To Wales

 Yes, we could not leave a day go by without maximum usage.

Not with dad.

Dad tolerates no waste.

After 2 evenings with the Abbots, we left Codford St Mary.

So, we had to go according to his plans.

Sara wanted to leave for London at the earliest, but dad said no.

We went to Wales to see Cardiff.

To Cardiff we drove.

Poor Sara and her map reading skills.

 Tuesday morning was wet, wet, wet. We caught the brunt of the English weather under our skin. But the necessary needed to be accomplished.So, rain or shine, the show had to go on.

 Dad told us that this is the Bristol Bridge ( I hope I got it right ) over the Severn River, a very long, long river across UK. This is also a suspension bridge which is famous and awesome...do not know whether this is the right term to use. Someone once told me that to use 'awesome' carelessly is a reflection of our understanding of the term. So what do you think? Does 'awesome' befit the description? 

After 2-3 hours of driving, just like from Kuala Lumpur to Johor Bharu, we finally crossed this bridge to our designated destination.

 To our next B & B accomodation.

This time the landlady was kind enough to give us 2 rooms but at a price that was lower than in Windsor. Sara insisted that I slept with her.

Dad was glad to have the big bed to himself; as he was highly engrossed in some consuming games!

He forgets himself and acts strangely whenever he cannot beat Sara's scores.

What games can do to people ! No wonder I hear stories of students losing their right senses and fail exams.

 This B & B is slapped in the vicinity of Cardiff city. I peeped out of the window and saw apples hanging from a tree. I get excited to see them just like when foreigners get all excited about durians drooping down from giant trees in Malaysia.

 The Modus Operandi here is slightly different. Guests come down for breakfast between 8 - 9 am and you help yourself to the menu  served for the morning. So we helped ourselves to a full one and left the place happily filled up. No more food for the day!

Strange words.

 Cardiff is distinctly Welsh. At first I was amused at the phrases that appeared almost everywhere after some English phares. Then I realiesed that it was Welsh. The locals sure know how to preserve their identity and place. So enjoy some of the interpretations. This reminded me of the one sback home...Malay, English, Chinese and Tamil !

 So we became more interested in the Welsh expressions !

 Dad was most mesmerised by the falling yellow leaves; maple leaves in Cardiff. He picked some of them and kept them for future recollections !

After leaving our luggage on the first day at the B&B place, we walked. Yes, really walked. Dad would hear of no public transport. He reiterated what was the use of being there when we do not feel the soil of the land!

He can be a big bully at times! Oh well... we gave in to him to avoid squabbles...

 After 20 minutes of walk, we saw some signs of the town.

 Yes, we were nearing the famous Cardiff Castle; a site which we were informed to visit.

 The clock tower and the Welsh identities ...

 Sara had a reason to be here; her friend from home had been waiting at the desginated spot for some minutes. They ran into each other's arms. I was touched to see them. You know, everyone from home especially if they are your children's contemporary becomes your child when you see them.

 It must have been a most welcoming sight. I asked her if she were doing fine to which she replied she wanna go home. I told her not to give up but to strive on. This will increase her tenacity and strength.

 So, they decided to go into an arcade for a drink.

We followed suit and waited for them to catch up with each other. Heart to heart sahrings poured out and the loneliness of the times were comforted. Sara tried her counselling skills and we hope they stay good till this day.

A little of Cardiff.

Salisbury

The Old Salisbury pronounced 'Salzbury' is close to Codford and a morning trip to the ancient town was informative and refreshing.

The town centre like all English towns is quiet and quaint.

 Autumn was seen and felt clearly here.

 Dad and Sara trudged along the pathway smothered with fallen leaves...all the leaves are brown...

The Salisbury Avon flows gracefully across the county and provides the natural, gentle touch to the scene.

The ducks were a sight to behold as they struggle against the tide to keep afloat...

It was amusing to witness their wading skills.

 Just as we pass the pathway, we saw this eating place and I told dad I wanted lunch here...

 The town is neat and clean.

 This is an old mill; dad said.

 It was most likely fed by the power generated from the strong waters nearby.

 The morning was wet and cold but it did not deter many from strolling.

Why is it always wet?

 The Avon is beautiful.

 But more exotic still is the English rose; so elegant.

 When in Salisbury the Cathedral of St Mary says it all. It is majestic, regal and architecturally magnificent like all ancient churches built to the glory of God.

Apparently, the cathedral has the tallest church spire in the United Kingdom.

 We saw school children walking out after a visit to the place. This notable landmark is great material and site for history lessons.

 Sara looking really short.

 Inside the cathedral, you can make donations needed to maintain the place.

 Expressive art pieces are placed at the main entrance.

 The cathedral also houses the oldest modern working clock. It has no face as it is supposed like clocks of that era rang out the hours on a bell. It is scrutinized closely by interested onlookers.

 Known as the nave, the architecture is perfect. Old craftsmanship is incomparable. I lack the words and adjectives to describe the majesty of it all.

 Every corner has learning points.

 There is a model of how the church was first constructed in the olden days. I was most drawn to the details depicted in the livelihood of the workmen and how organized they were. Great discipline is displayed.

 Sara examining the words written on the tombstones of Saints.

 This must be used for baptism purposes. A unique feature as we observe how the overflow of water is controlled.

 The Chapter House has the best surviving of the 4 original copies of the Magna Carta where rules and regulations are made for mankind...that there should be reasons for actions taken.

But is there really fairness in life?

 These words are but the reason for us to remain strong in God.

 Just outside we saw a copy of Old Sarum... the place we saw last year with the girls.

 Last year dad drove us to Old Sarum ; the original site of the earliest settlement of Saslibury.

 That's Grace gazing at the remnants.

 The girls and dad speculating the site; where a palace and cathedral were constructed for people of the olden times. The earliest inhabitants were warriors always ready to ward off enemies.

 Esther and Grace in good spirits.

 The family again in good memory of Old Sarum of Salisbury in 2011.