The Richmond palladium and sun-telegram., 1913-09-05
Letters From Richmond Girls Abroad

In the middle of July two Rich
mond girls started on a trip through
France and England alone The Pal
ladium publishes today two letters
from the travellers. The names are
withheld al the request OF the writer's.
The Garden Spot of England.
The day previous TO our docking at
Bouloene, We sighted the southern
coast OF England. OF course this de
lighted us as we had been ten days
out. II was a perfect day 10 be on the
water as the sun was shining glor-
iously and the atmosphere was very
clear, We were lying in our steamer
chairs on the aft deck. Here We were
not disturbed in the least by the
wind.
suddenly va seemed TO be very near
TO land and We noticed the colors in
the water changing ntermittently
from various shades of green TO
deep blue. think | never saw such
n sight as this. the velvet green OF the
land and the changing colors of the
ocean. Now We could see a few houses
scattered here and there and upon in
quiry learned that we were viewing
the Isle OF Wight or as the English
name il. The Garden Spot of Eng
land"
In making out our itinerary we had
mentioned the Isle of Wight as side
trip. But after this enchanting view
OF it we no longer considered il mere
ly an incidental journey but our first
stop on English soil.
After a ten days visit to Paris We
rode to Havre and took the steamer
across the channel TO Southampton.
We reached here early in the morn
ing and our first question was. When
can we get a boat for the Isle of
Wight?" The boat left at two in the
afternoon and when we were a little
way out it commenced TO rain. But
this is of no consequence 10 people
of England and every one sat out on
deck in his rain coat. Some raised
their umbrellas and some did not. We
belonged TO the latter class.
After several stops along the island
We reached Shanklin where We had
been advised TO stay. II is beauti-
looking the English channel. The
town itself is upon a high cliff and
the esplanade lies sheltered below.
This natural setting makes it one of
! the most attractive places on the
| island. AS we were driven from the
pier through winding roads, enclosed
on either side with high green hedge
walls, we were greatly impressed with
the contrast they present to the open
lawns of the cities of the United
| States. One can not help but admire
/ the privacy they command even
though it be a traditional remnant of
walls during the Feudal times. Our
! pension was quite like the houses We
! had seen covered with English Ivy
and climbing rose vines in full bloom.
| In the garden were flowers resembl-
ing very much those of our gardens
| but the blossoms twice the size. We
noted this particularly of the pansy
and sweet peas. This, of course. is due
to the great amount of moisture.
Breakfast not being served until
nine we were up early the next morn
! ing for a walk along the shore. At
! ten we were ready to explore the
island. Dressed in walking skirts,
sweaters, outing caps and with canes
we started through the modern part
of Shanklin to the village adjoining il.
With its matched roofs it forms a
delightful scene. From here we am
/ bled on to the Chine and Chine Aven-
ue, the latter a pleasant shady walk
leading to the Esplanade. Then we
took well worn foot path dotted all
along the way with attractive tea