Dear Jon, many people have never had the great fortune that you have had of seeing and being to this quite remarkable place. I too came down from Yorkshire and hated London and the same as you was taken to Hampton Court but by my parents. I was awe struck at its beauty, its history and somehow a feeling of presence there, and have loved it ever since. I have never met anybody who has been there say anything against it.
So although my Articles have been lot of work in both trudging through the mud and the rain, then sorting untold pictures out, it was worth it. For people all over the world have written to me as they have never seen anything like it.
Hampton Court is unique as are so many of our palaces and indeed old villages and pubs. Nobody has the same as we do, and for that we must be eternally grateful.
I have been to many countries all over the world and love their way of life and cultures, and it is an education to go to such places. I do have friends that have moved to Spain, Italy America, France etc. and in your case Japan.
It is amazing when I go to the motorcycle racing in Europe I normally meet up with them. Yes Jon they do tell me how nice the weather is in Spain or Italy or wherever, and what a good life it is over there. Then they ask what I have been doing and I tell them dodging the rain (which they miss), and having to dive in a pub for a pie and pint. That is something they sorely miss. For yes they do have bars, tavernas, Gatatates etc., but they do not have the good old British pub, or indeed the atmosphere that goes with it! Or Roast Beef and Yorkshire pudding either! I do love our Country, my Queen, and our traditions, I have fought for it, and I would fight for it again.
In the meantime I try with my pictures and Articles to be an Ambassador for this our Country, I can do no more!
An American lady wrote to me on this site and has traveled around the UK, and she said " when I saw the mention of Hampton court my heart went to my mouth, I went there to the Flower show and then into the Palace. I was breathless at its sheer beauty, it must rate as one of the wonders of the world."
Jon my friend Part 3 will be out next week, then Part 4 the week after, I do hope you can join me as it is mostly outside and has lots of Garden Rooms and show gardens.
I so hope that you and your adorable family are well, for every time I end up somewhere having a pint or a Cornish pasty I think of you!
Be good my friend.
Kindest regards from a wet England.
Neil & Sarah.
