A little taste

It's been quite busy, keeping up with class work and trying to see all that we could.  Betty and I hope to catch up on the blogging in the next couple of days.  Meanwhile, here's some pictures to whet your appetite.

This is the Castle in Vadstena.  We've spent a couple of afternoons in the town, wandering, shopping, eating.  Met Charlotte, a friend of Susanne's with a wonderful shop (tea, cheese, etc.)  Here are some of the sites and scenes.  Text to follow.

Yesterday, went to Motala, site of the Motormuseum.  Did that on my own, as Betty and Joan weren't much interested.  They have a great car selection, with American and European makes and models from the early 1900's through the eighties or so.  Very cool.   Probably a dozen or more Rolls Royces, from the 30's on.  And an 80 something Lamborghini, with a placard that talked about the review it got-- stiff steering, tough to shift and about enough luggage space for 2 toothbrushes-- but who notices when you can go from zero to 100 mph in 4.5 seconds?!?  Then strolled along the Gota Canal, which runs across Sweden.  Built in the 1800's by hand, 112 miles, 58 locks, etc.  Also very cool.

Today, we went back to Motala to take a day trip on the Gota Canal.  Only a few miles on the canal, then through 5 locks that dropped about 50 feet into the next lake, across the lake, then return and up the locks.  Oh, my!  Right up there with the Butcher's Arms!  Check this out!  And a bit of video.  Going UP!

Top of the this lock.  Remember, there are 5, each rising about 3 meters.

Made it!

Here we are in Herrestad

Herrestad is the small (6 families) village where Thomas, Susanne and their two girls live, near the city of Vadstena (5 miles.)  Thomas and his brothers, Peter and Stefan, operate a 700 acre farm here, producing grain and eggs (with approx 52000 laying hens.) 

So, we arrived Wednesday morning and met all the Maalstrom's.  Spent a great day.

The weather is perfect and the house is gorgeous.  I've posted many pics of the house and grounds here.  I know Betty will post details, but I wanted to share.

We're way North here.  The sun goes down around 10PM, but it never really gets dark.  Betty said it was totally light around 4:30 in the morning.  Anyway, this is the view from our bedroom window, looking north in the afternoon.

This is the same view at midnight

Cool, huh?

Chalford Hill

Thought you might like to see some pics of the house, the pets, and some of the "local" sites and countryside.  I find that, when I think about England, I picture the big city and crowds.  But when you get here, it's not really like that at all.  And, oh, the roads!
See pics

Chipping Camden

Another claimant for most charming village-- and this one is a real contender.  This house we noticed on our way out of town and had to capture.  Note the for sale sign.  Don't ask-- it will be a minimum of a million pounds!!

A lovely church, old graveyard, a girls' choir singing in the old marketplace (one of their selections - "Shalom Haverim"- really!), even a museum dedicated to the Arts and Crafts Movement (like our house.)  Right outside the museum is this drive-through cart wash.

So, here's the pics

Berkeley Castle

Pronounced "Barkley" (go figure.)  Beautiful old castle and grounds that have been the Berkeley family home for 850 years!  Unfortunately, no pictures allowed inside.  Betty will have to provide descriptions.
Pics

Bath

The Romans came to Bath around 45AD.  It's amazing to wander through the baths and realize that they were built 2000 years ago!  Went on a 2 hour walking tour of the town, then explored the baths.

John - this one's especially for you

See pics

Barnsley House & Gardens

It seems that every village in the Cotswolds claims the title of "most charming" or "most beautiful."  Barnsley is no exception, but the highlight here is Barnsley House, a manor which has been transformed into a pricey hotel.  But, oh, the gardens...  word is Prince Charles was so impressed with the formal garden that he invited the designer to consult on his personal garden.  And the kitchen garden is amazing.  Here's a sample:

View the house and gardens here.  (Remember, you have to sign in to Snapfish, but the account is free.)