Note: This TRS Update was written Sunday, July 22nd and not immediately posted due to lack of an Internet connection in the flat. While we're on the topic, there's a lack of phone service too.
It figures that we would be in England during the first summer in years that is, as one local described it to me, “absolute shit”. When I first came to Europe during the summer of 2003 to work at the camp in Switzerland, I remember distinctly my uncle laughing at me when I packed my heavy trench coat. When I arrived in Lugano that summer, it was by local accounts one of the more sweltering, steamy summers. I suppose it was God’s way of foreshadowing my move to San Antonio where our summers are nothing if not sweltering and steamy. Last year our Mediterranean cruise was quite similar, although the humidity was not nearly as oppressive as in 2003 and by San Antonio standards it was downright ‘lovely’. I brought this range of summer European experiences with me to England on my first visit just over a month ago and nearly froze my ass off. Coming back, my heavy Newport trench coat was the first item in the suitcase, followed immediately by my $30 umbrella (which I suppose is another story). On Friday, parts of England received more rain in a few minutes than they typically receive in an entire month. Anyone from Texas knows that those kinds of statistics are the makings of flash floods, closed roads, helicopter rescues, and catch-phrases for the media (i.e., “Flood Watch 2007”). Anyone from California knows they are jealous, where it seems just taking a hot shower these days is enough to start a forest fire. I suppose it’s all in the name of global warming, something the folks over here have told me they are looking forward to, especially as we start the “silly season” when the kids are out of school and the work force drops off the face of the earth.
Between jet lag, the weather, and the transient nature of our living arrangement, it has been tough to really do much in the way of sightseeing. Last Saturday the travel gods smiled down upon us briefly and the stormy weather let up just long enough for us to get out of the hotel and do a little exploring. Portchester Castle is one of the closest points of interest and since it is visible from our flat we thought it would be prudent to go check it out. The castle, which is now in ruins, was once a pivotal defensive post for England in the fight against the French during the Hundred Years War. Hearing the story of the castle through our audio guide, it reminded me how little I really know about British history, and I won’t showcase my ignorance by trying to recount for you what we heard, you’ll have to take the tour for yourself or at the very least Google it. After our castle adventure, I took Jen down to Portsmouth Harbor and showed her where the Historic Dockyards are, Spinnaker Tower, and Gunwharf Quays (the giant outdoor mall). I also pointed out the infamous car park that closes at 6PM. We did not park there.
Hopefully over the next couple of weekends we’ll be able to go back and properly tour the area, weather permitting, though this weekend was certainly not permitting. As I mentioned, Friday was a big day for rain, floods, and staying put. Saturday was a big day for us because we finally moved into our flat. That was more or less the weekend highlights. Due to circumstance, the past two weeks have been more a study in cultural immersion than tourism. We are dying to get to London (I can’t wait to ride the Tube), find some more castles, see Stonehenge, visit the Isle of Wight…there is no shortage of things to see and do in England during the summer, weather permitting.
