No, friends, this is not some dark poem you studied in middle school. It's the seagulls. Every night, at least for those staying on a certain side of the hotel, is filled with the sound of screaming seagulls all hours of the night. The stories at breakfast in the morning are quite amusing, I have to say. Who knew this group was such a violent bunch!
Beyond that, all is well! We spent the morning at Longleat, home of Alexander Thynn, the Marquess of Bath. The home was built between 1567-1580, and is filled with wonderful art, tapestries and furniture from every imaginable period.
A "leat" is an aqueduct or waterway built to supply water to a watermill or mill pond. While we didn't see any waterways by the main house, there certainly could have been on this vast property. The landscaping was designed by a man named Capability Brown, who was well know for "redesigning" countryside to fit the aesthetic needs of the homes, including building and excavating new hills and planting very mature trees and greenery.
It is a truly gorgeous estate - sorry, no pictures allowed on the inside. The Lord Bath, the Marquess' son, is quite the eccentric - the art collection features some of his own work which is, shall we say, interesting. The estate features a safari park and other "attractions" for families. Opening a large manor home to the public is becoming more common as the aristocracy struggle to maintain these monstrously large properties and homes.
After our visit to Longleat we returned to Bristol to get ready for Evensong. There were a few different customs to learn, including how one vested for the rehearsal before the service, but the choir adapted admirably. We were fortunate to have plenty of time to warm up and receive instruction from the 2 vergers on duty - they pretty much run the place so that the clergy can focus on doing what they are supposed to be doing. A nice perk. The cathedral provided a light snack for everyone before the service. We met the Dean of the cathedral - charming chap - and one of the canons before the service began. Tim Olsen, our resident organist, provided excellent leadership on the organ for the service. The choir was nervous at first, but sang well throughout and was enthralled by the glorious sounds that rang through the space. And that Tommy Richmond - WHAT A SOLO. It will be such a sad day when his voice changes... :( Sorry, but no pictures here either - not allowed in the church. Kind of refreshing, really, to see a sacred space treated with such reverence...
After evensong we enjoyed the hospitality of a local pub just down the street from the hotel - we are getting to know all the local establishments QUITE well. Then another great dinner at the hotel - boy, we really lucked out. We're all going to have to get up with the Jogging Crew (Janet Greer, Larry Richmond and Doug Swift) before this trip is done - they've been jogging around Bristol for exercise in the mornings around 7 am...a wee bit too early for most of us after pubbing.
The young choristers are doing well, but starting to get a little tired and a wee bit car sick from all the windy roads! But lucky for us, there are enough drugs and homeopathic remedies on this trip to create a small apothecary. All will be well! Or, at least, well drugged...
We look forward to our next service tomorrow!
Sorry - no food pictures today, either...we'll work on it!
Thanks for the update! Go, Tommy! XOXO to all! - Joyce
ReplyDeleteWow! The sights and sounds, at least the musical sounds, seem fantastic! Nicole, your info and pictures are so informative...I love being in the loop! I am so proud of my Tommy! Look forward to more...
ReplyDeleteGayle
Congratulations Tommy! If it was even close to as good as Saturday I know it was amazing! You are a great kid. But.... where's "THE BAG."
ReplyDelete