Hello, this is Todd Borgie with the AroundTheWorld1999 team! Today we traveled from
Woodstock, England to
Southampton, England.
We spent another night in the Rovers, which is good because the pocket books are low. Although, I really like sleeping in the Rovers, I do miss the wake up shower in the morning. However, greasy hair, a slightly greasy face and the cold damp English mornings put an extra cherishing blast into the morning's coffee. This morning we woke up outside a traditional English pub, the Rovers were slightly cloaked in the hedgerows, but since they were British vehicles, the only thing that looked out of place was their California license plates.
We haven't yet perfected the art of finding out of the way camping places, where we can wake up without feeling we are somewhat in the way. This morning as we tried to so secretly to take care of our toiletries, we saw people milling around within the pub, not to many, just the caretakers, but never-the-less they provided just the motivation we need to quickly breakdown camp and hit the road.
Breakfast was the first thing on the agenda, but it is difficult to find breakfast places open on Sundays, especially out in small rural Village. We drove about 10 miles into Woodstock where we cruised the streets for something that appeared open. There was a slight drizzle in the air, which was just strong enough to keep us in the vehicles and off the sidewalks. We found a few Inn that were serving breakfast, but were turned away by the fact that they only served breakfast to the guests of the inn.
While looking for breakfast, in true aroundtheworld fashion, we stumbled upon Blenheim Palace. This is one of the largest Palaces in Europe and was the home of Winston Churchill. Unfortunately this place was closed, but a kind guard at the gate recommended a nice spot for breakfast. We took his advice and were soon comforted with a large English breakfast.
The air of Christmas is growing quite apparent, as today we saw a stand of Christmas trees in the town of Woodstock. The first signs of Christmas greeted us in Milan and we have been seeing more evidence of it since. Christmas seems to so at home here. The cozy little downs, decked out in holiday apparel, the small brass bands, and English Carolers. There is something about a California Christmas, which seems fake, all these songs about snow, Tom Thumb, and bustling streets. As a Californian there something about sun and malls that detract for the warm feelings you get in this more traditional setting.
After a long Sunday breakfast we hit the road for South Hampton with mixed feelings. Although we had been together through a lot, in very close quarters, there was a weird feeling that the trip was somewhat ending, yet we were all excited and relieved that we had made it this far. We were also happy to give up the cars (and the gear checks), but we had grown so accustomed to the freedom that vehicles provide. Now that we have good roads, parts shops, and no fear of getting stuck, it is sad to see them go. Besides, driving around England in Land Rover makes people think we're not foreigners and that has been nice for a change.
A spirit of accomplishment took us to South Hampton. They drank in the English countryside with the feeling that this day had been created for us. The rolling hills, the blue skies, and the English architecture were greeted with our smiles.
As we neared South Hampton, as was traditional, we pulled out the Lonely Planet books, and tried to figure out were we needed to go. Since the cars had to be to the docks early the next morning we decided to go straight there as to prevent and mix-ups in the morning. We cruised to the docks, found where we were supposed to be, and were soon off to find accommodations for the evening.
The Ibis seemed to be the logical place to stay, as it had the biggest sign and we didn't have a map, or other references. Nick and Chanda, Doug and Jeff booked two rooms, as I again elected to stay in the Rovers, one last time in Europe.
After checking into the Hotel, we cleaned up the cars, and cleaned up ourselves. With pride Nick invited me into the lobby for a milestone beer. We talked about the trip and some of the things we need to do, but mostly just shot the breeze. Even though Nick and I had our life and times throughout the trip, there was something neutralizing about drinking beer. These were some of my favorite times on the trip, when Nick and I drank, talked and dreamt. I am sure we could always been seen with smiles on our faces as we always had a good time.
The Beer tasted so good that I continued to sit and talk to the bartender after Nick turned in for the night. She was a young woman from France named Severnine. We talked of Europe and the States, and eventually stumbled on to the subject of American History, as taught in France. I was flabbergasted when she told me of Americas continued policy of Manifest Destiny. I told her I believed that this was unfair in most cases, but I agreed with her in others. Doug soon joined us and the conversation reached a new pitch. Before we knew it, Jeff joined us and we found ourselves walking over to another pub to meet our new French friends for some more drinks. Severine brought her friend Delphine and we stayed up late talking of many things.
On our way back to the hotel Jeff and Doug, having the munchies, invited Severine and Delphine to MacDonalds for some nice American Cuisine, they accepted and of course they had French fries. We found out that Severine was heading to London in the morning, so we urged her to join us. Delphine is going to try to come, but is not sure of her work schedule. I hope the will both be able to join us, as we now felt guilty hustling through France, now that we had met such charming ambassadors.
So that's it for today. This is Todd signing off.
