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History in a House:
I have a fascination with the past, and how events that have long gone shape where we are as a people today. One thing that I treasure as a luxury here in this country is the fact a small local area has just as much to offer in terms of tales from bygone days as the city of London does.
The weekend saw a visit to the estate of "Woburn Abbey" approximately 10-15 minute drive from the King residence, and the home of The Duke of Bedford. It was a stunning trip, and one that really (for me) cemented, that despite being one of the most prominent, modern and innovative countries in the world the United Kingdom, respects, preserves and lives true to all that has shaped it.
It is unbelievably humbling to step into a house, that has stood since around the 15th century, unbelievably humiliating as you walk down corridors fashioned for the royals and their echelon of society. The people that lived and passed within those walls, were accustomed to a refinery and sense of worth that cannot be measured against the millionaires today, and I assume the only place where such dignified lifestyles are kept would be in the home of the current royals. This one state house was entrenched in stories and riches; and despite reading as much as I could and purchasing the guide books, of course I am only slightly educated on such matters.
The place is in and of itself a museum and it is so refreshing to see such a respect for the traditions and culture, a far cry from the one museum Perth has to offer. Considering this is a State house, out in the country divorced from city life, lets not even mention the amount of historical landmarks and museums London has to offer. So after immersing myself in the home of a Duke, learning about political intrigue, the beheading of the 1st Duke, indulging my eyes at amazing works of art, reading condensed histories on all the masters of the household, visiting Queen Victoria's quarters.
I had coffee ... and cake.
But proceeded to explore the gardens of the Duke and drive through the reserve that surrounds the estate. Which are full of deer. Quite spectacular creatures, there is something ever so majestic about the deer. I think it stems from my love of the Disney film "Bambi".
I attempted to get a photo of the said deer, of which there were many types, normal looking deer, white looking deer, APPARENTLY chinese deer (couldn't see the connection to the East), and boring looking deer. I hate to be harsh, but honestly what is the point in being a deer if the Lord almighty hasn't afforded your particular race the ability to grow antlers, give up my dear friends (Ha ha! Got the pun there?).
....
I'm sad aren't I.
Photos didn't work as well as I hoped. But I took some shots of the house and its surroundings. Unfortunately photography was not permitted inside the house itself, so I cannot share with you the authenticity of my ramblings. Trust my words, it was beautiful.
On a summary though. We live in a world where technology has become something we live, on, for and with. And I truly believe as a result we've become lazy. We mass-market beauty, not only media driven glamour girls that define what every bloody girl wears and looks like, but our books, our craftmanship is all mass-produced. Its odd to think that a civilisation with a much more primitive grasp on technology, managed to create far more exquisite things, the jewels, the furniture all spawned from the mind of art, rather than money, the books hand painted and written, the clothes designed for a classique beauty not a target audience beauty. I truly do love to replenish my thoughts on the human condition by looking into our past.
They say history repeats itself. Let hope.
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