The Wonders of the UK

Cheddar Gorge, located in the Mendip Hills in Somerset, England, is renowned for its stunning natural beauty and impressive limestone cliffs. It is also the birthplace of the world-famous Cheddar cheese, which has been produced in the region for centuries. The gorge offers picturesque walking trails, fascinating caves, and breathtaking panoramic views, making it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and history buffs alike.

The Natural History Museum in London is located near Harrods, the store of the super rich. This world-renowned museum houses a vast collection of specimens from various aspects of natural history, including botany, entomology, mineralogy, paleontology, and zoology. Its iconic Victorian architecture, featuring a striking Romanesque design, provides a captivating backdrop for the diverse exhibits and interactive displays. The museum’s highlights include the popular dinosaur gallery, the famous blue whale skeleton, and numerous interactive learning experiences for visitors of all ages. Entrance to the museum is free, making it a must-visit destination for both tourists and locals alike.

Buckingham Palace has a rich history that dates back to the early 18th century when it was originally constructed as a large townhouse for the Duke of Buckingham. It was later acquired by King George III in 1761 as a private residence for Queen Charlotte and was then known as “The Queen’s House.” In the 19th century, under the reign of King George IV, extensive renovations and expansions were carried out, transforming it into the magnificent palace known today. The palace has since served as the official London residence of Britain’s sovereigns, making it an iconic symbol of the British monarchy and an essential part of the United Kingdom’s rich heritage. If the Monarch is home, the Royal flag is raised, if not it will be the Union Flag

St Paul’s Cathedral is an iconic architectural masterpiece located in the heart of London. This magnificent cathedral holds great historical significance, and it’s no wonder that it was chosen as the venue for the wedding of Princess Diana and Prince Charles. The grandeur and solemn beauty of St Paul’s Cathedral have made it a popular attraction for visitors from around the world. Its rich history, stunning architecture, and role as the backdrop for significant events have secured its place as a must-visit destination in London

Westminster Abbey is a historic church located in London, England. It is known for its stunning Gothic architecture and has been the traditional location for coronations and burials for English and, later, British monarchs. The abbey has also been the setting for many royal weddings, including the wedding of Prince William and Catherine Middleton. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular tourist attraction, drawing visitors from around the world who come to admire its architecture, learn about its history, and pay homage to the notable figures buried within its walls.

The Houses of Parliament is more of a description than a name. There is some confusion as to what to call it.

The Houses of Parliament are strictly speaking, what it contains. The House of Commons and The House of Lords. The building itself is The Palace of Westminster. Attached to it is what many call ‘Big Ben’, again, this isn’t the name but the contents. Big Ben is the name of the largest bell inside the Elizabeth Tower.

In this picture, just to the right of the Elizabeth Tower can be seen the twin white towers of Westminster Abbey.

The bridge is not very originally named ‘Westminster Bridge’ and is one of many which cross the Thames. The first of those is not tower Bridge as many think but actually the Queen Elizabeth Bridge which connects the counties of Essex and Kent East of London.

The history of the Tower Bridge in London dates back to the late 19th century. Designed by Sir Horace Jones and engineer Sir John Wolfe Barry, it took 8 years to construct and was completed in 1894. The bridge’s design was a solution to the increasing traffic in London while still allowing large ships to access the port facilities. Its iconic look with two towers, drawbridge, and Gothic architectural elements has made it a renowned symbol of the city. Today, the Tower Bridge is not only a vital crossing over the River Thames but also a popular tourist attraction, offering magnificent views of the London skyline.

The Tower of London, officially known as His Majesty’s Royal Palace and Fortress of the Tower of London, is a historic castle located on the north bank of the River Thames in central London next to Tower Bridge, England. Its origins date back to the Norman Conquest of England in the 11th century when William the Conqueror began building the White Tower in 1078 as a symbol of power and as a stronghold to control the city of London.

Over the centuries, the Tower has served various purposes including royal residence, armory, treasury, menagerie, and most notably, as a prison. It gained a notorious reputation as a place of imprisonment, torture, and execution, with famous prisoners including Anne Boleyn, Lady Jane Grey, and Sir Walter Raleigh.

In addition to its grim history as a prison, the Tower of London has also served as a royal mint, a public records office, and a home to the Crown Jewels of England which are securely housed within the Jewel House. Today, the Tower of London is a popular tourist attraction and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, drawing visitors from around the world to explore its rich history and imposing architecture.

