The Freak and I resting on the ruins at Old Wardour Castle
Growing up with my brother David, nicknamed the Freak, was like being a younger sibling of Damien from The Omen. This was especially true during car rides to the Jersey shore or visits with our grandparents in the Bronx or Brooklyn. Before the station wagon left our development the Freak would cause chaos in the car. My father would be forced to threaten that he’d “turn the car around”. This was a bluff since we hadn’t made it out of the condominium parking lot yet.
Salisbury Cathedral has the highest spire in England
A decade later we both attended the University of Albany, where we finally developed a stable relationship. Another decade later my mother was floored as we planned a trip to Europe. Just the Freak and his former prey touring parts of England and Holland over Easter break.
Bags packed and repressed memories stowed, we flew to Heathrow for a quick crash with friends Heather and John in the Battersea district of South London. Touring London with no bloodshed or bickering, I felt safe enough to head to the countryside with just the Freak. Exorbitant train tickets in hand we boarded for Salisbury. Our friend Leslie awaited us with a superb historical itinerary planned.
Relaxing courtyards at the Salisbury Cathedral
We started at Salisbury Cathedral, which boasts the highest spire in England. This Medieval structure has been sought by worshippers for over 750 years. We wandered spacious courtyards and caught a glimpse of the original Magna Carta in their Chapter House. Heading to Trinity Chapel we gazed at stained glass windows, intimidating statues, and historic flags. The Salisbury Market lies a short distance from the cathedral. A commercial center dating back to 1219, it’s the perfect spot to try local foods and shop for souvenirs.
Dogs Trust is a UK based organization that helps canines
Stopping at the Dogs Trust we visited some of Leslie’s canine friends. Nothing pleases the Freak more than spending time with four-legged creatures. He relates better to non-humans in general. One dog was obsessed by a plastic slide, another tried to lick our faces off, and a third demonstrated an impressive vertical leap.
The Grotto at Old Wardour Castle
Our next stop, sixteen miles west was Old Wardour Castle, built in the 14th century. The castle lies mostly in ruins but you can visit different levels and explore an outdoor grotto. The grotto was a playground for wealthy children and resembles a cave. The castle was used for filming in Robin Hood Prince of Thieves in 1991. This is definitely one of my top 50 Robin Hood movies, ranking just behind Robin Hood Men in Tights and Robin Hood are there any more original ideas for films.
Wildlife in front of Stonehenge
Stonehenge is a major draw in the area so we woke up early the following morning. The Freak and I had shared a bunk bed but he wasn’t interested in sharing my breakfast. On the way to the rocky landmark I had a pie made of steak and kidney from an unidentified animal.
Upon Leslie’s recommendation we viewed Stonehenge before the official opening. The pre-dawn tickets were more expensive but offered a chance to see the stones from the inside looking out. Most tourists see Stonehenge from the outside looking in. Barely anyone else braved the early morning. There were the three of us and a throng of interesting folks who claimed to be the descendants of the Druids and true owners of the site. They played some folky songs, caravans parked in the distance. Our journey through English history ended as the sun rose over Stonehenge.
Birds collecting sticks stop to rest at Stonehenge
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What a great piece, Neil. I really enjoy your writing style. I can almost picture the station wagon circling around the condos. Doesn’t Dave drive that now? You are right – nothing pleases the Freak more than 4 legged friends. The amount of times Freakmon will stop while walking down the street and pet a random dog is immeasurable. Thanks for writing that piece – I also loved Stonehenge.
Hey Heather,
Hope Singapore is treating your well. Tell your students we said hello, and we’ll have to set up a skype Lesson with you once we reach Peru.
Knowing my brother, I’m sure you can imagine what it was like being stuck in a car with him in our childhood. I’m glad he and I have bonded over travel and cultural exploration. Though watching him pet every dog in every city gets old sometimes, it is nice to see him make more furry friends. It’s also great to see the owner’s reactions when he talks to their pets.
Thanks for hosting us in London. Melissa and I look forward to seeing you back home in NY or visiting Singapore…whichever comes first
Hello Neil:
I am a Mom in the second phase of my life (children out of the house) and exploring what makes me feel most alive, travel and photography. Just wanted you to know I enjoyed your article. It made me want to go back to England. Love your pictures. Keep following your dream. Cathy
Hey Cathy:
Travel and photography are two passions that are helping to form my identity as well. I’m glad to help spur your desire to return to England. Melissa and I will definitely venture back to the UK. We recently met some Brits who recommended traveling coast to coast staying at pubs along the way. We are also looking forward to visiting Stratford-Upon-Avon in order to trace Shakespeare’s roots.
Hi,
This is a wonderful blog! It was a very good read.
I was wondering if you would be interested in guest blogging on my blog. It is a collection of my travels and the travels of my guests. If you scan the site you can see that now many of the posts are from guests. Lately I’ve been finding many people interested in guest posting.
Included in your post will be a link to your website using whatever anchor text or key words you wish and a description of your site (if you choose to include one.)
My blog contains hundreds of great stories from travelers who love to share their journey with the world…
So if you are interested in being a guest, please let me know.
Send me an email.
Thanks,
Rachna
Hello Rachna,
I’m glad you enjoyed the post about traveling with my brother in England. He is definitely a character especially when we travel together. I have more posts planned about traveling with him.
Definitely going to check out your blog and I hope to contribute soon. We are getting ready to leave Ecuador after using the full three months on our visas and soon we will be posting from Peru.
The very first time I went to Stonehenge I went with my school on a trip. This is rather embarrassing. I fell down flat on face and the wind caught my skirt. You can guess what happened next.
That is insane and a great story for the Sunday dinner with the kids! LOL!
Hey Rose,
That is definitely a trip to remember. I hope your friends didn’t get you on video. It would be impossible to live that down.