Arnos Vale Cemetery

Arnos Vale Cemetery is home to one of our favorites... George Muller.

Mark and I love cemeteries. Yes, I know it's a little weird, but this place was incredible. It was huge. I think if it weren't for the boys we would have stayed all day. So many stones, everywhere, even in places you'd think it wouldn't be possible. It was really unbelievable how close together the stones were. In America, even in really "old" cemeteries, they're still fairly orderly. Arnos Vale... not so much.

Entrance.

A few random pictures...

I love the moss on these tree branches.

Trecking to Muller's grave.

Muller's 2 wives were buried before him. It's an interesting layout of the stones. The 2 white stones are tilted toward each other and his is at the head.

Horfield Common

This is a small Parish church near the common. I'm sure there are tons more like it, but it's the first one we've seen that has a cemetery on the grounds, actually surrounding the building. It's really beautiful and actually quite fitting. I think maybe all churches should do that. It would definitely help us as we came and left our weekly meeting places to think more often/soberly/hopefully/joyfully about eternity.

Horfield Common

The common and playground are about a 10-15-20 min. (depending on how long your legs are and how motivated they are) walk from our house. At first I thought that was close and we'd go often, but it's just far enough that if it's the slightest bit dreary out, the boys don't want to go. Hudson always wants to drive there. Such an American, that kid. Maybe once it warms up a bit. I guess we could drive though... now that I've taken up driving UK style.

Now on that note, I was absolutely petrified at first being that everything is opposite and with very little that is familiar as far as signage and markings go. It took 5 days and an almost emergency trip (I'll tell you about that later) to the hospital to get me in the drivers seat (which now that I think about it, might very well get us in the emergency room too!) You'll be pleased to know that I've only almost killed us once on my 2nd outing. Some of you consider me a fast driver, but I'm definitely the grandma driver here. There are no stop signs!!! What?!?! My rule is, if in doubt, stop. I've decided I'd rather be rear-ended than broadsided. I've been out 3 times now driving without Mark, and I'm definitely feeling more comfortable. My map never leaves my lap. I don't think they've ever even heard of a grid here. And as for making street signs visible or even labeling them at all? Whatever for? If they are labeled, it is usually about waist-high on the side of a building on only one side of the street. So even if you can see through the parked car or overgrown hedge, you might not be going in the right direction to see it at all. Good times when you have NO IDEA where you're going.

Bridge Walk

We walked to the playground one late afternoon and saw a beautiful sun set. We only had the little camera so the color isn't great, but I think you can imagine.

We walked across the bridge. It was super windy and a little scary, but a great view of the gorge and the city.

Obviously we'd have to get a picture in front of one of these!

Classic Elliot

Elliot wants to be Buzz Lightyear when He grows up. He wants to fly in the sky and use his wazer (lazer), his municaken (communicator), his gun and sword to fight Zurg. Thought everyone might enjoy a good laugh. If you're a home schooler, you'll notice how math manipulatives get used at our house!

Bath Spa

We went to Bath Spa on Saturday. It was the most amazing place. Everything was so old and preserved. I felt like it must have looked like it did 100s of years ago, just with different people and different transportation. Usually in old cities there's a mingled bit of new with the old, but not in Bath. It was unbelievable! Here are some pictures of our walk around the city. I know I posted too many pictures, but I couldn't resist all the goodness!

Temple Meads Train Station in Bristol

This is Parade Park. Can we move to Bath please?

The placard on the wall says, "Part of the medieval wall of the city of Bath"

The Roman Bath

This is across the street from the Roman Baths.

The boys weren't sure at first if he was real or not.

We keep seeing the most amazing trees!

This is Manvers Street Baptist Church. There are tons of church buildings everywhere.

St. Michael's Church

Just to make sure you don't miss it, notice that the date for the first Rector, is a.d. 1180. He only has one name too, that should tell you something about the time period!

Just thought it an interesting conglomeration of subjects. You've got a statue of Jane Austen, the Jane Austen Center doorman dressed in 19th century clothing to fit the venue, and a couple of local police officers. This happened to be my favorite stop of the day. I wasn't able to go in because the tour was too long, but I'm goin' back baby, you better believe it!!

This was unfortunately, but understandably so, the boys favorite part of the day. He was pretty good as far as street performers go. He could definitely give some of the acts at Quincy Market in Boston a run for their money.

These are pictures of all the great architecture we saw. The buildings are so beautiful!

St. John's Church

Bath Abby - This monstrosity was built in the 8th century. Unfortunately, we weren't able to get inside. (It would be closed the day we were there!) It may be Catholic, but we're there for mass at some point in our stay here.

If we can interest you the least bit, you've got to check out this link. This will definitely impress!

http://www.bathabbey.org/Web%20Page%20-%20Mini%20Tour/index.html

Waiting on the platform at the Bath station for our train home.