Cheers then, Downton Abbey

Downton Abbey
Cheers then, Downton Abbey

Cheers then, Downton Abbey

I remember when I didn’t much like Sundays, well Sunday evenings anyway. As a kid, it meant slamming into completion the school work that was put off to the very last minute. As an adult – translation: mom – Sunday night evolved into making sure my own kids were slamming into the completion the homework that had been put off to the last minute. It meant packing lunches and checking backpacks. It meant questioning why weekends were so short.

For the past three years though, Sunday evenings couldn’t come fast enough. The fact that homework and backpacks were no longer an issue added to my enjoyment. But the truth of the matter is I couldn’t wait until I could grab my crisps and escape into the world of Downton Abbey.

Ah, Downton Abbey.

My passion for this series started with a trip to England in March of 2013. I had heard of Downton Abbey, yet never watched it. But about a week before my journey, I watched an episode. I had no idea what was going on, but the scenery and costumes fascinated me. I was kicking myself that I hadn’t started watching this sooner. No worries – just that one episode made me even more excited to get across the pond and begin my adventure.

And what an adventure. I loved every minute of it: the sights and the sounds and the accents. I learned quickly that crisps were chips and chips were fries. That a biscuit is a cookie and a plaster is a bandage; that “way out” means exit and “take-away” is carry-out. To come back on yourself is to hook around, and that pudding isn’t dessert. Though images of all things spoiled came to mind, in reality, lemon curd and clotted cream were amazingly delicious, especially with scones and crumpets. The best coffee cream was fresh from the village market, where, for some reason, eggs weren’t refrigerated.

The beauty and peacefulness of the village where we stayed is beyond description, rich in history and so very quaint.

Downton Abbey
Quaint village in the Midlands – typical of many in England.

We toured the Midlands, York, London, and crossed Abbey Road, navigating the train system and tubes, which is quite a feat. How blessed I am to have visited places I never thought I’d ever see, like Buckingham Palace and Big Ben.

Downton Abbey
Big Ben

I fell head-over-heels in love with the country, the people and the charm, even though they drive on the wrong side of the road.

My two weeks in England went by way too fast, and before I knew it, I was back on a plane heading for the States.  As luck would have it, Downton Abbey episodes kept me occupied for the entire flight home.

And the rest, as they say, is history. I haven’t missed an episode since.

When the Downton Abbey characters take the train to London or go to York, I can truly visualize where they are and can proudly proclaim, “I have been there!” The village outside of Downton looks just like the one we stayed at during our time there, with charming cobblestone streets and homes with thatched-grass roofs and rich green pastures as far as the eye could see.

Downton Abbey
Train station in York

Sadly, the series comes to an end this evening. What’s the old adage? Leave them wanting more? Or is it, all good things must come to an end? Or, quit while you are ahead? Bloody hell, any of those phrases work.

Sundays will never be same. I know the writers, cast and crew will never see my blog post, but I had to write it anyways. From bottom of my heart, I want to say thank you.

First and foremost, thank you for such a well-done series. From the sets to the costuming to the character development to the historical accounts – it has been really lovely.

A huge shout-out for a series that proved you can air class and elegance on the telly and people will watch. There was no need for foul language or cheeky skin-shots to entice viewers. How refreshing.

I’d like to thank them for making me like Sunday evenings again.

But most importantly, I’d like to say thank you for extending my holiday for three years. With every episode, I was transported back across the pond, and to the wonderful memories that were made. So this evening, when it all comes to an end, I will pack my bags and fly back to the real world. Holiday is over.

I know I’m not the only viewer who is gutted over the end of Downton Abbey. Crikey, what will we do on Sunday nights? Keep calm and move on?

Very well then, we must move on. Cheers then, Downton Abbey, cheers. And a heartfelt cheerio.

© 2016 – Lynne Cobb

Are you a Downton Abbey fan? What will you do on Sunday evenings? Me – I will probably grab the crisps and watch Grantchester or Mr. Selfridge. But it won’t be the same. Feel free to share in the comments section. And if you like what you are reading, use the social media buttons to share with your friends. Or sign-up for email, knowing you will never miss a post. Or do both! Cheers! 🙂

 

2 Replies to “Cheers then, Downton Abbey”

  1. I think I’m one of 3 people in the world who hasn’t seen it yet. I really need to get on that!

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