Barnard Castle: My home leans a little to the left

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Sep. 3
We just made our second move, although this time I actually helped take down the rigging and pack up gear.  It’s actually kind of fascinating being part of this moving village; new neighbors every week (we don’t park in the same arrangement ever), and a new town to see. This week it’s Barnard Castle, which, I have resolved to actually explore.  Also, this week it seems that the ground is slanted and therefore so is home-the joys of circus. 

Since the town is so beautiful, I decided pictures would be better than words in describing my current surroundings. Enjoy.



Secret Garden??

Sep. 4
Today is our first day in Barnard Castle.  I went for a walk this morning and found the town to be exactly what one would would picture an ideal small town in England to be.  There is something to be said for places that maintain the authenticity of their origin.  So many larg cities around the world all look the same.  I recognize the importance of modernization and moving forward, but it is refreshing to come across places less effected by time; still holding the richness of history and an air of timelessness.  Barnard Castle, with its cobblestone streets, small stone houses, tea rooms, antique shops, medeival churches, rugged monuments, overgrown alley ways, and hanging flower pots, reminds me of something out of Downton Abbey or A Secret Garden.






Sep. 6
Last night we had a BBQ with a bunch of the other performers.  It was my first time meeting most of them and I was extrememly grateful for knowing a second language, since many of the artists speak Spanish better than English. I love the look on peoples’ faces when I start talking in Spanish as well because it’s so unexpected. I was also told, for the unpteenth time, how young I look and that most of them thought I was around 18…gee..thanks? It was fun getting to know everyone better and see more of the families. Although I can’t imagine having 3 high energy kids in a caravan-what a nightmare.  Overall, I think the community of it all is growing on me J.  I have also started to really enjoy the time I have on my own to walk, pray, sketch, etc. Today I got to spend hours drawing, something that I haven’t done in ages, and didn’t even realize that I missed. I am still hoping to get to fly in a show at some stage, but for now I am pretty happy training on my own.

Calling Dr. Who/Stereotypical Phone Booth Picture



Sidenote
When it comes to take down days everything is hurry-up and wait:
Rush to get everything out of the tent!
Wait for the tent to come down.
Rush to get everything disconnected from the top of the tent!
Wait for the tent to get loaded onto the trucks.
Rush to get everything in the caravan hitched up and ready to move!

Wait in the long line of caravans who have to be told when they can leave because everything has to get to the next site in a certain order.

Tent Take Down

Tramp wall set up


Further Photos....

Meat Pies! Utterly British

The Front

What are those you ask? Just bookends portraying hounds with dead rabbits in their mouths...nbd..

1 broken caravan + 5 men + too many tools = mess, ego, and eventual success

I LOVE BEAUTIFUL LITTLE AVENUES!!!
Thank you Barnard Castle, you've been a blast 








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