Windmills & Castles

September 11, 2011… the 10 year anniversary of 9/11. Despite being in another country, we saw a lot of coverage the whole week prior about several things: the attacks in America, children of 9/11, conspiracy theories… I was surprised by how much coverage it got in the UK.

We went to the BX for brunch at Cinnabon, since we were out of milk (we needed their coffee…desperately). There was a minute of silence while we were eating. Some British people behind us continued talking throughout that minute of silence, which was both distracting and disrespectful, I thought. I wanted to say something so badly, to tell them to show some respect, but I didn’t. I just kept my head bowed, remembering those who were lost on that terrible day.

I thought it would be depressing to sit in the hotel room all day, so I planned some excursions for us. First up: Denver Mill.

Denver Mill is an old (still functioning) windmill in Downham Market, which is less than an hour from us. They sell their flours in the shop next to the tearoom they have.

For those who know me, I’m mildly obsessed with my Dutch heritage. I’ve done some extensive internet research on my family, and I’m in love with both windmills & tulips. 🙂

Ugh, I look goofy. But I was trying to take as many pictures of us as I could. I know people want to see us, not just the places we go!

We paid for the passes to go up into the windmill to see the different levels. It was pretty interesting! I’m sure it’s more interesting to see it yourself, not just see pictures, but here are a few:

Okay, how can you NOT love the English countryside? It’s just so quaint and beautiful!

Hi, Honey! 🙂

After touring the windmill, we had tea! I never really had much interest in tea before I came to England, but now I’m very open to trying new kinds! We had their “summer tea” out by the windmill. It was very good, and it was also very windy, so the windmill was definitely at work!

After finishing our tour of the Denver Mill grounds, we drove back toward home, which is where Weeting Castle is. We really didn’t know what we were going to see, since we drove by the sign all the time, but we never saw a castle! When we got there, we saw the church first.

It’s a very pretty old church… I still would love to go inside and look around. We did finally wander over to the castle though.

Well, the castle used to really only be a manor. And what’s left of it, sadly, is mostly just ruins. We saw other people here, walking around, or letting their dogs run about. So it seems like it’s mostly just a nice quiet spot for locals.

All in all, it was a good day with beautiful weather! The evening was sombre again, since most of BBC was covering September 11 events. Which is fine with me. I was not trying to forget the events of ten years ago by any means.