Hampton Court Palace is a historic royal palace located in the borough of Richmond upon Thames, London, UK. This magnificent palace has a rich history, with its origins dating back to the early 16th century. It is closely associated with King Henry VIII, who extensively expanded and renovated the palace during his reign.

King Henry VIII is perhaps best known for his six marriages and his role in the English Reformation. His connection to Hampton Court Palace is significant not only because of the extensive building works he undertook, but also because of the various events and intrigues that unfolded within its walls during his reign.

The palace is a remarkable example of Tudor architecture and boasts stunning gardens, intricate courtyards, and impressive state apartments. Visitors to Hampton Court Palace can immerse themselves in its rich history, exploring the opulent Tudor kitchens, the Great Hall, and the beautiful Chapel Royal, among other attractions.

Overall, Hampton Court Palace stands as a testament to the grandeur and power of the Tudor monarchs, particularly King Henry VIII, and continues to attract visitors from around the world who are eager to experience a piece of England’s royal history.

Leeds Castle, located in Kent, is often referred to as the “loveliest castle in the world.” This enchanting fortress has a rich history dating back to the 9th century and has been home to royalty, including King Edward I and Henry VIII’s first wife, Catherine of Aragon. The castle is surrounded by stunning gardens, a moat, and offers picturesque views of the surrounding landscape. It is a popular tourist destination and hosts various events and activities throughout the year, making it a must-visit for history enthusiasts and admirers of breathtaking architecture.

Warwick Castle is a medieval castle located in Warwick, the county town of Warwickshire, England. It was originally built by William the Conqueror in 1068 and has undergone numerous renovations and expansions throughout its long history. The castle is known for its well-preserved state and its beautiful architecture, making it a popular tourist attraction. In addition to guided tours of the castle and its grounds, visitors can also enjoy various events and activities, including falconry displays, archery, and jousting tournaments. The castle also offers stunning views of the River Avon.

Bamburgh Castle

Bamburgh Castle is a historic fortress located on the coast of Northumberland, England. With a history dating back to the 5th century, it has been a site of strategic importance and has witnessed various phases of construction and renovation. The castle stands on a basalt outcrop, offering stunning views of the surrounding area and the North Sea. It has played a significant role in battles and conflicts throughout the centuries, making it an iconic symbol of Northumberland’s heritage. Today, Bamburgh Castle is a popular tourist attraction, offering visitors a glimpse into its rich history and breath taking architecture.

Dover Castle

Dover Castle is a medieval fortress located in the town of Dover, Kent, in the southeast of England. It is the largest castle in England and has a rich history dating back to the 11th century. The site features defensive earthworks, a Roman lighthouse, and a Saxon church, showcasing its significance throughout different periods of history. The castle played a crucial role in defending the English coastline and was often referred to as the “Key to England” due to its strategic location. Today, it is a popular historical attraction, offering visitors the opportunity to explore its well-preserved structures and learn about its compelling past.

The Peak District National Park is located in central England and is known for its stunning natural landscapes, including rugged peaks, open moorlands, and gentle valleys. It is renowned for its outdoor recreational opportunities such as hiking, rock climbing, and cycling. The park also boasts picturesque villages, historic landmarks, and diverse wildlife, making it a popular destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

The County of Cornwall

The County of Cornwall, located in the southwestern tip of England, is known for its stunning coastline, rugged moorland, and picturesque villages. With a rich history and distinct cultural heritage, Cornwall offers visitors a unique blend of natural beauty and traditional charm.

Cornwall is home to the famous Tintagel Castle, linked to the legend of King Arthur, as well as the enchanting Eden Project, showcasing a variety of plants from different climates. The region’s culinary scene features delicious seafood, traditional Cornish pasties, and local cream teas.

In addition to its natural and historical attractions, Cornwall hosts a range of events and festivals throughout the year, celebrating everything from folk music to surfing. Whether exploring its scenic landscapes, enjoying its cultural offerings, or simply relaxing on its sandy beaches, Cornwall beckons travellers with its timeless allure.

The Wye Valley is a picturesque area located on the border between England and Wales, following the path of the River Wye. This stunning landscape is known for its dramatic limestone cliffs, dense woodlands, and charming market towns. The valley is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering opportunities for hiking, canoeing, and cycling. Additionally, the area is home to Tintern Abbey, a magnificent 12th-century ruin that draws visitors from around the world. With its rich natural beauty and historical landmarks, the Wye Valley holds a special allure for those seeking a tranquil escape in the midst of striking scenery.

