Day three kept us closer to home, but just as busy. Wait till you see where we're going!
I know it's weird, but I like Jeannie's front door, because it doesn't have a doorknob. I also love how houses are numbered in England: 1,2,3,4,etc. Imagine that!
We're leaving Flimwell and headed to Robertsbridge to Bodiam Castle, a 14th century castle build by a knight!
As we walked toward the castle, I could only imagine what was inside!
Bodiam is one of Lee & Bev's favorite places. What a beautiful backdrop!
Across the moat and inside we go!
There are only a few areas left with a "floor"; most of the castle is exterior. This shows common dress and food of the day!
You may not be able to see them, but look closely in the far right corner; bats love Bodiam. They warned us not to use flash, so as not to disturb the little fellows. No worries, mate!
Looking down at the interior from the top. It's amazing to think we're climbing on remains of a structure built in 1385!
A view of the surrounding area beyond.
The chapel window.
If I remember correctly, this is the Lord's Hall.
Looking into the pantry and kitchen.
We stayed here for almost 2 hours, walking and looking and touching and taking photos; then the day began to really heat up, and we were hungry. Again!
Bev found us the nicest places to eat and drink! This pub is a "freehouse", meaning it's owned independently of the brewery that supplies it.
You could tell a woman owned this pub by the lovely, tasteful decorations. I chatted with her and the grumpy bugger of a barkeep (who softened a bit after awhile). He called Bev a "foreigner", which we thought was a hoot!
The bartender asked if I wanted to buy the place, and I don't know if he was joking or not. Sigh...would I?! That's a definite yes! (and only a winning lottery ticket away!)
THIS was Lindsay's lunch. Four sausages and mash. She ate EVERY bite of it! I'm tellin' ya, we really worked up some massive appetites!
Now we're going to Rye, a charming town in East Sussex with a population of just over 4,000. You'll love it!
Wandering down the street toward St. Mary's Church of Rye.
How cool is this? I know him! ;) (well, at least know of him!)
We're going into the church to climb up and out of the bell tower, where the clock dates from 1561, and is one of the oldest working church clock towers in the country!
Ummm, good thing we weren't claustrophobic. Lead the way, Linds! Each stairway and hallway was this narrow. We had to back out to let someone headed in the other direction pass by!
A view from the top! That's the English Channel just two miles away!
Looking east.
The rooftops of Rye.
These guys are called "Quarter Boys".
Back downstairs at the gift shoppe next door, Bev and I both were each going to purchase a watercolor painting of this corner with its lovely cobblestone streets. We had to decide against it, since they probably wouldn't travel well :(
Looking down towards the famous Mermaid Inn, well known by smugglers in the 18th and 19th centuries!
You can see why it's a popular place to sketch and paint! Tudor, tudor, everywhere!
The House Opposite (literally). We loved that all houses are named! See that crumpled bush on the right? Ask Lee what happened there... ;)
And right down the street, the House With Two Front Doors! Too cute! Some of my pics are a bit off center as I was either on the run to keep up, or someone was about to walk into my shot!
My Blacksheep found his namesake house!
The Old Bell Inn, built in 1390, houses a secret tunnel that connects to the
Mermaid Inn! We would have loved to stop in for a pint, but it probably would have knocked us out in that heat!
And besides, places close early here, although pubs tend to close at 3 and reopen at 6.
We opted instead for a "milkshake" from this nice bloke (it was the only place open!). Linds and I had a milk chocolate, tequila, lime zest & sea salt milkshake that we were told was a local favorite. It was verrrryyy yummy, and Jack was happy with his double chocolate something drink!
We passed the local police station on the way to the car. Guess there's not much crime here, heh? I love that you can either use the yellow phone or get online if you need help after 2 pm!
Ok, back to the house!
Dinner! A lovely French wine, olives and cheese, Bev's prawn chips, and what seemed to be our nightly sausage rolls. Heaven!
Grab your chainmail, tomorrow we're jousting!
