Hever Castle

Unfortunately we started our day with a frustrating delay of two hours, during which Kwikfit (boo, hiss) did NOT live up to their name,  and when I really needed this anti-stress kit >>>

I cannot thank the students enough for their gracious and patient attitude ... thanks too, Pesila, for your foresight in bringing a ball along :-)
However, once Lesley's tyre was eventually fixed and we were on our way the day went from ok ... to good ... to great ... to fab ... to truly MARVELLOUS!!!

There is so much to see and do at Hever and the grounds themselves are sooooo beautiful. Amongst other things students enjoyed the water maze, trying their skills at archery, boating on the lake and looking around the castle itself.

Yes, Sonali, point the arrow this way!!

I'm not entirely sure what Suvarna has done to upset Ahmed :-(

For me the highlight of the day was the jousting show itself

Henry VIII welcomes everyone. 

I think this was the point at which I shouted "Chop his head off." I'm sure I was thinking of Kwikfit at the time!!

I have to say that these guys know how to do 'picnic' ... there was plenty to eat and lots to share. I only wish I had taken a photo of the scrumptious chocolate creation that Ahmed had made.

It was a very hot day and it made me smile that whilst us Brits were lapping it up, the internationals were covering up ...

Ahmed from Somalia 

Emal from Afghanistan

Post jousting we still had several hours to enjoy the day. Whilst students went off to explore further; myself and my trusty drivers (Wayne, Lesley and Sue) enjoyed an ice-cream and a snooze under a tree :-)

Basel, Wayne, Hussein, Ahmed, Emal, Sue, Dev, Suvarna, Lynne, Wisnu
Aiste, Lesley, Pesila, Amira, Christina & mummy, Sonali
(sadly Chi, Xudong & Yu had already gone home)

Thanks everyone,

for a fabby-dabby day!!!