What's on the table at the moment is a pin wheel quilt documenting our 3 month long trip to England in 2008. Such a long trip took a bit of planning for me and Robin, and I took along a big pile of half square triangles, one side patterned and one side plain, together with my Micron archival pen for people to sign blocks for me as we travelled around. The first block was signed by our travel agent Petra, wishing us "Bon Voyage".
My 2008 UK Holiday tablecloth
Several blocks were signed on our flights to Singapore, where we had a stop over for several days. You know you are in foreign country when the breakfast buffet menu offers such delicacies as pickled lettuce, braised peanuts and mee gorang. It was such a thrill to see the Merlion, having a ride on the newly opened Singapore Flyer, and enjoying a day trip to Santosa Island. Then it was on to London.
The Singapore Flyer was so new our travel agent was unaware it was up and running
Our eight days in London was spent in a frenzy of sightseeing. Buckingham Palace was open so we quickly snapped up tickets for that, and we enjoyed a tour through Hampton Court. Both buildings are so full of English Royal history, which I love with a passion.
Buckingham Palace
The next week was a complete change of pace when we explored the Llangollen Canal onboard narrowboat Gypsy Rover, owned by our friends Dot and Derek. Leaving the canal behind, we picked up a rental car and went exploring.
We travelled around England, staying at B&Bs and starting each day with a "full English breakfast". We visited castles and cathedrals, and attractions along the way which were on our "must see" list, such as Stone Henge, Avebury Stone Circle and Hastings where the 1066 battle took place.
Avebury Stone Circle
There were train rides, boat rides, everywhere we went my HSTs were signed. During a visit to Canterbury Cathedral to see the shrine to Thomas Beckett who was murdered in the name of Henry 11, my HST was signed by Revd Jacky who wrote "May God bless this precious work with his love". I was so thrilled with that lovely message.
The blocks were assembled on our return home into a tablecloth. It's always so nice to read the messages and relive that wonderful trip.
Many happy memories
