Over The Ocean

This last weekend Ian had a chance to spend some time with his older brother, Steve, in England. It was a short, but eventful, trip. 

Day 1

They visited the village of Lacock in Wiltshire. (Side note: Lacock was used in the BBC's 1995 production of Pride and Prejudice to represent the town of Meryton.) 

They toured Lacock Abbey, a 13th-century nunnery which, after the dissolution, became the home of Sir William Sharington who preserved much of the abbey's architectural elements.

(These might look familiar to some of you Harry Potter fans)

Day 2 

Ian and Steve visited the city of Bath in Somerset where, apparently, you find gentle fauns on the streets of the city amusing the crowds with flutes. (Notice Ian enjoying the music?)

They toured the ruins of the Temple of Minerva, a Roman temple constructed in 60-70 A.D. and the ancient Roman baths. And no, Ian did not take a dip...apparently you're not allowed anymore. But you can tell he wants to, can't you?

They also tried to understand a little more about Cricket. They found a group of women playing a rather serious game.

Here's Ian trying it out himself. (Where are those knee pads, buddy?)

Also, they took a double-decker bus tour of the city and drove by Jane Austen's house and the Jane Austen center. Once I heard this, I think I might have actually cried a few tears of jealousy. 

He had an overly-eventful trip home. It took him about 30 hours to get to our house after enduring several stand-by nightmares. He was certainly glad to get home to his family. And his bed. And we are glad to have him back with us too. We missed you, hon.