held up as one person was missing from the group.

     I had received a text from sister Meg to say she was in A and E having some serious symptoms. I wanted to leave Brighton by the next train at 12.30, to go and be with her in London and still had to go back to my lodgings for my back pack so, decided to let Picasso wait for another day.

    I arrived in London around 2 pm, then caught the underground to Barons Court. Coming out of the station I noticed my sister and niece just arriving at the gate so called out loudly and eventually Meg heard me and held the gate til I got there. Phew! How providential! My poor sister in a lot of pain from her shoulder and rib cage having had a couple of accidents.

    Meg's, Colin, Hannah enjoyed a Turkish dinner at a small restaurant for the evening.    Read more

  • Linda MarieskindCamino 2023Traveler
    Sarah and Lachy
    Jonathan, Rozalia, Simon and ColinRozalia, Colin and SimonBack and front packing from supermarket

    Two family days in Barons Keep

    June 17, 2023 in England ⋅ ☁️ 17 °C

    I keep getting distracted and losing what I've written over the last couple of days, so I'm going to save this before I do anything else today!!

    On Friday I took the underground into Hammersmith to do a bit of shopping for our family day yesterday. I was joining oor Margaret and Colin's family to celebrate Colin and Rozalia's birthdays and father's day!!

    The underground is great in off peak times and a gentleman helped me off when the train got to Barons Court. I must have looked a right mess, back pack on front and back and two bags in each arm hehe!!

    I'm amazed at the selection of different grocery items here, sadly we don't get half the selection in NZ. I love the convenience of the underground as well.

    Yesterday, Saturday, saw Sarah and Lachy (20 months, my grand nephew) arrive first, so lovely to see them, and catch up once more, we were then preparing for our family lunch, salads, birthday cake, breads, cheeses, cold meats, drinks, the usual spread to make sure everyone's needs catered for.

    Jonathan, (oor Margaret and Colin's boy), wife Rozalia and Simon, (15 months) (their son, my grand nephew) arrived and received a very warm welcome from everyone and it was lovely to see the bairns interact.

    It just so happened that today was also the changing of the guard celebrating the kings birthday. We were watching on the TV as we partook of the repast, all talking at once and enjoying the chat while we ate. Lachie was enjoying mimicking the marching he was seeing as was wee Simon. They were very entertaining and had some lovely moments together. Then all of a sudden it was the fly past and the roar was very loud, so we all made a bee line to the balcony wondering which way the planes were flying in the hoe we might see them too.

    Unfortunately that was all we got, the loud roar of the planes, as they travelled overhead, obscured by cloud. After the opening of gifts for the birthday dad and Rozalia and father's day gifts, the children began to make plans for their homeward journeys. Many goodbyes, kisses and hugs, they were gone again.

    Margaret, Colin and I spent a lovely evening after the children had gone. Meg's got out a game and once we had worked it out, we played a couple of games, fascinated by the strategies needed to work out how to "win"...    Read more

  • Linda MarieskindCamino 2023Traveler
    Oasis church Lamberh

    Sunday to Lambeth, undrground train

    June 18, 2023 in England ⋅ 🌧 19 °C

    The oasis church Lambeth, William Blake art and underground, phew it was an amazing Sunday. Who on earth would think that William Blake's art and poetry would grace the walls of a tunnell in Lambeth. The tunnell also had a wee crawl space to get through to the other side a very thick wall in between the two spaces.

    On the roof of the tunnell there were what looked like projections? On closer inspection we realized they were paintings, amazing! Blake's mosaic paintings graced the walls of the tunnel, just awesome to see these in their original spaces.

    The church service was lovely, the members having had a planning weekend and enjoyed meals together and a song learning service. We were invited to stay for the baptism and the barbeque lunch at the church's farm just down the road.

    The church has been there for 240 years, just amazing. At this church "Oasis" inclusiveness is practiced and how surprised was I when a song came up on the screen with the words " give thanks to the Lord for She is good, She is worthy", so progressive and inclusive is that!    Read more

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