Flitting here and there

Its a bit of a funny old week this one.

We completed our week up in York and for the week, have visited friends - in Broad Chalke near Salisbury.

Fox and Jan were gracious enough to make room for us to just 'breathe' after our extensive travels.. and we are so grateful for that space. What a beautiful home they have too... a rambling farmhouse set on a gorgeously manicured garden, with a stream running at the bottom of the hill. Its truly stuff made of dreams.

Fox enjoyed showing the kids around his glasshouse and pointing out al the tomatoes and grapes he is growing.

I was a little excited to find that the village has a pretty famous person living there - Terry Pratchett!  I'll only admit here that I did  little wander about, hoping to bump into him, but truth be known, I'd be far too shy to approach him, and if I did meet him in the little shop, I'd be a blithering mess of embarrassment and zealous enthusiasm.. and one can't have that .. can one?

I'll just have to have the claim to fame as simply visited the same village he lives in..

Getting my hair sorted! Monarch Dreads in Blackpool

My dreads haven't been tightened since Dec last year. I like to keep them straight and neat, so its been a bit of a trial for me to have fluffy fuzzy hair while travelling. I do love my dreads for travel - as its such a simple style to maintain. My hair has always been very knotty and thick - so I can only imagine what an awful mess it would have been if I'd attempted to keep it 'normal'. 

I know from the photos it probably doesn't look much different, but believe me - it totally is.  Rachael from Monarch Dreads was wonderful. She was funny, approachable and so easy to work with. She was extremely quick and pedantic with her tidy up and was super tidy ensuring that all whispy bits were captured up and all bobbly bits straightened.  I have to say totally work me driving nearly 4 hours to get to.  On our way to Scotland in November, I'll make sure I do a side detour to get another tidy up and visit her again.

Summary of a working visit at Madhyamaka Buddhist Meditation Temple -Yorkshire

Its a beautiful, tranquil spot, Madhyamaka Buddhist Meditation Temple up in York. As a volunteer worker, the conditions are spelt out before you arrive. It is defiantly not a place to expect to sit and ponder the worries of the world or meditate for hours on end; unless you are able to do this zen style ( in a moving mediation method) 

There are plenty of opportunity to join into the faith sessions, mediations and rituals during the week. 

Though the work is fairly simple, it can become tedious and repetitive, but this is due to the low expectations of supervisors on what the ability of its workforce. This is understandable as there is a wide range of abilities applying to volunteer.

It does give an insight into the life of a monk or long term helper within the temple and an excellent way to explore the Buddhist faith and teachings. 

Though it was challenging to do this with the kids in tow, it was an invaluable experience for them.

Every picture has a thousand stories

There are so many reasons I love to visit National Trust Houses, least of which is their astounding array of artworks. I kinda hyperventilate sometimes when I recognise a very famous painting.. just hanging there. Other times, when the room may be quiet, and the attendant is particularly helpful, I will get some history behind pieces; which again brings it all to life and more excitement about the place.

This painting is one that the duchess at Nunnington hated with a passion. It was painted when she was about 12 and held so many flaws that the painting was hidden until past her death. Her daughter, the most recent owner of the property before it was handed to the National Trust ensured that the painting was hung in pride of place along with its story. 

The duchess maintains that the dress was so scratchy and dreadful to wear, that it was only used for the sitting. Her family was shocked that the artist placed her on a couch in the way she is sitting, as she would never have been allowed to sit on the arms like this. She would never have been allowed to have shoes on near the furniture and certainly never have been allowed to have an outside toy within the house, let alone the sitting room. The best bit about this story is, is that the duchess's mother saw the painting and got the artist to come back and extend the length of the dress by a few inches as the actual dress was far too short and showed her knees.  LOL!

Nunnington Hall - Yorkshire

Nunnington Hall is a beautiful Tudor Manor house in the Yorkshire dales. We visited because it houses the worlds largest collection of minature dolls houses and scenes. The toy collection through the ages is extensive as well.

I took a load of photos, but have chose a few to share. The lady of the manor had miniatures of her home here - or her other homes made and decorated with actual fabrics and incidentals ( plates, chandeliers, paintings) The collection is exquisite in its detail and simply priceless. 

There was a section for kids to dress up in the era that the home was in its 'hey day' Lily chose to be a flapper and loves the feeling of gloves and jewellery. 

Tudor dark wood rooms. I love the paneling and the floorboards.

A tribute to the hunting craze of the gentry. So many skins and heads. It was a bit creepy to be honest.

The gardens are renown as one of the finest in the area. It has a huge organic walled kitchen garden and beautifully manicured hedges and formal gardens.  One of the stories that I loved, was that in winter, the lord woudl flood the front garden and allow it to freeze ( doing this several times for several layers of ice.) and then the children and family would go skating on the a huge rink it formed. 

