The Final Bits and Pieces and Roundway Down.

I packed the final bits and pieces today and then went for a walk with Celia and Pippin to take my mind off what I have and haven't packed.    We walked on Roundway Down, the site of a Civil War battle in 1643.   The Royalists defeated the Roundheads here and drove them over a steep hillside, now called "Bloody Ditch." 

An old hill fort dated 500 BC also stands on the hilltop and is known as "Oliver's Castle" although there is no evidence of Mr Cromwell ever being here and involved in the bloody punch up!  The remains of only one soldier have been found and he is buried in Rowde Churchyard.

Money, Euros, Passport, EU Health Card, Tickets, More Tickets.

All is virtually packed, bar a few last minute things,  the sort that are always thrown in when you realise there is a tiny bit of space left.  My suitcase weighs 17.5 kgs, and my allowance is 20 kgs, so 2.5 kgs left to fill! 

Here is my itinerary for Sunday 17th April:
10.15   GMT    I leave Devizes by taxi for Trowbridge station.
11.05      "       Catch a coach, (no train, track maintenance) to Salisbury station.
12.25     "       Train from Salisbury to Southampton Airport.
13.20     "       Arrive at the Airport and have lunch.
15.00     "       Check in baggage.
17.35     "       Take off! 
20.20   CET    Land at Hannover Airport to be met by Dorothea and car.
22.00     "       Arrive at my flat in Timmerlah.

Aufwiedersehen friends, see you in October!

A Busy Day in Bath with a Buzzing Mind!

I visited Bath today and found myself in the Fashion Museum.  To mark the imminant Royal Wedding, the museum has mounted an exhibition of Wedding Dresses dating from the 1800's.  The oldest dress in the museum, dated circa. 1660 was also on display, not a wedding dress but a very beautiful Court Dress from the time of King Charles 11.  The gowns were stitched mostly in white or ivory silks, satins and lace and some were embroidered with the most intricate beaded decoration, all a real feast for the eye.

My head is rather spinning at the moment with, "Have I remembered this and have I packed that,"  Not to worry, I can always buy what I have forgotten in Braunschweig.  I have a 20kg baggage restriction and have already reached 17kgs so cannot pack too much more!

Salisbury Cathedral, Wonderful Music and Good company.

I  made this little videoclip on Saturday evening in Salisbury Cathderal at a performance of Beethoven's "Missa Solemnis" given by the Portsmouth and Salisbury Choral Societies.  It was wonderful, my only wish was that I was singing too.  I am not happy sitting in the audience at big choral concerts,  I always want to be up there singing my little heart out! 

I stayed with two lovely friends over the weekend and then, on Sunday we drove back to Devizes where after lunch, we walked the Caen Hill flight of locks in glorious blue skies and sunshine.  Today I feel rather tired, but will recover with the help of many cups of tea and an afternoon nap!  I've now have only seven days to wait until I arrive in Germany, goodie gumdrops!! 



Frank's Curry and Tulips in the Britzer Garden Berlin.

I am visiting Salisbury Cathedral this weekend to listen to a performance of Beethoven's "Missa Solemnis."  I stay with friends overnight and return to Devizes on Sunday morning. Frank always cooks a good curry, so we tuck in before the performance and a good evening is had by all.  Please watch this lovely videoclip of the tulips in the Britzer Garden, accompanied by Vivaldi's wonderful music. 

Neurotic Packing and Unpacking has Begun!



Pansies blooming in Devizes.

 The packing and unpacking has begun!  Why is it so difficult to make up your mind.  I put a huge, separate pile of stuff on my bed and filter it through my butterfly mind into my suitcase.  Will I go to a party and need this, or will I spend all my time cycling and walking and need that???  Of course, I will eventually throw it all in and take the lot. 
I can always buy the extras I need when in Braunschweig and will probably come back with more than I took.
The photo shows pansies blooming in Devizes town centre this week.  What dear little faces they have, and that in spite of the cold wind that was blowing at the time.

Flowers for a Spring Day.

I walked Caen Hill on Sunday and photographed this collection of spring flowers.  The day was overcast and it rained heavily in the afternoon, but it was good to be out and about.  I have finished my article about the bus journey and will email it to the organisers today.  I have to send some photos too, I have a nice picture of the 49 bus somewhere in my albums.    I do not know the name of the pink flower. Please tell me if you know.

Honeysuckle



Bergenia



Lobelia









Celendine