DAY ELEVEN: More Recuperation in Carlisle

Carlisle again...... The name "Carlisle" comes from a pre-Roman  name CAER LUEL - the "strong place of the god Luhl".


If you want to have fun with us , get in line!

It was so cold today people were in long pants, fall parkas and scarves. Its October! I bought a pair of jeans at Marks & Spencer, got some cash at the ATM, dealt with some issues. You can be in paradise and still have to return to reality sometimes.  Technology makes it impossible to disconnect, much as I already have in my spirit.


This was the best cafe for lunch! We found it down a small medieval alley between buildings. The "I Love Cafe" . Fresh, healthy food in a funky atmosphere, an Alice in Wonderland motif full of locals. A nice look at Carlisle. 

Every china  cup, pot and plate was different. 

Look at this tiny Windsor Castle pitcher for vinegar!  So cute! 

From there to the seriousness of history -  Romans, Vikings, Egyptians, Jacobites and Celts at the Tullies Museum. AND they had original Dante Rossettis! I'm not a fan of the Pre-Rafaelites but seeing any art by a famous artist is exciting. 

When do I see thee most, beloved one?
When in the light the spirits of mine eyes
Before thy face, their altar, solemnize
The worship of that Love through thee made known?



H'mmmmm, maybe I'm not such a fan.... broody, sensual, self important, overly romanticised,..... yawn

Back to Romans! That's why we're here.....

Philius Maximus of Imperial Rome Was Here at Tullies

A little Celt carving slipped in. Some Celts assimilated and lived among the Romans and used their carved imagery in their work on the Wall and other structures. Here the belief in "3" , the power of 3, is depicted. 

I love little men like this... their faces! 

The Power of One

Another story -  In the 3rd century a minor player named Carausius stole money from the government, keeping it for his own gain.. Rather than risk trial he simply declared himself Emperor of Britain. Ok, why not? He had coins made with his picture on them and set up shop. For 7 years he was fine until his finance minister killed him and took over his spot. 

Too Bad This Wasnt Real

I think Death Masks should be the new trend. 

Three figures, a Celtic trilogy. The 3 faces show the Genii Cuculatii - the hooded Celtic Dwarves of healing, prosperity and fertility. Triplication is important to the Celts in warding off evil influence and bad luck. 
The fat jolly guy may be a hooded figure of a healing god. No one REALLY knows, they make it up, but the stories are fun, If you believe it, who's to say its not true? Jolly fellow, though. Don't you think? It shows the happy attitude of the artist.
The last is a Roman carving done by a Celt, representing a Roman god but in the epic fail style of a Celtic art. 

I like the concept of "Damnatio Memoriae", Damnation of Memory. If a Roman was in disgrace all traces of him were removed from carved stonework , his name chiseled out, the stone turned upside down, maybe used for someone else, and he no longer existed. Like a "Life Delete". We need this. I can think of some people .....

Like Mother .....

Like Son

I'm catching on to Carlisle, nice place, easily navigated and welcoming. A mile or so walk from the Creepoid Hotel to the village of Dalston brought us to the pub. What's it called? 

Come on, you can do this! 

Again, I stayed up till 10 because the sun was up. I give up. If it was dark I'd be in bed, but it's not so, whatever! 

When in Rome!!!!