A Castle and a Brew in East Sussex

 Bodiam Castle, Real Ales, and Music Magic

An Alaskan Gal I know married an “Alaskan-at-Heart” Gentleman from Hurst Green, East Sussex.  Lucky for me they happen to live there, and it’s only a two-hour train ride away.  While I am enjoying my time thus far in England, I was in dire need for a social gathering with good people.  Being able to experience the things I have is always amazing and I don't take any of it for granted, but everything is just a tad more enjoyable with some company.  There comes a point when you're telling a story that you realize you can't recreate the event, and there's no use trying.  "Ya had to be there"  - It's like when a bird flies in your house through an open window:  it's only hysterical if there are other people around- otherwise it's just another bird flown in the house. (and you're the only one laughing while telling the story of how you managed to get it out)

I basically invited myself to their house, and they willingly obliged. (well, seemed willing)  Without much of a game plan, (as per usual) I choo-chooed my way there.  I arrived Saturday afternoon, and we rallied around the table for tea and biscuits and brainstorming.  We decided on a five mile walk to Bodiam Castle followed by a Real Ale Festival.  Sightseeing rewarded with beer sounds like a good day to me.

A glimpse of footpath we were following

Wish I could've capture the wind's effect

The walk to Bodiam Castle was nothing less than pleasant.  Yes, it was a five-miler, but the terrain was pretty flat and the never-ending wheat fields and tall grass dancing in the wind wouldn't allow my mind to be anywhere but present.

Wheat

I have seen a castle or two in my day, and I am always amazed.  Not just because it's a castle, but the architecture and age of the structure  amaze me!  How has this building withstood so much?

Bodiam Castle was constructed in 1385 by Sir Edward Dalyngrygge. (a veteran of the 100 years war)  He built the castle as kind of a last stand against France.  Unfortunately (but really fortunately) the castle never saw any action.  The mighty fortress was never tested.

Front of Bodiam Castle

 As I understand, castles served as more of a military defense than a statement of wealth.  Of course it took money to build these things, but they served a purpose beyond that of locking princesses away and landing a spot on MTV Cribs.

 I was most impressed by the moat!  As I said, I've seen a lot of castles, but never one with a moat!  Pretty awesome- but again- for military tactic, not because it's nice to look at peaceful still water all day and definitely not so you can be surrounded by fish and little duckies.

After a nice visit to the castle, we went to a pub across the way, and awaited our ride back to the flat to regroup for The Real Ale Festival.  I was thinking this was going to be a beer festival of the proportions of The Great Alaska Beer and Barley Wine Festival. (not quite)  We arrived at this quaint little pub that was offering a selection of London Real Ales, and a hog roast.  There were about thirty people crammed into this little box-shaped pub.  We got our beers, and snaked a spot against the wall.  Once we nabbed a spot, the night just got better and better!  A guy walked by selling hog roast sandwiches for three pounds, which of course we indulged.  Before we were halfway through the pig sammy- some lads in skinny jeans came in with instruments and ordered a bottle of White Zin as a pre-gig warm up.  THIS IS GOING TO BE GOOD!  I would be lying if I said I actually thought they were going to be good...The white zinfandel just blew it for me.

They were tucked away in a tiny corner of the pub.  People were literally tripping over mic stands and wires trying to walk by.  While their sound was a little overwhelming for that venue, they totally won me over...and turns out, they won some battle of the bands-people know them.  (I just had to close my eyes between songs to avoid watching a flat-shoed, skinny jeaned, stiff-collared hand reaching for one more sip of sweet, pink-zin.)

Here's a little sampler of The Stray Dogs