Life as a monk Madhyamaka Buddhist Meditation Temple

I guess by now we have slipped into our roles here at the Buddhist Temple. I think, with only a few reservations, I'd be happy to continue here for a few months. Its peaceful and the people here are accommodating and kind. The volunteer work is not dreadful, though the hours are long and gives very little opportunity for the kids to do their homeschooling, or for us to see any of the sights around the area.

The kids are pictured here dinging the meal gong, which needs to be sounded in a few places around the mansion.

Our day starts when we wander down to the communal hall for breakfast. We help ourselves to what is there, generally there is apples and oranges, sometimes there is yoghurt, but there is always rice bubbles and cornflakes as well as bread for toast. 

We have mediation classes directly afterwards, which then leads to our work meeting to direct volunteers to do what is required for the morning, or day. We've been doing gardening almost exclusively, but have been assigned to assist with the B and B part of the temple, in the laundry; which is great as it means a bit of a change.  The kids have been positive the whole time and work hard alongside me. I'm not sure many other kids would continue the way they have been. 

Lunch is the main meal of the day and one we all look forward to, as the different monks are assigned to prepare it every day. Some are great cooks. Some have talents which may not be in the culinary arts.

We work until 5.30; giving a little time before dinner, which is sometimes toast and soup, other times a baked potato and beans, and other times a pasta dish. One thing is certain, you won't put on weight while working here.

The evenings are generally clear if you aren't interested in joining in on the chants and prayer sessions. Its given us a good space to quieten the mind and reflect on the huge journey we have just undertaken. 

We've spoken a little to some of the monks - who join us for some meals. Dordy is a real character and has really upset the apple cart on my perception of what a monk is. He is covered in tats and is a self professed previous 'bad boy'. He has found real peace and harmony here, a real connection with his place in the universe. Its wonderful to sit with him and laugh and hear his perception on certain topics. 

before and after shots of the carpark - our job at Madhyamaka Buddhist Meditation Temple - Yorkshire

One of our primary jobs while we were at the Buddhist Temple was to clear the weeds and grass in the main carpark.

This carpark is the one that guests to the four star B and B used, as well as for the guests who came to eat at the wonderful world peace cafe. 

The car park is supposed to have white pebbles across is, but instead was overgrown in thick grass, inches of soil and weeds. There were also random piles of bricks and pallets of rubbish, making some of the area inaccessible for cars to park in.

Though we had an array of tools to use, we found that hand picking was one of the quickest ways to get rid of them all. And yes - before anyone comments - because we were working within the constraints of the beliefs of our work placement, we couldn't use any poisons or harmful substances.

The three of us got into a bit of a rhythm and worked as a team to loosen the weeds with a nail rake, rake up the remains of white pebbles and then start pulling the weeds. It was pretty intensive and hot work, but like our walk on the camino, a calming activity where we had no other responsibilities other than to weed and to be.  I actually don't mind menial work.  A long time ago, I was told in acting school that there was no such thing as a 'small part' in a film or a play, only small actors. I have brought that with me in my worklife. All tasks have a place. Some are given more importance than others, just as some are more urgent  than others. Besides, menial tasks give you the freedom to think freely and most people leave you alone to continue your work. Its a good place to be alot of the time. 

I took photos over the four days we worked on the carpark. I'm glad we did as it was a pretty relentless task and it made us feel good to see the stones gradually appear. 

Gardening Madhyamaka Buddhist Meditation Temple - Yorkshire

With earphones in, music pumping, we set about working as hard and efficiently as we could in the garden and driveways. 

The kids have worked without complaint and undertaken some pretty ordinary jobs, which makes me very proud of them and their work ethic.

Working here this week is a great learning tool for a number of reasons. It is bringing real life experiences into the historical information we are collecting about the churches and monasteries. The kids can appreciate at a real level what it was like to live and work in a monastery, given that we are in basic accommodation ( here is much much nicer than many of the ones we slept in on the Camino I may add)  and one main basic meal ( which is basically what medieval lay monks would have had).

Madhyamaka Buddhist Meditation Temple - a working visit ahead

This was our welcome party to Madhyamaka Buddhist Meditation Temple, (Kilnwick Percy Hall) situated up past York - in Polkington. Its a heritage listed historic home - an Elizabethan Hall set in 42 acres of grazing land.

It has an interesting history as far as how it became a temple - The area is mentioned in the doomsday book and in the late 1500s the Manor was built in the style of the time - the Elizabethan Hall. The lord must have run out of money as it wasn't completed for over 150 years. It was finally completed in the late 1700s and used as a hunting lodge and country escape ( as was the fashion of the time with the gentry.)

It had over 40 bedrooms at one stage and over 60 staff - wow!

