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.