traveltales: LUNCH IN A CASTLE

Sunday, June 10, 2018

LUNCH IN A CASTLE

BIRTHDAY LUNCH

Since tomorrow is my 86^th birthday, I started remembering some of the fantastic lunches I have had on those days. I’ve often been overseas at those times. I’ve had more lunches in castles and museum cafes than I can count but one always remembers the first one—right.

I was hiking the English Cotswold’s and when I walked through the gate at Broughton Castle I was astonished at the massive size of the yellow stone structure. I don’t know how many acres it covers but once inside the gate all one can see are grounds.

Built in the 1300s, the castle originally consisted of a great hall, two other rooms, and a chapel. Soon after a long, six-foot deep moat was built around the grounds and the gate added. A major Tudor addition was added to this medieval castle in 1550.

William of Wykeham owned the castle for 70 years after building it. The Fiennes (pronounced Fine) family purchased the castle and it has been in the family now for over 600 years! The title Lord Saye was bestowed in 1451, and a Lord and Lady Saye still reside in Broughton’s living quarters.

Having been told this basic information about the castle we moved on to a separate building---something like we might refer to as a barn or out building where the nine of us were served a ploughman’s lunch. It was my first such lunch but by no means my last when in England. I tend to savor local foods and customs.

Traditionally the Ploughman (plowman) took his lunch of cheese and hard bread or roll to the field with him in the morning. (I love those hard crusty rolls that are impossible to eat without leaving a mess of crumbs!) I guess the drink was probably ale.

We were served two large pieces of cheese, crusty French bread and a small salad on the side. Water was available for lunch which was followed by a choice of cakes and tea. It was a more than ample lunch.

There were many interesting things in the castle but I was astonished at the size of the fireplace. It was huge and consumed 5-foot long logs! The rooms were large with high ceilings. A docent was most informative.

Many movies, including Shakespeare in Love, have been filmed at Broughton.

This birthday lunch is a happy memory.

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Travel Tips

Wet feet, who has rubbers these day? To dry wet shoes put crumpled newspaper inside the shoe and it will wick out all the moisture. If you expect your travels to take you where your feet are likely to be walking in puddles or streams, pack a section of newspaper in the bottom of your suitcase.
In many places in the world the tip is included in the restaurant bill---good to know!
In Europe bathrooms are referred to as WC or toilet. Any other term is not understood.
When hiking, stop to tighten shoe/boot laces before starting down hill.
When traveling by plane be sure to wear all cotton clothing, which today is no problem. In case of fire, man-made fibers melt, cotton burns instead, leaving a clean burn vs one with all kinds of junk melted into it.
Didn't expect a sunburn and have no Rx for it? Dab the area with a cool wet tea bag. the tannin in the tea will reduce inflamation.
I bet you travel with a small bottle of hand sanitizer either in your purse or pocket. Did you know that when you spill something in your lap or wear part of your lunch that a few dabs of hand sanitizer on the spot will make it disappear like magic!
Speaking of shoes, I do not recommend removing them on a long flight. Untie and loosen them. I have actually seen people not be able to get their shoes back on because their feet have swollen during a long flight. Oach!
As painful as it may be limit yourself to two pairs of shoes. You are not traveling to make a fashion statement. Wear your heavest pair which should be a good pair of walking shoes. Pack a lighter pair or sandals.
Make a copy of all your documents and credit cards before leaving home and carry seperately. Also before leaving home leave a copy of your itinerary including hotels and their phone numbers and dates of stay with a family member.
It's always tempting to take a sleeping pill on a long overseas flight, BUT I never do because in the unlikely event of problems I want to have all my senses about me!
Afraid of bedbugs these days? Carry a small squirt bottle of lavender along with your other liquids. Spray your pillow and around your bed and mattress. This will give you a good visual and also repel the little devils.
I carry a couple of aspirin in my pocket and once the plane is in the air I swallow one. I feel this is especially important on long overseas flights to avoid leg problems.
If you do need to do laundry when traveling wring it as dry as possible by hand, then lay the article flat on a bath towel and roll tightly. Unroll and hang. It should be dry by morning.
I carry a small empty water bottle when traveling. I place it in the tray along with my plastic bag of liquids. Once through security I fill it from the water fountain. I always have water to take a pill or a drink when I'm thirsty.
Beware that European bath tubs are very deep and water is often scalding hot. Be careful especially if you have hip or knee problems.
If you're going to be gone more than a few days water your indoor plants well then cover with a large plastic bag tucking the edges well under the pot. If you use a laundry bag simply knot the area where the hanger protrudes. When you return your plants will be healthy and well.
In the largest print possible print your last name and hotel on a sheet of paper and place it on the top of your clothes before closing your suitcase. If your bag gets way laid hopefully it will make it to your hotel.
If you are the owner of the common black bag personalize it by adding various cut outs from colored duct tape. It will be easier to identify than if it carries a bit of ribbon.