Day 3 24/3/08 - England

Hull -> Humbler -> Lincoln -> Ely -> Mistley -> London

Highlight

• Just when I could sleep, I got woken up very early with the constant announcements over the loudspeakers.
• Had to endure a long wait and the usual grilling at immigration.
• Had a quick look around Hull. There were a few stately buildings, a nice enough harbour, but nothing was opened so we left.
• At least the weather was sunny (to start with anyway), but it was so cold it snowed.
• Crossed the Humbler bridge and went to the observation area, which was fun.
• Lincoln – a very picturesque town with charming building. I really liked Steep St, (it was steep!), filled with lots of charming tea shops.
• Lincoln Cathedral was spectacular, looking a lot like York Minster actually.
• Lincoln Castle, joined a few tours. There were some nice views from the wall. They have a prison, execution and one of only 4 copies of the Magna Carta, so I guess it was worth the money.
• Got some chocolate from a shop but it was not good.
• Was going to Spalding to look at flower fields, but because of the cold, they had not bloomed yet.
• Decided to visit Ely purely for the name, but the cathedral was magnificent.
• It started snowing again, so it was decided it was time to move on, so we drove to Mistley for an early dinner.
• The swans and the sunset by the river occupied our times for a little while, before we had a lovely dinner, and was very stuffed before heading back to the traffic jam of London.

Food

• cardamom cake
• Brunch at Cafe Zoot:
  • lattes (£2.30 large)
  • Mushroom Omelette (£3.95)
  • Toasted Teacake (£1.50)
• chilli truffle
• dark chocolate truffle
• Mistley Torn dinner:
  • Grilled whole sardines in garlic butter (£6.95)
  • Saffron and Glove Artichoke Risotto with Parmesan Cheese (£6.95)
  • Colchester Native Oysters served raw with ginger shallot mignonette (£1.75 each)
  • Mersea Island Rock Oysters served raw with ginger shallot mignonette
  • Roast Rack of Lamb in a Herb Crust with Wholegrain Mustard Mash, Mint Vinaigrette & Seasonal Vegetables
  • Grilled Skate with Caramelised garlic, Smoked Paprika, A Mano Olive Oil, Local New Potatoes & Alison's Organic salad Leaves (£13.95)
  • Warm Sticky Toffee Pudding with Vanilla Ice Cream