supposed to be a short break from politics, when I went into the Longtown Fish and Chip shop (near Carlisle), there were pictures of the Prime Minister on the wall, as he had been there just before the
election! (Haggis and Chips is delicious by the way - if a little strong!).
We are staying in a Farm where we are surrounded by sheep, cows, meadows and forest. Even though it has rained most days with black clouds above, we can still see far and wide.
Being in such a place, you can't help but think we are in the most beautiful country in the world.
We have been to a small lake-district village called Glenridding with mountains behind and Ullswater lake in front. Another day and we drove through the North Pennines, one of the most special drives I have ever been on. The mountains and valleys in glorious green are a wonder to behold.
When you go to such places and see nature at its best, you can't but believe in G-d.
This is a place steeped in history. Hadrian's Wall, in Northumberland is not far away. It was good to visit the Birdosweld Fort, part of the wall. Hard to believe that this Fort was built around 112AD for Roman
soldiers. I hadn't realised that Hadrian's Wall was originally much higher, but shrank as its stones were 'acquired' by the Norman Barons when they came to England 900 years later. Nevertheless, it is
amazing to see how much of the Wall has survived until the present day.
As well as being on the Cumbrian Northumberland border, we are only twenty minutes away from Scotland. You can drive through with ease: no border police to be seen or passports needed.
Given its tragic recent history, I wanted to visit Lockerbie, a small and peaceful town. It is shocking in my view, that the terrorist who perpetrated the Lockerbie bombing, was allowed back to Libya and that
subsequently, BP oil now has commercial agreements with the Libyan regime of Colonel Qadaafi.
But back to Scotland. The countryside here matches the English in beauty and it has been great to drive up and down the Scottish coast. We came across a ruined Abbey, with the wonderful name 'Sweetheart Abbey'.
This Monastry gets its name because it was commissioned and built in 1275 by the daughther of Lord Galloway in his honour. Walking through the ruined Abbey, you can imagine the Monks doing their daily rituals
so long ago. It is a serene place - one in which you can stop, stand and stare a little.
We will be back to Harlow soon. It has to be one of the best holidays I have had. It reminds me that our country - despite the difficulties we face - is still enchanted, and the best place on earth to live.
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Lovely post! It makes me want to return to Scotland. If you have the time, don't miss the stunning Isle of Skye.
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