British food is known for its hearty and comforting dishes, often influenced by the country’s history and diverse culinary traditions. Traditional British cuisine includes iconic dishes such as fish and chips, shepherd’s pie, bangers and mash, roast beef with Yorkshire pudding, and the famous English breakfast. The use of locally sourced ingredients and a focus on simple, flavourful cooking are characteristic of British food. In recent years, there has been a surge in modern British cuisine, with chefs putting a contemporary spin on classic dishes and embracing global flavours while still celebrating the rich culinary heritage of the UK. It is worth remembering the multicultural nature of the United Kingdom. It would be quite accurate to say that the most popular ‘British’ dish is actually the Chicken Tikka Masala. Though that meal has some base origin in India, it is entirely a British creation.

Many different cultures have integrated their food into British cuisine. Many will eat meals from all over the world and it is common to do so. We value our traditional meals but we are not slaves to them.

The Union Flag is the combined flag of the United Kingdom. It incorporates the flags of England, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Confusingly, the flag of Wales is not included because, by the time the flag was designed, Wales and England had already combined.

Sometimes referred to the Union ‘Jack’ but, this is incorrect. The ‘Jack’ is just the flag as flown on a naval vessel. Elsewhere it is the Union Flag.

Why is the UK great?

You see, right there I have readers shaking their heads and asking, are you mad?

British people are about as unpatriotic as any nation can be likely caused by a succession of government which rather than pull us together, drove us apart to create division and detract for their own failings.

Is the UK really so terrible?

In my opinion, no, it’s not. As a country we have lost out way rather a lot, society has some very real issues. However, the bedrock of the country, the land and the climate, they are much as we would expect for these lands.

What do I hear those around the world say of the UK?

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  • It’s so quaint, all those cute little villages – Sure, we have a lot of cute old villages dating back centuries but, that is not who we are, that’s just a tourist ideal
  • Isn’t it always raining in the UK? – Actually, just about every year we ban the use of hosepipes in a lot of counties because we are in a drought situation, we simply have not had enough rain. Sure, we do get rain. Unlike some other countries, there is no rainy season, it can happen any time of year. It used to be mainly April we would have showers but, global warming lost that for us.
  • It’s so cold there – Way up north in Scotland and especially on the hills, sure, it can get really cold. Realistically, if you as an interest person not liking the cold will avoid those areas and look down south. Right now we are around 28°C, tomorrow I see will be 30°C and, that’s quite warm for anywhere! It’s very humid though.
  • At least I don’t need sun block as it’s either going to rain or be too foggy! – Look, rain I already covered but on it, don’t let it fool you. Even through those showers the UV index can be really high especially in June/July. As for fog, there is a generation of Brits won’t have seen it ever! It was a construct of heavy industry with factories and homes using copious amounts of filthy coal and other messy stuff which hung in the atmosphere. We have cleaned up considerably in the last few decades. I am 60 and whilst it was regular when I was a kid it is more a morning mist now and rather than being pollution it’s just nature evaporating the lying water.
  • Your food is so bland, you don’t eat anything exciting or tasty. – This is an absolute myth based on a misunderstanding. You see, our land is very multicultural, we are a blend of hundreds of different nations and, over the years, our recipes have been shared and just about anything goes. We have comfort food which some might consider bland, only because it’s generally badly cooked. Fish & Chips needs to have fresh fish, the fresher the better. Many restaurants cook fish from the freezer and who is to say how old it is? Of course it’s going to have no flavour. We stop using those places mostly. The Sunday Roast? Yes, unavoidably that can be bland, no two ways about it. Sauces have to be added to make it OK. Shepherds and cottage pie, not the same thing but similar. That’s down to recipe and the quality of ingredients. Cooked fresh with good ingredients there is no reason for it to be bland at all. The Great British Breakfast (fry up) … a little bit of a myth that one as it implies there is only one. There are many variations on it to the point that much of it and occasionally, all of it is not fried at all! (I prefer it that way). But, back to the multicultural nature of the UK … Curry is one of our most popular take out meals (from India), Kebabs often follow from a night out (Greece). Indeed, we have restaurants with food from all over the world. Just lately I am seeing more Filipino venues showing up as well.
  • Beaches, what’s the point, you don’t have any good beaches? – There is a related truth in that but, it’s complicated! The sea even on the hottest days, never gets higher than 20°C, the in the cooler months it’s around 6°C and although some hardy people do swim in it, on the whole we don’t do much more than paddle. We do, however, have some amazing beaches, some of the best and great surfing beaches too. Sadly, the government we have had the past 13 years have allowed our seas to get contaminated with filth. Rich corporate water companies continue to pump raw sewage into our waterways making many of them unsuitable or unsafe to use.
  • Isn’t everything just so expensive there? – Hands up, the answer is yes. Sadly any excuse and hospitality gets greedy. A little inflation and they raise prices to exceed it and when inflation lessens, those prices remain high. Right now we are suffering food inflation way over 16%. A standard McDonalds is close on £9 now almost double what it was a year ago and, for example, nearly three times the cost in the Philippines.
  • So, when it’s not summer then it’s just winter right? Oh no! – Spring and Autumn are two of the nicest times to be here. The winter is absent of colour, the leaves are off the trees, flowers do not grow, it’s just drab. Then spring happens and it comes to life! Birds are busy mating, flowers bloom, trees blossom, it’s a sight to see, honestly. Autumn follows summer and nature starts to shut down ready for winter. The colours on the trees are incredible, all shades of yellow, orange, red, it’s magical. The past few decades winter has been mild, it’s rare to get snow except on high ground. For several mornings there will be ice on cars and sure, it can get a little chilly even in the warmer parts getting down to -9°C on occasion but, mostly it’s just somewhere between 0° – 10°C. If wearing the right clothes it’s not really a problem. In summer, well as I said above, it can be really hot but, at the same time, it can change! I have known it in the low 20’s in May and then a week later, we do have snow, it can happen, it’s rare.
  • Your homes are all really old right, you have outside toilet’s and bath in front of the fire? – Sure, in many old movies that’s totally correct but I have always lived in a house with an inside toilet and a bath which has hot and cold water. Sure, as a kid in winter we had ice on the inside of the windows it was so cold but, that was 50+ years ago. Most, the vast majority have centrally heated homes and at least one full bathroom or shower. So, even our older places will be mostly fully upgraded by now.
  • Just how old are your places? – The newest are still being built, the oldest go back centuries. It is not unusual to live in an 18th century property and certainly 19th century. Let’s make no mistake, our history goes back 1000’s of years. A church in my town has parts of it dating back to the10th century.

