A weekend in Shakespeare country

As daddy's big 30th celebration, we spent a weekend in Stratford-upon-Avon, the birthplace of William Shakespeare. This house was where he was born, back in the year 1564.

There was a really pretty shop just opposite, NutCracker Christmas Shop. The Christmas decorations were simply enchanting.

New Place & Nash House

Hall's Croft - The house behind was where John Hall and Susanna, Shakespeare's daughter lived. He was a successful doctor, and they had a lovely big garden.

Studley Castle - As part of the historic weekend, daddy booked us in here.

We had arrived at our castle, where we spent the night. It was built in 1833. The lounge and dining halls were finely decorated with chandliers and high plaster ceilings.

A verse for daddy:

Psalm 4:6b-7,

Let the light of your face shine upon us, O LORD. You have filled my heart with greater joy than when their grain and new wine abound.

Breakfast was good, although I just had my favourite Cheerios. Mom and dad enjoyed a full english breakfast. Thankfully, the rain stopped by then, so we managed to stroll around the castle grounds.

Anne Hathaway's Cottage - Shakespeare's wife lived here, before and after they were married. It's the prettiest cottage I had ever seen. I sat on the steps, which seemed to fit my height perfectly.

The thatched roof made the cottage felt extra inviting.

There was a beautiful garden, with all the fallen autumn leaves, providing me an entertaining, crunchy walk.

We then stopped for scones with strawberry jam and cream, toasted tea cakes and a cup-pa of warm coffee.

Our last stop was Mary Arden's House and Palmer's Farm. Mary was Shakespeare's mama. There were people living there as how it would have been like in the 16th century.

The man sitting at the edge of the table was the village's butcher; coming in to butcher the pig. They made their own candles from wax, and showed how they made butter in those days.

Our guide disappeared in the middle, when someone wanted to adopt a piglet. I don't blame them, cute little things, aren't they?

By the end of our trip, I was completely exhausted. Had a good sleep all the way home after that, just like a little piglet would.

Fireworks and friends

Guy Fawkes celebration sees many bonfires and fireworks displays the last few weeks.
The Ripley Bonfire was absolutely jam packed, and parking was a real challenge. I slept through most of it.

Aunty Cheryl came along with us, and they had a great time. They didn't bring my pushchair along, so dad was carrying me, my baby bag and taking this photo. Not bad, huh?

I was awaken by Bye Cherona, sung by the local band. The bonfire was right behind us. Just as well, because it was turning quite cold.

There were lots of floats too, and a charming little crooked cottage.

Today, we met up with Elmery. She brought us to a dim sum place. Although my appetite wasn't great, I enjoyed me breadsticks and mandarins. Think I will be going through some re-education for food appreciation soon.

Where are the lions?

What does a lion sound like?
Roaarrr...!
(Actually, that's what everything sounds like, if you ask me.) So, mom and dad decided to educate me by bringing me to a zoo where you couldn't find any lions.

However, my first encounter was the penguins. Just like Pingu!
I also saw pygmy hippos, tall giraffes, monkeys and even a cheetah. Daddy loved the giraffes.

Here's me, following the map to see the animals. I know the way.. This way.. no, this way.. urm.. Ok, I will follow Him, the way, the truth and the life.
My favourites were the snow leopards. Such magnificent creatures they are, playfully gnarling at each other's throat, a mother and son moment whilst the father laid lazing on the stones above.
(Dad said the father was looking out for danger.)

Aren't the otters the cutest? Just like the Three Stooges.. Monday night with the Three Otters.. LIVE!


The zoo is really a zoological park. The way it has been planned out best suit each animal's natural habitation as much as possible. You can even adopt an animal.

The lemur is checking me checking it out. It loves to bask in the sun.


We saw Timon, the meerkat and Pumbaa, the warthog as well.


Can you see the kangaroos behind me? For a moment, I thought we were in ozzie.. what with wallabies and kookaburras too..

I am checking out the macaques, ie monkeys there. Can't believe that they can swing from tree to tree, no matter how sore/polished their bumps look.
They say Kookaburras sing, but guess not today. They are very friendly birds though, not the least afraid of us humans.



There were train rides, and tractor-train rides too for tired wanderers.

Autumn at Leeds Castle

We paid a visit to Leeds Castle and were well rewarded for our efforts.

I love the many hues of autumn. The leaves become aglow in reddish gold and golden brown.

Peacocks greeted us with their majestic feathers, aloof on the roof tops.

There was a hot air balloon ride as well, for visitors to admire the aerial view of the castle and its grounds. This picture was taken from inside the castle. I really don't mind waking up each morning to this view.

Even the ducks were bathing in their glory. How amazing is Your handiwork, oh Lord.

There is an aviary.. and a duckery too. The rare Hawaiian Ne Ne geese held me mesmerised.
Here is a classic scene which just had to be included.

Daddy and I managed to cover a large distance walking today.

Phew, that was a lot of work, looking at almost all the rooms in the castle. There was lots of stairs and narrow walkways, so we had to park the pushchair outside.

Just outside the castle, before crossing its moat. Gotta be careful of all the birds' droppings on the ground. They are everywhere!

After that, we adjourned to Ashford for some shopping. Here is my precious pot of gold. (Finished two whole kams - clementines whilst daddy and mommy had Harry Ramsden's Challenge.)

My "First" shoes..

As the weather's getting colder, we went shoe shopping today. My feet keeps growing, so it's always time to get new shoes. They recommend a 6-8 week follow up/check up period, just to make sure I haven't outgrown them.

Like them? They are really comfy and light too, perfect for crawling and walking. Cruisers, they call them.

Uncle Leyi

Uncle Leyi came and stayed with us for a couple of days. Here, we are at McDee's for Big Breakfast, dad's favourite!

Although I can't remember him much from the last time we met, I warmed up to him almost immediately. He even showed me how to put on his baseball cap.

Opps, caught redhanded. I was so hungry that I started first. Growing appetite of a growing child. We loved mom's teriyaki chicken!

Dad brought Uncle Leyi to Denbies Vineyard and Newland Corner for a tour. The grapes were riped for harvest.

Legoland, Carter's Fair, and more!

Last Saturday, we went to Legoland for a break. Although dad and I are veterans there now, it was mom's first time. So, I showed her around.
Surprisingly, there were quite alot of people, especially kids.. surprise, surprise! So, we queued for almost 30 minutes to get onto my first hot air balloon ride. Guess it was worth the wait!

There was even a tiny baby, so you can tell that it was pretty safe.

So much to do and see. Taking a stroll on my push walker.

We visited a Knight's castle too. Mom and dad had ice-creams whilst I enjoyed a banana. Dad calls me a fruitarian!

Tired now, on the way home. Whew, that was a lot of walking.

Although that was fun, we ended the day with a fireworks watch at the fun fair in the nearby park. Took my first ride in a merry go round.

Samuel was there too, so both of us went on a car ride. We must have looked old enough as they didn't ask for our driving licenses.

Learning to stand by my own.. This pic was taken a couple of days ago. No camera tricks, honest!

Taking a morning stroll with dad in the gardens below.

Helping mom look for a new kettle. This happens to be dad's fav shop as well. There is a reason why we shop here!