England so far

Having a wonderful time here, doing all the English things. The boys spent the weekend with their Uncle Colin, so Jane & I took in Exetor. The centre of town is surrounded by a wall that dates back to Roman times and has a canal system that was built in the 1600's. This enabled the boats to bypass the weir that was built by a local duchess 350 years earlier, so she could tax all the goods that were unloaded.

Also had a pint in the Ship Inn, which was apparently the favourite watering hole of Sir Francis Drake. The English believe him a true patriot and capable sailor. The Chileans regard him as the biggest pirate to captain a ship following his exploits off their coast.

On the way home we stopped at Lyme Regis for crab sandwiches and high tea with scones, strawberry jam and clotted cream.

Also had some time up in the Lake District. Beautiful countryside and not too many tourists. Dogs everywhere, although in contrast to Chile, they all seemed to have owners nearby. Couldn't quite cope with two labradors in the public library. They were blocking the sports section and thought I had come to play with them. Their owner carried on reading...

Skipton castle was fantastic. Started in 1090 and added to over the years, it is one of the finest examples of a Norman castle. 4m thick at the base and one of the few to hold out against Cromwell during the civil war. We got down into the dungeon and it really was not a nice place. Dark, deep and no sanitation. At least the upstairs loos overhung the moat.

Had a highly cultural visit to the James Bond museum which had only been open 3 weeks. The caretaker took a shine to us (most Brits seem to have an NZ connection somewhere, or a desire to emigrate there!) and so we got a few extras. The boys got to dress up in Commander Bond's jacket and naval cap and sit on the wetbike brandishing a silenced Walther PPK. We all go to sit in the Aston Martin V12 Vanquish with the twin shotguns poking out the bonnet.

Dropped in to see Jo & Phil, our friends who help run a boarding house at Rugby school. Saw the plaque and statue of Willie Webb Ellis.

Also caught up with Jane's brother Andrew and his wife Karen, the vicar. She insisted on taking us to The Abbey. Fortunately it has been converted into a pub.

I will leave the boys to tell you all about Legoland and the Dr. Who exhibition.