Laying Low

I was going to visit Italy this week. One quick check of the bank account though means that I'm now hanging in what it seems is Italy's polar opposite (obviously not literally, as that would mean I was hanging somewhere in Asia........or something. No, I'm back in that sunny old place, the old dart. Sigh. I've just seen he weather on the BBC. 14C and raining. And here I was remaining north to avoid the southern winter. I really should know better. Sometimes I think once you make a decision to leave a place, you should just leave. However, there are some positives. I have some dos coming up for some good friends, and people are important. Hung out at Scott and Selina's for a couple of days and threatened to steal their "kids", Anushka and Boris. I've never been a cat person, but these two are turning me. Caught up with Judy to see Robin Hood, if for no other reason as to spend a couple of hours gazing at Russell. The movie's was pretty good too. I saw the trailer of Wall Street whilst there. Had a twinge of nostaliga for "the old days". Geez....don't tell me I'm missing it all already! It's only been a month. But then I guess I haven't really worked since mid March if I'm truly honest. Perhaps I'm just lacking purpose right now, but please tell me that little nudge of emotion wasn't regret or a longing for times past! Onwards and upwards, I say!!

The other thing that's interesting about changing your life around a bit is the discovery of who your friends are are who aren't. I mean real friends. And it can often be a bit of a shock who's on which list. But I guess, it's another lesson in detachment and accepting what is and where people are in their lives. Surely I've worked that out by now, but it still surprises me sometimes.

Came other to North Cornwall yesterday. Yes, I hear you.....surely I could have found somewhere closer to London seeing I'm heading back that way. I found myself at Tintagel. This is a place of legend, magic and faerie people. It's another powerful part of the world and features very strongly in the story of King Arthur. Tintagel Castle, right on the jagged coastline is where legend says King Arthur was born. A cave in the cliff just below is called Merlin's Cave, where the old magician lived and educated the young Arthur. From the village you can take a lovely walk along an old wooded track used by pilgrims since about 500AD to St Nectan's Glen and Waterfall. The place takes its name from an old hermit who lived here, far away from everyone. Irish mythology will tell you that Nectan was a wise water god and guarded the sacred well here. The place is full of legend of ghosts of different kinds including chanting monks and two grey women. The other story associated with the place is Arthurian. It is believed that the legendary old king came here with his knights of the round table to be blessed before their quest. It's a perfect little spot and there are messages and ribbons tied to the trees and bushes, prayers and offerings to those in high places. And whether it was the light or the spray or the supernatural, there are orbs everywhere here. The site is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest and is one of the ten most spiritual sites in the country. There is also a little meditation room further up the track near the hermitage, complete with lots of pagan water gods and goddesses.

Further along the trail is Rocky Valley. Here is found the remains of an old mill and also, on the cliff are small, carved finger labyrinths believed to be from the Bronze Age. They've weathered well if they're from that age (1800-1400BC), but who am I to be sceptical! The track then winds along the cliffs by the coast, back to the start.

Next was my least favourite time of the day.....finding accommodation. I almost gave up all hope until an old lady, who wasn't going to take anyone in that night, felt sorry for me and put me up! Good price too!

XXX