During the second world war the army took over Kilnwick Percy Hall. Afterwards, like many manor homes, the staff who used to be there, didn't return, wages were too high to engage more and the home was shut up to preserve heat and cleaning. It fell into disrepair and sadly caught fire where two-thirds of the building had to be demolished. The most magnificent part, the grand staircase - was demolished and made into furniture. - eekkk!  fortunately, part of it was rescued and fashioned into a staircase for another area in the house. It was purchased by Madhyamaka Buddhist Centre 25 years ago.

Our bedrooms are the second floor - the first and second window from the right. They monks who met us appologised for the megre accommodation - but boy - compared with the Camino and what we have had to sleep in for the last 60 days - this place is luxury plus.. It has hot water!! It has blankets.. oh the luxury of it all.

We are giddy with pleasure.. really.  We are looking forward to this week.

A beautiful family wedding - Tamsin and Jamie in Plymouth

What a beautiful day and gorgeous couple. Cousin Tamsin and her charming new husband looked relaxed and super delighted the entire day - exactly what you need to be and do on your wedding day. Tamins and Jamie were married on a gorgeous old church overlooking the Wembury Cove near Plymouth. Midsummers day was a glorious bright sunshiny day full of hope and promise, a a perfect setting for a wedding like this. 

Its a little convoluted, but take it as read, that I have relatives in the UK and one, Tamsin, got married today. We were so lucky to have been invited and so delighted! My great grandmother, grandfather, then my mum and then I have been sending Christmas cards and letters to our "pommy' relatives for nearly 80 years. I believe that we have been the only relatives who have come back to visit; but Tamsin came to visit us two years ago in Australia in a rushed tour of the east coast.

Below is a photo of the 'Pierpoint' side of the family at the wedding.

Miss Lilly looking very grown up for the wedding. 

Morgan sporitng his super short ( he hates it) haircut and a proper button up shirt!

The wedding cake Tamsin baked and iced herself. 

Us outside the Wembury church.

A Corona - a Spanish getaway

A chance to see some sun, sand and beach is something not to be missed.  We hopped on the train in Santiago and hurtled into the countryside to A Corona - a beachside town pretty famous for is golden sands.

It was pretty enough - after we walked about a billion miles from the train station to find it. The kids and I were glad we were so used to walking as it might have been a bit annoying after the first hour of being lost int he tiny medieval streets.

We were rewarded with clear blue water and golden sands; though not as soft as the sand back in Aus, it was s delight to have it between our toes.

We slathered up in sunscreen and the kids darted off to the water, only to run screaming back almost immedialty. Yep.. Blazing hot sun, sweltering day, and the sea was as icy as the North Pole. You know the cold that takes your breath away and you begin to shiver even with your feet in it?  That.

We took the opportunity to wander the historic area and check out Hercules Tower - the oldest - still still standing ( and to my understanding) operational lighthouse. It dates from the Roman Empire - 2nd Century - so is pretty amazing. 

The day remained hot and sticky, with the water freezing, we tried to have another swim, but the cold beat us again.  It didn't stop other people though.. phew.. no wonder Europeans go crazy when they see our coastlines. 

Stone Shrine for Age at Finsterre

Hugging the edges, along the entire trail, there are stone shrines. These range from haphazard rocks piled against each other, to elaborately manicure stones set perfectly in a tower. Many are left as they are built, where others are added to by anonomous pilgrims as they set thier rocks and stones down. They can be clustered in tiny rock skyscraper villages, or set along the trail on thier own. 

The common theme however, is the intention behind the shrines.  Each have been built to honour or as a reminder of a loved one, often passed on. Many have hand written prayers under the bottom rock. Some have an order of service from the funeral. Others have a photo.

Morgan has carried Adrians memorial dog tags on his neck the entire trail ( bar the last 60 - see the amazing story in another post on how they were lost and then found and returned to us ) 

It was a very special ceremony for us to build a shrine and lay what we feel, is the last piece of our farewell in our grieving process.

We spent time alone staring out at the sea, as Age often did, and as he did last year.

Finisterre and Muxia

Finsterre is the 'official'. 0 km mark, though its a little over 100 km from Santiago. Instead of walking that extra bit, or taking the bus, we hired a car snd spent time exploring the beautiful fishing villages on our way to Finsterre. Next time we do the camino, we will def get a car for a few days and stay in one of the villages, rather than spend time in Santiago.

I've done a seperate post on the laying down of the tags. It was a pretty intense but special moment for us.

We dangled pur feet over the cliff, sat and meditated and then found the pieate seafood place we ate at last year. The pirate cook was still there, looking more like a pirate than ever. Best seafood ever - all fresh and so yum! Totally blew our megre pilgrim budget for the day..

Muxia is an integral part of the pilgrimage as it is believed that one of the early apostles, after being rejected by the locals, wanting nothing to do with Christianity, the virgin Mary floated up the bay in a stone boat and encouraged him. He went on and converted the masses, got a Monestary built and  kept the place her boat came ashore as a sacred spot. 

Its a pleasant sandy little cove which was a perfect paddling spot today.