Robin Hood Adventure

"Steals from the rich and gives to the poor"

You know who I'm talking about...why Robin Hood of course! We have heard the tales of Robin of Locksley since childhood. Whether or not he was a real, actual person...well....you decide. Follow his trail through the Sherwood Forest; the place where he first met John Little (who later became known as Little John).

Robin Hood and Little John first meet (Sherwood Forest Visitor's Centre)

Trek through the forest to find the man himself! Upon wandering through some of England's oldest forests watch out for the green bandit and his merry men!

Discover Robin's village named for King Edward (Edwinstowe) a few miles from the Sherwood Forest (and about an hour drive from Nottingham). The sheriff of Nottingham had quite a way a go to chase Robin Hood around the Sherwood Forest (if the stories are true). When in Edwinstowe, hunt for the statue located secretly in the village that depicts Robin Hood proposing to Maid Marion.

Has anyone seen Friar Tuck?

Rufford Abbey is a large park which was a monastery during 12th century. Monks there prayed several times a day until the dissolution in 1536 where it was sold as large, stately country home to a richie, rich. It changed hands to another family in 1600s and more was added to the building by the Baronette Saville (which you see in the photo below).

 Saville was a Prince Charles supporter (wanted him on the throne like the many Scots) and the Bonnie Prince visited the Abbey often. Prince Charles planted the large cedar tree that still stands (to this very day) on the Abbey lawn.  After some time during the Civil War the English army had moved in and the house fell into disrepair.

Visiting the Abbey can be a haunting experience. Many have claimed to see "The Lady in White" as she floats down the path toward the pet cemetery. Others said they see a "Woman in Black" around the Abbey. Women who have stayed at the house claimed they felt a cold, clammy baby crawling up under their covers whilst they slept.

Whatever you choose to believe is entirely up to you, but this place is definitely worth the trip. It's free to visit and has a large (usually free) car park, cafe with treats to eat and even a shop for outdoor wear. It's less than 30 minutes from Edwinstowe (the village of Robin Hood) and Sherwood Forest so a great addition to The Robin Hood weekend away.

Lovely place for a stroll on a nice afternoon with loads of trails. Don't forget to check out the lake. For those more adventurous, hire a boat for a row around the waters.

"Chocolate Lake"

Fastnacht Day

Shrove Tuesday, Fat Tuesday, Mardi Gras, Donut Day, whatever you want to call it...

the day before Ash Wednesday is something different to everyone depending where in the world you are living but all means the same thing. Party, party! Eat, eat! Pig out before fasting for Lent. (Just so you know I'm still eating donuts after Lent).

Pennsylvania Dutch from America fry donuts and call this day, Fastnacht Day. In German meaning the Night Fast. Mmmmm...donughnuts (I miss Pennsylvania for their baked goods but now I realise why in fact it is called "Fat" Tuesday. Who cares? Bring on the Krispy Kremes and my double chin).

In southern US, places such as New Orleans ("Nar-lins" if you're pronouncing it like a local), they celebrate Mardi Gras with large, colourful parades and people dress up like brightly coloured peacocks strutting down the roads. Beaded necklaces are distributed throughout the crowds watching and participating on this Shrove Tuesday event. Yes, America likes to do things differently.

Meanwhile in Europe, they call this day Pancake Day (but then eat crepes... say whaaaa?!?!?  *scratches head*  They still need teaching in how to do big fluffy pancakes with maple syrup). Back to the crepes, ahem I mean "pancakes". English people will put just about ANYTHING on pancakes. Seriously. Nutella,  bananas, strawberries, chocolate, or sugar and lemon juice. I bet the Canadians are thinking, "You monsters! Where art thou maple syrup?!?!?"

It's at this point I would like to add that whilst we Americans call these sweet treats, dessert; the Brits call all dessert dishes, pudding. In case you weren't confused enough with their lingo. So how about it? What is your choice of fattening?