Sweet Escape...

Amongst all that seems to be going on, all good yet consuming, a girl needs an escape. I managed to get my hands on the “missing” episode of Downton Abbey – you know the situation, you have a whole series but there is one episode missing in the middle? You can piece everything together, but there are still big gaps in the story arch.

What bliss, I was even inspired to abolish my mountain of ironing (yes, take notes Brother, give me series and I will iron).

Downton Abbey has a special place in my heart, since I managed to visit the house in Newbury on my UK trip.  They film most of the show at Highclere Castle, which is actually the home of the Earl and Countess of Carnarvon. It’s quite something to see recent family photos interspersed between ancient family portraits. While it didn’t really feel like Downton while I was there, I recognised so much when I rewatch the show. Every glimpse of a painting or sculpture in the dining room, stair case or library gives me a special thrill.

Visiting Highclere was definitely a highlight of my trip! Unfortunately I wasn’t allowed to take photos inside the house, but here are some photos of me there and the grounds.

Copyright - Sharon Paine

Copyright - Sharon Paine

Copyright - Sharon Paine

Copyright - Sharon Paine

Shop Till You Have Calves of Steel...

Hit the shops in Cambridge yesterday, was amazing to see stores that I’d only perved over online.

Claire and I started with the expensive shops… like All Saints… *sigh* then to like the likes of Topshop, New Look etc… ending the spree at Primark.

Primark is INSANE, it makes Mr Price look like a corner shop, and this is only the “smaller store” in Cambridge – I think I might die when I go shopping in London. There are 3 floors, you grab a basket as you enter and just pile clothes into it. The whole change room system is geared to crazy shoppers – you can leave your basket with the attendant and try on 8 items at a time.

I leave you now to get ready for another historical adventure… wearing a new dress – ofcourse.

xx

The UK Challenge

Dearest fans

I am in the UK for a month, so it seems apt to set my self a challenge... a very achievable one... HAVE FUN :)

Some things are the same as CT and other things are so extremely different! I am staying just outside of Cambridge at the moment - this whole area, including Cambridge Village, is overflowing with historical buildings, I took a walk past some of the colleges on my first day and couldn't stop taking photos! We even saw gypsies? and there are cows just chilling in fields, in the village... I am so in love with the country side.

I will be travelling around the UK over the next month, so watch this space for news of my adventures :)

I promise to post often :)

xxx