Summer of 23 - Transatlantic Cruise - Day 12 - Disembarking and our first day in England

Friday May 12th, 2023  

The day arrived when we had to leave our home for the last 12 days and the amazing service we received from our room steward, waiters and Maitre D. We had said our goodbyes and given them a little something for their good service, which they truly appreciated. They were always very helpful and always smiling. I would love it if we got them on our cruise back but they weren't sure if they would still be on our ship then.

At the end of this blog I've posted what one of our Daily Compass Newsletters looks like. 

We had left our suitcases out the night before, and waited in our cabin until our number was called. We proceeded toward the gangway but there was a very long line. We noticed people in line that had later numbers than us and obviously just decided they were leaving before being called. It didn't take too long for us to get off the ship and collect our luggage which was exactly where they told us. 

We went to a waiting room to wait for our car. We were about an hour earlier than we had told them but that was ok. We sat and waited.  They were lots and lots of people and the area became very packed. As the time got near to when our driver was due we went to the curbside pickup. There were a lot of people and a lot of cars waiting to pick up. We got a message saying he was there but we couldn't see him and he couldn't find us, although we told him exactly where we were. Finally with both him and Bryan on the phone to each other, Bryan walked and found him and then came back to me and we took all our luggage to him. It was not ideal!!! We found out later that four cruise ships had docked that morning and caused gridlock. It was on the BBC News!!

He took us to Norbury, south west London, to pick up the car we rented through Turo.  The car was waiting for us in the driveway and we found the key where we were told it was. There was no meeting the owner.  He sent us pictures showing all parts of the car and it was in good condition. We checked everything and then we were off.

We were heading to Andover for our first stop. On the way there I needed the bathroom. As we didn't know when the next services were, we pulled off at the next exit.  Unfortunately we were in the middle of the countryside with no sign of shops or habitation. After what seemed like an eternity and me crossing my legs I saw a pub.  I told Bry to stop and let me out. I went into the pub and asked if I could use their toilet. Of course they said yes. Phew, thank goodness for that.  When I came out Bryan had parked the car and come in.  He also used the toilet.  I ordered a half bitter shandy but he didn't want a drink, so we sat while I drank mine. It tasted so good. I'd said I was going to get a bitter shandy when I got to England but didn't realize it would be my first day!!! 

We got back on the road.  As we got nearer to our destination we stopped and got some groceries and necessities for our stay.

Finally we arrived. We had directions on accessing the property and the key location and we were in.  Phew, what a day!!!

Thankfully it was a nice place.  Unfortunately I didn't take inside pictures until we had unloaded everything, so it looks a bit of a mess!!

We quickly got to work doing our laundry as there was a washer and dryer here we could use. 

Not a bad end to the day after a chaotic start. 

Daily Compass Newsletter for May 4th, 2023. The pictures are not that clear and I'm not sure you'll be able to read them easily but maybe it'll give you some idea of the vast range of activities, foods and shows you could do/eat or see!!!  I've posted the full page and then underneath that page, some enlarged sections of that page!!!  

Summer of 23 - Transatlantic Cruise - Day 11 - Part 2 - Bayeaux & The Tapestry

 Thursday May 11th, 2023 - Part Two

Our next stop was the city of Bayeaux and a visit to the famous Bayeaux Tapestry.

on the way to Bayeaux

                               

Bayeaux Cathedral

Bayeaux Cathedral

Excerpt from Bayeaux Museum.com

"The Notre Dame Cathedral of Bayeaux, a masterpiece of Norman Romanesque and Gothic architecture, is at the heart of the old town's conservation area. Its history is as grand as the two towers which flank its facade.  The cathedral was consecrated on 14 July 1077, in the presence of William the Conqueror, Duke of Normandy and King of England, and his wife Matilda.  All that survives from the construction of this period is the crypt, the towers at the western end and the first level of the nave.  it is part of a wonderfully well-preserved Episcopal complex."

West Door

Nave from rear

Chapels, south arm of transept

Stained-glass window, south arm of transept

Stand-glass window, north arm of transept

The Crypt which we found very interesting, fortunately we were the only ones down there so we could really appreciate it, spookiness and all!!

Leaving the crypt

We continued our walk around the town.

We met up with the guide and she escorted us to the Bayeaux Tapestry.

Bayeaux Tapestry entrance

Unfortunately we weren't allowed to take pictures while viewing the 11th century tapestry.

Here is a link that tells you about it. Bayeaux Tapestry

We still had a while before we were due to leave so we took a slo w walk back toward the coach. It is a lovely town.

I think the tour guide in the Azores spoilt us!! This one was mundane and read a script.  There seemed as though there was no information about culture, landscape, climate etc. here.  We had 20 minutes at the D Day Beach, about 45 minutes at the American Cemetery and 4 HOURS at Bayonne, where it rained on us and I asked her if there was anywhere to sit and shelter and she pointed to a stone bench out in the open!! We did find the Bayeaux Cathedral, which I don't believe she even mentioned and as you can see from the pictures it was amazing.  

The Bayeaux Tapestry was interesting to me as well, so old and to be able to see it so close.  Everyone returned to the coach about 30 minutes before we were due to leave and thankfully we left early. Then about 2 hours from our return to port she announced that we could all have a sleep, probably because a few people had already fallen asleep!! Sure enough we didn't hear another peep from her until we arrived at the port. I spent a pleasant couple of hours admiring the scenery and listening to the snores!!!!

Bryan always does what he's told!! :)

Eventually I saw our ship in the distance.

 North Star was giving passengers an overhead view of Bayeaux and the ship.

Rock Climbing wall next to the giraffe.

Getting ready to leave port.

Bye Bye 

Next stop Southampton and the end of our cruise but the start to our wonderful adventure touring England, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland & Ireland. Hang onto your hats!!

We put our time back 1 hour at 2am Friday morning.