Let’s look at some pictures of the UK

As you can see, if the tech works. the country can look so different depending on location and time of year. It is rarely plain. If you know where to look there is so much to see, it’s certainly worth seeking out the guide books and exploring outside of the big cities.

Thoughts today

For most of my adult life I think I’ve lift for now. Maybe I am in the minority for that with so many investing for the future, ensuring their retirement is the best time of their lives. There is a lot of merit in that but, here is why I chose not to do it.

Way up there on the top of that list is that my mother died at 52. Her and Dad went down the route of saving for their retirement, buying a house and so on and yet, there she was. For her it didn’t pay off and how might her life had been different had she lived to the full whilst she could?

My nan would have got another 13 years out of her life in retirement though, she didn’t take the route of investment for the future. She remained in her council house her entire life and seemed happy. Nowhere near as stressed as the home owning elements of the family. Her husband, my grandad, he went at 67. He got just two years of retirement before he died.

A boss of mine had this huge retirement party when he left at 65 on his last Friday which turned out to be just that, his last Friday.

You may have gathered that what I am saying here is, to me, buying a house, going short, managing for most of my life didn’t seem to make sense, I just didn’t know what the future would hold.

I cannot say how my life would have been different if I had of gone the house ownership route. What differing opportunities I may have had and taken. Would I have picked up a virus in 2014 which would leave me disabled for the rest of my life? Maybe not.

If I did not invest for the future, what did I do?

Travelled mostly. My kids didn’t just read about Europe at school, they went there and not just the tourist places either. I know I got a lot out of that and I am sure they did too. Perhaps even a love of travel which will pass to my grandchildren, a legacy maybe?

My homes were always comfortable. Furniture was placed when it needed to be as were carpets and walls decorated. The kids grew up in lovely places despite all the family difficulties we were to face.

Sure, in the back of my mind there was always that question: What about when I am older and perhaps in need of extra love and support? I always imagined it would be like my nan. Always getting someone popping in, invited over for Sunday dinner, doing holidays with her children and never alone at Christmas. Sadly, it is looking like that is not going to happen to me but, it was my gamble to take and I would do it all again just the same.

Here and Now I still need to invest in my comfort. All the carpets needed to be replaced, many are over 20 years old. It was bugging me that they looked so horrible and were impossible to keep clean so, they are being done. I still feel the need to feel safe and comfortable in my own home. I know it is ‘only’ a rented place. These spends will gain me nothing financially but, that is not my chosen path. What they do now is to ensure my life is as pleasant as it can be.

