Checked out we went for the train with all of our bags. Changing at Charing Cross and Leicester Square was difficult as these stations don't have lifts. I somehow grew super strength to carry two bags down 60-70 steps. Footy pre-season has started early!
On to Hammersmith where there was a lift, thank goodness. It's now the start of the Cosmos tour, the "Grand tour of Britain and Ireland" which will take us around for the next 15 days.
Checked in, on the bus, off we go! The tour director, Geoff is an enthusiastic and energetic man. He gets a show of hands of nationalities. 27 Australians, 12 Americans, 2 Malaysians and 2 Singaporeans are on the trip.
I look around and I'm by far the youngest person on this trip. 99% of the other people are either pushing 50 or are over 50 years old. You can't win them all, I've got blogs to write anyway ;)
First stop, Stonehenge. One of the great mysteries of the world. Jumping off the bus it was chilly and foggy. Perfect weather for Stonehenge! At first glance everyone would think "oh that looks...small". But you stand back for a minute, soak up the gloomy atmosphere amongst the lush rolling green hills and wonder how this engineering was possible thousands of years ago. You start hypothesising your own theories and imagination. Truly magical. It really is one of those sites that you "must see to believe".
Back on the bus, continuing down the A306, the next stop is Widecombe-on-the-Moor. Widecombe is a tiny village atop a large hill. A few of us went for a cheeky tea and scones before checking out the village and its old cemetery.
Driving out on the bus was a challenge. Very narrow, typical British road lined with hedges and sharp drops. We came to a crawl several times as cars squeezed past us with literally millemeters to spare.
Further down the road were a lot of dry stone walls. Those who watch Lè Tour de France would know that Paul Sherwen is an avid admirer of dry stone walls. I had his voice stuck in my head the entire time I was looking out the window.
Another two hours down the road and we quickly checked out Plymouth. The Mayflower
as well as many other ships that sailed to Australia departed from Plymouth. After forty-five minutes of heavy traffic we made our way to the first pit-stop of the tour, Torquay. It's a pretty little seaside town with a huge bay. The hotel we stayed in was once the only 5 star hotel in the South West of England. It's very old, has some of its charm but it has been rundown a lot.
Dinner was included on the first night. The three course meal, with glimpses of ocean views from our table was absolutely delicious!
We called it a night. Whilst sleeping, we nearly hit the roof as the fire alarm went off for about ten seconds. We didn't think anything of it. Then the darn thing went off 15 minutes later! Nearly fell out of the bed. Oh well, at least they work!
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