We left the cottage bright and early this morning in order to arrive at The Eden Project as they opened. Again, not very far in miles, but the roads are so narrow and you are constantly going through small villages, it takes 90 minutes to go 38 miles!
Oh--one interesting fact is the Brits use mph instead of kilometers, so that's been helpful!
We managed to find the place, parked and found the ticket office. Quite pricey to enter--$63 for the two of us and I had even found a coupon! Nevertheless, it was worth it. The place was the most incredible botanical gardens I've ever seen. They converted an old, ugly mining site into this lush, beautiful place, and even made their own soil!! They have plants from all over the world due to the biodomes. I can't wait to share my pictures. Kimberly, you would absolutely go nuts here--so many cool plants that even I was going a little crazy. :)
Highlights for me were getting to see a cork tree, cocoa tree, and plants that are indigenous to Australia and Africa! In England!! And so many flowers, all in full bloom.
The cafe was serving burritos and tortilla chips for lunch, so we hung around and shared one. It was pretty good. We walked around a little more after lunch and then decided to go visit another National Trust castle that was close.
This was the Lanhydrock House, built in the 16th century and ugly from the outside, but beautiful on the inside. Several of the docents were extremely knowledgeable about the history of the home, and we really enjoyed learning what life was like for a Lord back in the day. I especially loved hearing what the docent in the kitchen had to say--she was quite the character and you could tell she loved sharing what she knew.
The kitchen was fascinating and we saw how they cooked the meat, an original slow cooker (like a crock pot), and oven to bake bread (which took four days to heat!!!) We have it so easy today!
The interior of the castle was finished with the most gorgeous wood...lots of paintings of the family members and all of their original furnishings. The descendants eventually died out and the last one remaining left the home to the National Trust, which is how all the belongings were original. We saw over 80 rooms and that wasn't all of them!! It was like a maze in there, even though there were signs pointing you in the proper direction.
After a couple hours, we got back on the road and headed for home. We've learned to stick to the major highways in order to avoid the hedges--but even so, the last few miles are harrowing.
Once I get better wifi, you'll be able to see what I'm talking about with the roads.
Another beautiful weather day here, never did get above 70. :)