The problem for me, having a much younger husband is that we differ in our outlook. When he retires I will be 83 presuming the retirement age remains as it is. I won’t have many years in front of me assuming I last that long. Investing heavily now for that future is too high risk for me. For him it makes perfect sense. In 20+ years he can retire in comfort to his country of birth still a relatively young man. It makes sense for him and yet, not for me. Sure, I could get lucky and live until I am 100 but, it doesn’t look likely given my health issues.

My children, they aspire to house ownership and I would always argue, if the salary is high enough that it’s not a significant drain on daily living and leaves plenty of saving room then, it’s good, long term it makes sense knowing that some day that mortgage is paid and that will be extra in pocket income. However, if they must struggle to afford it, I can only advise, don’t do it. Enjoy your lives and your time with the children whilst you are able.

Ultimately, we only know which case is right or wrong when we die. Only then do we know whether we made the right choice or not. For now, I have some amazing memories to carry with me, worth every penny.

I’ve included a gallery which only brings me up to 2010 with so many great times after that.

Nearly June Update

Have you seen this man?

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That’s my other self on GTA V, Robin Banks. I think he looks just like the bloke I think I should look like but don’t!

Next week I shall be 52. I’ve always been a little nervous of being 52 as it is the age my mum died at. True, there are no similarities between her and me health-wise. But, even so, it sort of also brings it home to me just how young she was when she died, how much life she didn’t live. By comparison I am so much more fortunate. She never knew her grandchildren and she ended up with 6 of them. She never knew her great-grandchildren either and there are 4 of those. Most upsetting for me personally is that she never got to know me either. To her I was probably this stupidly introvert weird kid who had little respect for her (because I had sex in her house) and who had got this girl she didn’t much like pregnant.

She never got to know the person I couldn’t be then but later become and that’s sad because I would have liked to seen how she was, whether she would have approved of dumped me or just went through awkward denial. I’ll just never know. Of course, no point dwelling on what didn’t happen and can’t happen. She died in 1986 (July 10th) and that’s that.

So, at 52 what do I still want to do?

I really want to do more travelling. I’d like to return to the Philippines if I can, visit Hong Kong, India and Australia, I must do Australia as it tops up my continent tally! It’d be nice just to go somewhere else that sort of speaks English too. Where else? I really do want to do Gran Canaria again and the USA too, hell, so much of the USA! Top of the list would probably be Florida though, so much escapism. Seems greedy though as it was only 4 years ago I was last there. New York for sure but taking in Washington DC and Niagara Falls, that’s a big ask. I really enjoyed LA but wouldn’t go back unless I could add San Francisco onto the journey. Actually, San Diego is another I’d like to redo. Ibiza, that was the start of my international travels, the first destination I flew to back in 1982, so long ago now.

I’d like to do another holiday on the Norfolk Broads, I enjoyed that and it’s really quite relaxing.

Hmm, a hot air balloon, quite like the idea of that. Riding a motorbike again. Not done that since 1983 and that didn’t go so well. Having some fast fun around a race circuit in an awesome car, that’d be good.

All the above have a degree of the possible about them.

The not so likely is, have enough money to get my eyes and ears as fixed as they can be just so I can be somewhere close to ‘normal’ physically for a while. I do so hate wearing glasses and hearing aids. A lot of people don’t think let alone understand how horrible it is. My hearing level never gets above the quality of an old transistor radio, and they are uncomfortable always. My eyesight means I can’t see properly at any time. Sure, I can see but not naturally. I know from when I wear contact lenses that the sort of vision which is natural is a very long way off what glasses achieve. I can’t feel the wind in my face or wear fashionable shades. Certain personal things are thoroughly diminished because I need to remove my aids and glasses, forget turning the lights off, I actually would prefer the lights off so I might forget I cannot see and, sweet nothings are actually just ‘nothings’ without my hearing aids.

So, if I had the money, I’d get something done which the NHS would never fund. It wouldn’t be a cure but a huge improvement.

No, I still don’t colour my hair! I get really fed up with those who keep insisting I am colouring my hair to hide the grey, I just don’t, it is what it is. The only colouring goes on is my eyebrows as they are quite grey which just looks odd with non grey hair.

I’d like to get in shape but then, I’d also like to feel good about myself more often so I didn’t comfort eat.

What else? Well, I want to start the photography more again, I want to set up and use the Karaoke too. Both those help me unwind and I need some unwinding.

Love interest … sort of in the works but, not assured yet, a work in progress which reminds me, shall call him in a little while.

As for my birthday itself, I think that’s sorted.