Pleasant Memories are hovering near! We spent the most beautiful mini vacation in a medieval style village of Rye. But the delightful charms didn't begin when we disembarked from the train. Oh, no. The journey through bucolic landscapes was so intriguing. I had never dreamed there were so many 'meadows' with fluffy white sheep in what I had assumed was the crowded British Isles! There were high embankments on either side of the railway tracks which didn't give for the greatest view all the time, but I did note how massive some of the trees were. (They don't grow deciduous trees like that here in northern Alberta.)
Rye here we come! Ever since I researched for my book Two Mothers, Twin Daughters, I fell in love with the coastal villages of England so you can be sure I was thrilled when the opportunity to explore one actually came my way!
If you ever plan to visit England, do stop in at Rye, It is most delightful. There is a towering---massive--which is the right word? stone gate over one of the roads. The pavements (sidewalks) are incredibly narrow in places, and the streets do not allow any room for passing! Don't forget you are in England, now, so do remember to drive on the left-hand side of the road. What else can I say? Oh, yes, there are such lovely courtyards, and the roses were blooming most abundantly. The houses and many other buildings were very tall and antique looking, with moss covering them here and there.
Did I say this is a seacoast village? Well, that is not quite accurate, 'cuz I never did see the sea from there. Way back before your time, or mine, either for that matter "Good Queen Bess" called it Royal Rye, but it did have a reputation. Ahem. Apparently, it was notorious for being a smugglers cove, although it sure seemed safe enough while we were there! Actually, in those days, it had been an island, but we couldn't tell.
I wanted to show you a picture of the Rye Lodge we stayed at but couldn't find one! Sorry!
If you are planning to put this on your bucket list, do take time to climb up to the steeple of that ancient church on the hill. You'll be so glad that you did! Be warned! It's quite a climb though! Starting off it looks innocent enough, but soon you'll be clambering up long ladders, and around narrow curves that are either banked with stone or wooden walls some so narrow you'll wonder if you'll be able to squeeze through all of them if they get any narrower!
Well, I was just informed that "Dad" wants to go, so better tie this up and HOPEFULLY find some compelling pictures to post with it.
If you ever plan to visit England, do stop in at Rye, It is most delightful. There is a towering---massive--which is the right word? stone gate over one of the roads. The pavements (sidewalks) are incredibly narrow in places, and the streets do not allow any room for passing! Don't forget you are in England, now, so do remember to drive on the left-hand side of the road. What else can I say? Oh, yes, there are such lovely courtyards, and the roses were blooming most abundantly. The houses and many other buildings were very tall and antique looking, with moss covering them here and there.
Did I say this is a seacoast village? Well, that is not quite accurate, 'cuz I never did see the sea from there. Way back before your time, or mine, either for that matter "Good Queen Bess" called it Royal Rye, but it did have a reputation. Ahem. Apparently, it was notorious for being a smugglers cove, although it sure seemed safe enough while we were there! Actually, in those days, it had been an island, but we couldn't tell.
I wanted to show you a picture of the Rye Lodge we stayed at but couldn't find one! Sorry!
If you are planning to put this on your bucket list, do take time to climb up to the steeple of that ancient church on the hill. You'll be so glad that you did! Be warned! It's quite a climb though! Starting off it looks innocent enough, but soon you'll be clambering up long ladders, and around narrow curves that are either banked with stone or wooden walls some so narrow you'll wonder if you'll be able to squeeze through all of them if they get any narrower!
Well, I was just informed that "Dad" wants to go, so better tie this up and HOPEFULLY find some compelling pictures to post with it.
