The town of ChesterWell, we have officially left Ireland and arrived in England. I think I speak for everyone when I say that Ireland was absolutely incredible- the sights, the people, cities, and even the pubs were unforgettable! But, alas, it is time to move on to the second half of our trip (can you believe we have been here a week).
This morning we were up at the crack of dawn, well not really the crack of dawn because it was fully light outside when I got up at 6 this morning, to head to the Dublin port so we could hop a boat across the sea to Holyhead, Wales. The boat we took was the size of a mini cruise ship, much larger than many of us were expecting, which was for the better as a couple people were worried about motion sickness. The cruise to Wales took a little under 3 hours. When we docked we unloaded, got our bags and went through customs- which was really just walking down a hall that separated the incoming passengers from the main lobby area... there was no stamp, no nothing; we were all a bit disappointed to not be getting a stamp in our passports as proof we were here... I guess a million pictures will have to do!
We met up with our new coach driver, loaded the bus and headed out to see Wales! It hasn't looked too much different than Ireland to tell the truth, but I know that will change. Our first and only garden stop of the day was to a rather large garden known as Bodnant Garden. It, like many of the gardens we have seen in Ireland, was a garden attached to a house. The gardens were very extensive with various paths wandering around. You were constantly running into forks in the path and having to decide which way to go. The areas of the garden closest to the house were the most manicured- grassy lawn, orthogonal water features, etc. but as you moved further away from the house it became more and more organic feeling and the paths twisted in turned in more obscure ways. The plantings were also more natural and free to grow as they pleased. It was a really neat progression through the garden that you really didn't notice (I'm just now realizing it as I write this). After spending a good bit of time in the garden and grabbing a bite to eat it was off to Chester. Chester is a really neat city because it is built mostly within an old ancient Roman fortification wall that surrounded the town that use to be here way back in the day! It is also along a river and has a canal of sorts that runs through it and you can walk along. Overall, it is a rather cozy town and of a very good size!
This morning we were up at the crack of dawn, well not really the crack of dawn because it was fully light outside when I got up at 6 this morning, to head to the Dublin port so we could hop a boat across the sea to Holyhead, Wales. The boat we took was the size of a mini cruise ship, much larger than many of us were expecting, which was for the better as a couple people were worried about motion sickness. The cruise to Wales took a little under 3 hours. When we docked we unloaded, got our bags and went through customs- which was really just walking down a hall that separated the incoming passengers from the main lobby area... there was no stamp, no nothing; we were all a bit disappointed to not be getting a stamp in our passports as proof we were here... I guess a million pictures will have to do!
We met up with our new coach driver, loaded the bus and headed out to see Wales! It hasn't looked too much different than Ireland to tell the truth, but I know that will change. Our first and only garden stop of the day was to a rather large garden known as Bodnant Garden. It, like many of the gardens we have seen in Ireland, was a garden attached to a house. The gardens were very extensive with various paths wandering around. You were constantly running into forks in the path and having to decide which way to go. The areas of the garden closest to the house were the most manicured- grassy lawn, orthogonal water features, etc. but as you moved further away from the house it became more and more organic feeling and the paths twisted in turned in more obscure ways. The plantings were also more natural and free to grow as they pleased. It was a really neat progression through the garden that you really didn't notice (I'm just now realizing it as I write this). After spending a good bit of time in the garden and grabbing a bite to eat it was off to Chester. Chester is a really neat city because it is built mostly within an old ancient Roman fortification wall that surrounded the town that use to be here way back in the day! It is also along a river and has a canal of sorts that runs through it and you can walk along. Overall, it is a rather cozy town and of a very good size!
So glad you all had a great time!! Have fun in England!!
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