Wednesday 4 April 2012

4. Dartmouth, Devon, UK



Day 4 of the A to Z Challenge and I'm off to Dartmouth in Devon.  My husband and I stayed nearby on our very first holiday together in 1989 and have some happy memories of this part of the world - not least because THE WHOLE WEEK WAS HOT AND SUNNY!  I can honestly say that we haven't been that lucky on any holiday in the UK since!
We visited lots of places on that holiday, but Dartmouth is especially memorable for three reasons:

1. We arrived there by boat from Brixham
2. It's a lovely little place, full of winding lanes and wonky buildings
3. We got told off while we were there!

The telling off is obviously the most exciting part!  We were sitting in a little park-type-place somewhere near the harbour, eating fish and chips with our fingers (the best way!) and enjoying the weather, when we were (inevitably) bombarded by seagulls.  Being young and soft-hearted, we threw a few chips for the poor, hungry little darlings.  Immediately, we were swooped upon by a pewter-haired dragon in pearls and red lipstick who shrieked: "You are asked not to feed the gulls!"  Honestly, I swear she hadn't been anywhere in view beforehand - it was as though she'd just materialised from nowhere!  Shamefaced and flushing a shade of red to put her lipstick into the shade, we finished the chips off ourselves (despite bold attempts from the gulls) and got out of there as fast as we could.  (Well, we were young!)  It has given us some laughs over the years, though, as my husband has perfected an impression of her.  Every time we see someone feeding seagulls he springs into action and has freaked out many a holidaymaker.  Maybe there is someone, somewhere, who likes to tell the story of the day they were feeding gulls when a mad man told them off in a screechy voice...



11 comments:

Luanne G. Smith said...

Ah ha ha. The gulls are relentless, as are the screechy old ladies. :))

Claudia Moser said...

Loved this story, and this is a place where I haven't been yet, but if I do I will look for the lady :)

Gossip_Grl said...

Love your story and your pics are lovely. I would love to visit the UK one day. :)

Cecilia Robert said...

Oh, your made me smile. wonderful story. I was once in UK - about 3 years ago by car from Vienna - my son had the Scouts Jamboree. It was lovely but short trip. Hopefully I can come back again and visit Dartmouth. Love the photo :)

Annalisa Crawford said...

Ooh no, you NEVER feed the seagulls! I love the idea of you being told off though - sorry.

farawayeyes said...

Hi Linda,nice to meet you. You've got some great pictures there and great stories.

Unknown said...

I read your posts, and then get depressed because I'm not in the UK.

Kittie Howard said...

Lovely post about Dartmouth, one of the prettiest places in the UK, I think. Why do these bird people have to spoil the fun?

Nikki said...

This was lovely. A great theme for the A - Z :) I like your blog very much and cannot stop looking at the belgium waffles in your other post :)

Nikki – inspire nordic

Anonymous said...

Great picture! And I like the blog hop list - can't seem to get that on my blog =( Do you get updates from everyone on the list everyday?
Laura

Sarah Tokeley said...

I've never been to Devon - or Cornwall - I shall have to rectify that one day!