Where was I? 08 June 2008


http://travel.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/travel/where_was_i/

The prize: a luxurious three-night city break for two in Athens, as guests
of the Hotel Grande Bretagne and Aegean Airlines. The winners will stay for
three nights, on a B&B basis, at the five-star Hotel Grande Bretagne,
situated in the city centre and enjoying spectacular views of the Acropolis
from its roof garden. The hotel has a rooftop pool and a large spa, as well
as several bars and restaurants. For details, call 00 30 210 333 0000 or
visit www.luxurycollection.com/ grandebretagne

Read the article below and answer the questions at the end of the text.
Clues to the answers can be found within the text:

Snails. I’m looking for snails. This small town is where a novelist (born
1909; she used a pseudonym) was schooled. One of her most memorable
characters was a fish, whose adventures were broadcast on Children’s Hour.
Other literary achievements include 13 books about an errand boy. As for
the snails, they’re a local delicacy. Brown, minty and a bit like a boiled
sweet. And shaped like snails.

There is much I wish to see hereabouts, so I leave town in a northwesterly
direction. First up, after seven miles is the site of a battle where, in
January 1545, the outnumbered underdogs were victorious. Battles — they
could be today’s theme. And water, for, three miles further along the road,
I arrive in a riverside village named after a 7th-century saint (his day:
July 7). The river, 98 miles long, is one of the country’s longest. We
shall meet again, but for now must part company as I turn west for a second
battlefield. This I find 11 miles later. Here, in 1645, a young marquis
made his final stand before fleeing abroad. I, meanwhile, “flee” southwest.

Hence, 18 miles later, I reach a lake, some three miles long. At its
southernmost point, I adjourn to munch my shrimp-paste sandwiches in the
company of a monument to a shepherd and poet (born 1770). As the sun’s rays
dance on the lake, I can well understand how this immeasurably beautiful
place inspired him, and others (works include The Poetic Mirror). I wonder
if he ever made it to my next stop — a waterfall some five miles along the
road. At about 200ft, it claims to be Britain’s fifth highest. I park and
strike out to find it. It isn’t far, although the 600ft climb makes it feel
like it. Hence, when finally I return to the jalopy, I am feeling slightly
cream-crackered. That, however, does not deter me from completing my quest
— for it is time to renew my acquaintance with the river. Ten miles
southwest, then eight miles north-northwest — where I pull to the side of
the road. Just through there, according to the map, is the river’s source —
a spring, I presume. Although its name suggests not.

The competition (with tentative answers):

1 What was the name of the fish? < - Tammy Troot [1]

2 What is the name of the river? < - The Tweed

[1] Confirmation would be appreciated - this was a real struggle.

Enter by clicking on the link above or by sending a postcard to Where Was
I? June 1, 2008, PO Box 48795, London E98 1WY, by Wednesday. The winner
will be announced next Sunday. Only one entry per person. Normal Times
Newspapers rules apply. No correspondence will be entered into.

The prize must be taken before December 5, 2008, excluding July and August,
and is subject to availability.

Last week

LAST WEEK’S answers are Friedrich Winzer/Frederick Winsor and Blackwall
tunnel. K Appleyard of Brighton wins a trip to Malta, with the Westin
Dragonara (00800 325 95959, www.westin.com ) and Air Malta (0845 607 3710,
www.airmalta.com).
.

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