Day 4 Winchester Cathedral & Jane Austen

Today we were picked up in a private shuttle and taken to the home where Jane Austen spent her final days. We all had a photo opportunity outside the house and then headed just down the street to see the remains of Wolvesey castle. It was built some time in the 1100's for the bishop of Winchester. It was another beautiful day and Winchester was a very quaint and beautiful little town. I would have loved to live there. After leaving the castle ruins we headed over to the Winchester Cathedral. I have never seen anything like it. It was so massive, and the huge vaulted ceilings were so high. It was such a breath taking view, and this cathedral was my favorite of all the churches and cathedrals that I visited on my trip. I took the opportunity to light a candle and say a prayer. Mostly to give thanks and grattitude at this opportunity to be there. It was so amazing observing a structure that was built in the 1000's, and thinking of how many century's of people had worshiped in that room. Inside the church was a tribute to Jane Austen, and it was her final resting place. What an honor to be burried among saints, kings, and bishops. After spending time in the cathedral we sat outside a little Italian restaurant for some lunch. While I was enjoying my delicious pizza, I saw two Mormon missionaries right by us. I joked about how they seem to find me everywhere. After getting my fill of pizza, Kelly and I shared a slice of delectable honey comb cheesecake. Then we were off to see the home where Jane Austen lived and wrote for a good portion of her life. It had been restored and turned into a museum. My favorite part of the visit was the gardens. They all kinds of flowers and plants, and they were all labeled. I could see how just lounging in such a garden could have been inspiration to her writing desires. Now I know that Jane Austen was a popular writer, and gave us a realistic glimpse of the mannerisms and customs of the people of her time, but I still have not been able to appreciate her on the level that some people esteem her. It was interesting to visit the places where she lived and died, however, it did not further any endearment of her writing for me. I do appreciate what she had to overcome as a female writer of her time, and that she didn't bend to the social norms and take a husband just out of security. After we returned we freshened up and some of the girls came with me to the find what I had researched to be one of the oldest pubs in London, Ye Olde Cheshire Cheese. We had a little difficulty finding it, but after having a few beers we headed back to our dorms for the night.