We’ve arrived safely in Lincolnshire. Had a good bus trip into Nice from Digne – amazing how buses navigate those very narrow mountain roads! We arrived at the airport in good time only to find our flight had been cancelled! Life is never dull. We were advised to catch another flight to Birmingham Airport – “supposedly” only a short distance from our original destination of East Midlands. We were being picked up by Len and Cheryl – our friends from Lincolnshire – so after a quick phone call all was reorganized. Apparently it was a lot of extra traveling for Len and Cheryl – the airlines advice hadn’t been very accurate at all. Getting us out of their hair was probably more the point! But Len and Cheryl were very gracious and we had a happy catch up on the way home! Len and Cheryl live in a lovely old converted barn near the city of Grantham. It’s surrounded by beautiful open, flat farmland – a bit like Australia except the grass is very green!
Now as Aussies we dare not complain about rain – ever – so let’s just say we are being ‘treated’ to some typical English weather. Made no difference to our determined hosts! We happily rugged up and headed off to Lincoln to visit the Lincoln Castle – later used as a prison and now a museum, and the Lincoln Cathedral – huge! The castle was built in 1068, not long after the Battle of Hastings. Still in great condition – great views from its walls, especially from it’s top tower. Really worth the climb. Its museum is really interesting to visit – so much history. We actually stood in front of one of four remaining original copies of the Magna Carta – 1215. Wow! Lincoln Cathedral is a very impressive building – it just towers over everything. Construction began in 1068, but it continued to be built in different stages throughout the medieval period. Quite a long project. Apparently it was considered the tallest building in the world for more than two centuries – up until the mid 1500’s. Beautiful architecture – so elegant. There was also a great little market near the walls of the castle and the streets of Lincoln were full of character. Really enjoyed wandering around.
On the way home from Lincoln we stopped in Stamford to visit a special wine shop – one of Len’s favourites. The owner was on for a chat and many wines were tasted – Len and Reg were happy! Stamford is a very beautiful town with lots of 17th and 18th century stone buildings and some medieval timber-framed buildings and churches. Sits on the River Welland. Really worth a visit – even without the special wine shop.
Len has promised a BBQ tonight – English weather or not! Will be interesting to see how it unfolds! We tasted some great wines from Len’s private cellar last night – with some wonderful steak I might add! I have included some tasting notes from Reg:
Two great Bordeaux reds. Both 98’s and still so fresh. The Julien had a stunning nose. Intensely perfumed with classic cigar box oak. The St. Emillion was more robust with great palate weight and typical astringent tannins. Both were at their peak. Thanks Len!
Much Love
Di and Reg