D is for DRUIDS TEMPLE

Welcome to D week, D as in dainty, demagogue, dishes, dentistry, and dumpster.  Today, I'd like to deliver you to the Druids Temple near Ilton in North Yorkshire, England.  Usually, when one hears the word "druid" one automatically thinks of Stonehenge in Wiltshire, England.  And for sure, "lurid tales of religious ceremonies involving human sacrifice, presided over by a strange class of mystical priests, have come down to us. Often, these stories take place inside one of the stone circles, or "temples." While we don't know about the human sacrifices, we do know that the megalithic structures were constructed long before the first reports." http://www.britannia.com/wonder/michell2.html

The Druids Temple that I visited is a bit different.  It was created in 1820 by William Danby who owned nearby Swinton Hall. He created it in order to generate work for the local population who were paid 1 shilling a day.  A local Baroness even wrote that "One Sunday afternoon, my secretary was going for a walk with a friend when she found a pig's head sitting on the altar, which gave her a terrific shock. It is thought that there has been Devil worship there."  She continued on to explain that "On another occasion, I had to leave home early one morning. Just outside Masham, I found a small group of Leeds University students who had spent the night at the druids temple. They were cold and frightened. With the night shadows and the country noises, such as owls hooting, they had fled. As I was going towards Leeds, I gave them a lift. They told me that they had had a terrible experience."

I visited the Druids Temple on a beautiful sunny day in July with my friends Jill and her husband Phil and their adult son Jack.  We drifted up the wide pathway to a forested area where Jill had us follow her through towards this divine area. She advised me to not deviate from the path as you never know what might be waiting for you if you get lost!  Yeah, right Jill!!!  She is such a comedienne. 

Upon seeing the site, I was delirious with joy!  It was absolutely delightful and I couldn't wait to get started photographing it.  We had a dreamy couple of hours going in and out of the stone settings and Jill even laid down on one of the flat rocks and raised her arms to the sky!  We told her to be careful or she might be transported elsewhere!  Jack climbed up one of the hills where there was a giant pile of flat rocks overlooking the circular temple below. And then he and I took turns pretending to be the dazzling "King" and "Queen" of the temple on another rock formation that appeared to be designed like a throne.

It was such a deliriously delicious day unhampered by any devious or diabolical devil worshipers, but then as I said before, it was a beautiful sunny July afternoon.  I'm not sure if I'd be so comfortable had it been in the dark of the night or even if the moon was shining! We might have run into the three witches from "Macbeth" dancing around their pot and chanting "Fair is foul and foul is fair:/Hover through the fog and filthy air." Act 1 Scene 1 Lines 10-11

I hope you enjoy this virtual tour of the Druids Temple - only 20 shots but one photo just doesn't do it justice and it was one of the highlights of my trip.  This post is dedicated to Jill and Phil and Jack with great thanks for delivering me to this idyllic spot.  Be sure to turn up the music for full ambiance as you watch!

C is for CHEPSTOW CASTLE

Welcome to C week of Round 20 at ABC Wednesday! I'd like to show you Chepstow Castle that I visited last summer while I was in Wales. It is the oldest surviving post-Roman stone fortification in Britain and construction began in 1067 under the Norman Lord William fitzOsbern. Those of you who remember your history lessons may recall the 1067 was the Battle of Hastings under the leadership of William the Conqueror and fitzOsbern was one of his pals.

What really impressed me was that it is built on a high rock above the swirling waters of the River Wye, standing guard over a strategic crossing point into Wales (from England). From the outside, it appears to be in good shape, but upon entering, one couldn't help but notice the views over the ramparts, over which I leaned in order to get photos of the outsides of the stone walls. Across the river were cows contentedly munching away at the green green grass of Monmouthsire, Wales. Outside overlooking the river was a straw replica of a horse mounted by a Welsh soldier holding the Welsh flag (see photo).

All photos are mine unless otherwise stated as "courtesy of Mr. G)

B is for BEATLES MUSEUM

As promised, I'm taking you to the Beatles Museum in Liverpool, England!  The first time I went to Liverpool, I was excited to see it because it was located under the hotel on Albert Dock where I was staying.  Unfortunately, it just happened to be the 50th anniversary of the band's formation and there were celebrations going on all over.  Thus, the museum was stuffed to its limits and I didn't want to battle those crowds when I only had one afternoon and a day in the city.  But...in 2016, I returned, stayed at the same hotel on Albert Dock, and things were much quieter in the museum.

I must say there are pros and cons to the museum - at least for me.  After buying my ticket and picking up the obligatory headphones, I headed downstairs.  It was very dark with people hunched against walls listening to their headphones while looking at the displays in each room.  I have to say it was a tad creepy as the whole place was made to look like dark streets with stages, a submarine, and displays - all things that made me feel rather claustrophobic.  I felt as though I were walking down gloomy alleys in a bad part of town expecting a barrage of bruisers to approach at any moment. Although cool from the air conditioning, there was a distinct oppressive atmosphere.

THE FIRST IMPRESSION

 RINGO'S DRUMS

THEIR GUITARS

   BACKDROP FOR A GIG

 THE YELLOW SUBMARINE

JOHN LENNON'S "WHITE ROOM"

PHOTO OF THE FAMOUS POSTER

That said, though, with my bad back aching badly after a while, I found the display that encompassed a set of seats from a jet with the story of the Beatles' first trip to "America."  There was a screen on the wall and when a seat became available, I was able to sit down and breathe easier for a bit.  I ended up listening to the end of the tape on the headphones so that I could continue meandering the museum unencumbered.

