We just returned from two weeks in my husband’s hometown of Wells, Somerset in southwest England. I have visited that area many times during the 15 years that he and I have been together, and I will never tire of its magnificent views. I know I should play it cool there. Wells where Mike’s family lives, so I shouldn’t let myself look like a dorky tourist. But this place is delightful and historic, and so unlike my Virginia home. Mike and I will be strolling through Wells in decades to come, and I’ll still be taking pictures of that amazing place with my giant tourist camera.
This trip was particularly special because my parents came, too. The last time they were in England was 2005 for our wedding, so it was a rare and treasured experience to have both sets of our parents in one place again. Mike and I loved showing my parents around Somerset and sharing that beautiful place with them.
Here are some scenes from our wonderful trip.
This friendly cat loved to visit with the guests in the lobby of my parents’ hotel in England. One evening I got down on the floor to photograph her with the Wells Cathedral in the background, but as soon as I got to her level, she hurried over to say hello to me. An employee of the Swan Hotel noticed that I missed my shot, so he picked up the cat and asked where I would like her to be placed for my photo. ? How’s that for wonderful customer service?
This is Nunney Castle, which was built in the 1300s. My parents have spent many years researching our family history, and they’ve learned that my mother is a direct descendant of Richard Prater, a former owner of this castle. Prater was a crown loyalist and a Roman Catholic, so in 1645 the Parliamentary army destroyed his home. Most of the castle walls and most are still in good shape, though. We had fun exploring the ruins and pretending it was our family castle.
And finally, my favorite photo from the trip was a recreation of a wedding photo on our anniversary. We spent our 13th anniversary eating dinner with our parents at the same hotel where we got married 13 years ago. We were able to take an updated photo where we got married, with some of the key players and two new additions to the family! I love these photos and will always treasure them.
Related posts:
Scenes from our vacation to the gorgeous Southwest of England
Ali and Howard: Wedding at St. Audries Park in England
Scenes from my whirlwind trip through New York City
Our epic American road trip, part 1: The paradise of Colorado
Our epic American road trip, part 2: The magic of Montana
Even more astonishing than I imagined: My trip to the solar eclipse totality zone
