Are you growing tired of seeing pictures of the St. Edmondsbury Cathedral over and over again? I hope not - because that's what I have more pictures of today! One of the conditions of the visit to the U.K was that you have to quarantine for 14 days - so while in quarantine you can only leave the house for exercise purposes - which means that we have walked the sidewalks, streets and steps all over this little town day after day. And I can't help but take picture after picture because it really is just so charming!
We stumbled onto a side entrance at the Abbey that led to a much closer look of the building - which I was thrilled with. Sadly, it didn't take us any closer to a door that was open and would let us into the Abbey but I suppose you have to work with what you're given.
Last Friday (I'm playing a bit of catch up here guys) we found ourselves wandering through the Abbey ruins in the weak Autumn sunshine. I have to say that the weather has been pretty delightful so far (I feel like I've probably said that already) and made it more than enjoyable to stroll down the bricked sidewalks, taking in all the colorful doors, unique door knockers, shops and restaurants (even those that are closed) and even just watch the people parading around.
Each portion of the Abbey ruins have markers that align you to where you would have been if the Abbey was still standing - and when we realized we were standing in the "site of choir" we couldn't resist being just a little bit cheesy about it.
Another thing that I do love here in the United Kingdom - the Toffee Nut Latte that Starbucks offers at Christmas time is just the best and so I've had to take advantage and grab a few while I'm here in the U.K. It's also nice that the Starbucks is located right next to a shop that I've sort of fallen in love with while I'm here - Marks & Spencer! It's the most delightful combination of food, festive gift items and clothes!
The clothes - guys! The clothes are a delight and a joy! And sure, while the shops here are closed there is a lovely little thing called Click & Collect and I have taken advantage of it! I got myself a new pair of skinny jeans (for under twenty pounds - you guys!) and two glorious jumpers (those would be sweaters) and they are just the cutest thing! Apparently the whole second floor of the shop is clothes but alas - I won't get the chance to peruse all that on this visit - which might be a good thing for my wallet.
There is a really fun shopping center just a few blocks from Lindsey's house and again - couldn't go into the shops - but the window shopping lets me know that when I come back again, we'll need to make a jaunt over to the Arc (that's the shopping center) to check out the deals! There are also several boutiques and knick-knack style shops that look so extremely fun - just one of the multitude of reasons to return again soon! Also - because I need to see the Abbey Gardens all in bloom!
Saturday night we found our Christmas spirit and decorated Lindsey's house for Christmas! We put up the U.K. style tree (the plugs guys - they have to be U.K. specific) and piled it full of ornaments and bedecked the rest of the house with charm! It's a lovely tree and I enjoyed being able to help my sister put out her ornaments and treasures to make her house feel Christmas-y and cozy!
Sunday there were quite possibly the bluest skies - I mean just look at the picture of the little church! There wasn't a cloud to be seen and so we set out on a path we hadn't taken before, criss crossing through houses and the occasional church, pointing out the places we'd choose to live and spying a spot called Neville's Close - which just immediately made me think of Harry Potter! I had to commemorate that with a picture... ha-ha!
Sunday started with blue skies but by about mid-afternoon the clouds had rolled in and the temperature had dropped! A brief rain shower passed across the town, a rainbow took a place atop the chimneys and roof tops and then the clouds settled in to stay. We decided to take a walk to try Bubble Waffles with gelato and realized we might be rather chilly eating them... but we weren't deterred.
I think; if earlier this year, you'd told me I'd be bundled up eating a Belgian waffle topped with bananas, caramel and gelato while sitting in the gardens in the middle of an almost thousand year old Abbey in the middle of England - I've have looked at you like you were nuts. However (and I know I've said this before) - life doesn't always go the way you think it will.
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