The Bois Family's trip to England

The first stop was some shopping.  Nottingham has a mall downtown and I've found since that malls in England seem to be built into existing shopping areas rather than on the outskirts of a town like we do in America.  I suppose that's because we have lots of land that we haven't paved over yet, and we don't mind doing so.  Of course, distant malls suck money out of downtown economies and we wonder why we have urban blight, but don't get me started.
 

Nottingham also boasts the oldest pub in England, continually operating since 1189 A.D.  It's called Ye Olde Road To Jerusalem because the Crusaders used to stop in on their way to the Middle East.  It's hard to tell from this picture, but the pub is built into the side of a cliff.  Some of the rooms inside are like a cave with tables and chairs. However, we had to drink outside because Adam was too young to get in.  Here's Sarah trying to stay warm by hugging Al, even after he gave her his jacket.

Al doesn't mind cold weather, but he doesn't seem too keen on having his picture taken.

On top of the cliff is Nottingham Castle, which is  now an art museum.  The grounds are beautiful.

The museum is small, it takes up only part of the castle's first floor. Adam, of course, wasn't excited by the gardens or the art, but the rest of us had a great time.  At least, Danusia seems happy.

On our way out, we stopped to see the Sheriff of Nottingham, but he was out.  People think the tale of Robin Hood is made up, and it might be, but there was and still is a Sheriff.  I think a lot of his current duties are ceremonial though he still fights crime to some extent.

After a bite to eat and a little more shopping for gifts, we headed back to Wisbech.

Next: May 5, 1999 - Brighton
 

April 28, 1999		Florida to London
April 29, 1999		London
April 30, 1999		London
May 1, 1999		London to Wisbech
May 2, 1999		Peterborough
May 3, 1999		Cambridge
May 4, 1999		Nottingham
May 5, 1999		Brighton

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