Anyway, I clambered up out of the "dungeon" to the gift shop (de rigueur at any tourist spot, of course) and took a brief look around.  As usual, things were pricey and I didn't have much room in my luggage for anything other than essentials.  So I passed and went back downstairs to the charming little restaurant to get a cold beverage before rising again from the darkness into the sunny afternoon.  That's when I went over to the Liverpool Wheel across from the hotel.  (see last week's post)

Just a few photos to give you an idea of what is in the museum - so much more than this and, no matter what I felt about the atmosphere, it is definitely worth a visit.  And when I went on the Hop On/Hop Off bus the next day to see the whole city of Liverpool, we went past the famous Cavern Pub but I didn't get off to go inside.  The street didn't look, shall I say, savory? But I did get this shot from the top level of the bus.

And this one of me with the Beatles' statues at the front of the Mersey Ferry Docks.  A stranger very kindly took the photo of me and I reciprocated by taking one of him and his wife.  I wanted to be in the photo because it's the only way to show how big it is - (I'm about 5'6 1/2" tall).  The bronze sculpture weighs 1.2 tonnes and reflects a real photo shoot of them walking along the Mersey.

Thanks to everyone at ABC Wednesday, beginning with Denise Nesbitt, the creator, to the beloved Roger, our administrator for the past several years, and to the blessed group of ABCWers who bounded on the bandwagon to keep the load of work down for each helper. Everyone who contributes to ABC Wednesday benefits from these devoted bodies who have bonded through our common dream of keeping ABCW going past Round 20.

Interested in participating?  Get in touch with Roger.

A is for ALBERT DOCK

Welcome one and all to ABC Wednesday's "Farewell Tour."  After Round 20 we will have been going strong for 10 years, thanks to the creative genius of Denise Nesbitt.  Thanks definitely go to Roger, our administrative wizard for the past several years and to the team (listed on the t-shirt) for their genuine caring that all contributors receive positive comments.  Anyone up for continuing ABCW in this format or in another, please get in touch with Roger!

Now on to the first letter of the alphabet - A as in apple, archery, appetite, acrobat, adjective, aerodynamic, and Africa.  This week I would like to take you to Albert Dock in Liverpool, England, where I stayed once in 2012 and once in 2016 before meeting with our team member Di and her awesome hubby at the amiable restaurant called Gusto!

I didn't stay long in Liverpool in 2012 because I was on my way to the Isle of Man, but did appreciate staying on Albert Dock, which was so close to the ferry terminal that I could walk there.  Last summer (2016) I stayed long enough to take the hop on/hop off bus and tour the city for the day and a half.  When I arrived by train from Wales, I spent the afternoon at the Beatles Museum and wandered over to the Liverpool Wheel where I got on and took lots of photos from the top. I got lots of photos everywhere I went the next day but this week will focus only on Albert Dock. If you click on the first photo, you can then just move forward to the next ones.

No introduction to this needed, I'm sure! Go HERE to check out close-ups and the story of when this was erected - 50 years after their last show in Merseyside.

Ronald William Wycherley, better known by his stage name Billy Fury, was an English singer from the late 1950s to the mid 1960s, and remained an active songwriter until the 1980s. Rheumatic fever, which he first contracted as a child, damaged his heart and ultimately contributed to his death. An early British rock and roll star, he equalled the Beatles' record of 24 hits in the 1960s, and spent 332 weeks on the UK chart, without a chart-topping single or album. This statue of him was between my hotel on the dock and the Mersey Ferry Terminals.

Prince Albert, husband of Queen Victoria - at the front of the Mersey Ferry Terminal

Albert Dock at night - I took this on my return from Gusto's restaurant after

an appetizing dinner with Di and Ian.  This week's contribution is dedicated to them!

See you next week when I'll take you to the Beatles Museum for Week B!

Z is for ZABAGLIONE

Welcome to the final week of Round 19 of ABC Wednesday, originally created by Denise Nesbitt and for the last several years administrated by our one and only Roger Green.  Roger has been ably assisted by a zesty team of bloggers who zip around religiously each week to make sure everyone who contributes receives comments from us.

Next week, we begin what we have dubbed "The Farewell Tour" with a fabulous T-shirt logo designed by the zealous Troy, who has generously added the team names to the shirt. 

Now just because this will be our "farewell tour," it doesn't necessarily mean that we can't have ABCW anymore.  Denise has moved on to other ventures and both Roger and I have too many other things going on in our lives to spend the amount of time we've spent administering and coordinating the meme.  We'd love to continue to contribute, but ABCW needs someone to be the "captain at the helm" to lead the team.  So please step up and email either or us of your interest. I think there will be many disappointed people if ABCW doesn't continue.  Maybe make it a New Year's resolution to volunteer for something amazing, something that has been amazing for coming up to 10 years!  Help it to continue!  Thanks!

Now for the letter Z I chose zabaglione, which is an Italian dessert made with egg yolks, sugar, and a sweet wine. It's a light custard, whipped to incorporate a large amount of air and, if you prefer, you can add other types of alcoholic drinks (like cognac) to it.  Zabaglione is said to have been invented in the 16th Century in Florence, Italy, in the court of the Medici, so if it's that old of a recipe, it must be good!  Actually, I can attest that it IS good!  Here are some photos from Mr. Google showing a variety of ways it can be served.  ENJOY!  And for recipes, check out this site (Simply Recipes)or this site (Delia Online).