Yesterday I went on a school trip with Joel to Kenilworth Castle. This was good fun, although it was exceedingly cold... It was bitter, particularly in the morning when it was grey and blustery. The sun did make a valiant attempt to break through later on though; unfortunately, by the time it had had any noticeable affect on the temperature - it was time to get back on the coach... Oh well, that's life I suppose.
We had never been more appreciative of coats, hats, gloves, scarves and wellies. And for the flask of tea which I'd brought... We huddled together for warmth like penguins. Shivery doesn't cover it.
Part of the day was spent following 'English Heritage James' around different parts of the castle. EHJ had an interesting job keeping the kids interested, but he did it well; asking the children to compare the rooms / ruins we were in, with their equivalent rooms / ruins at home. The things that are obvious to adults aren't always the things children notice however - and this did lead to some slightly unusual questions and comments from the little darlings...:
"When is it lunch-time?" (When we'd just arrived...)
"If I was rich, I wouldn't have a picture of Samuel Pepys on my wall"
"Are you a doctor?"
Child: "Oak isn't wood" EHJ "Yes it is, it comes from oak trees" Child: "No it doesn't"
"Where are the horses now? Are they dead?"
"Did the princesses do any jousting?"
"I couldn't find any treacle balls..." (trebuchet - I think...)
EHJ coped manfully with the curve-balls he was thrown, considering the complete unpredictability of children and what they will ask... The children left happy, having had a brilliant day. To be honest, they were thrilled just by the coach ride there and back; so all the fun in-between was just a bonus.
Whilst looking out the window on the way home, we noticed a field of horses - also wearing their winter warmers... They had quilted coats on. You know it really is cold when the animals need clothes. I was musing with a fellow mum that maybe the horses could have done with hats, gloves or maybe ear-muffs... Oh how we laughed...
I love English Heritage. We joined a couple of years ago, just before I got pregnant and became too ill/fat to move. We didn't get good value for our membership but we did go to a few very good castles.
ReplyDeleteI really love the way children get an idea into their head from apparently nowhere and there is no dislodging it or reasoning with them. I imagine it's more frustrating when it's your own child doing it, but in other people's children it's very entertaining!