Driving in Europe? Watch out for tricky laws!

There has been a recent increase in legislation in some European countries which could lead an unsuspecting motorist into a very uncomfortable situation. It is now more important than ever to check before you leave in order to assure you do not get entangled by this complex list of "tricky" laws.

Here are a few examples:

• Many European countries, including Beigium, France, Spain and Germany now require that you have a fire extinguisher, a warning triangle and/or a first-aid kit on board.
  
• Spare bulbs are now a common requirement in most European countries.
  
• Spain and Germany require that you have a spare fuel can.
  
• Drivers who wear glasses (spectacles) are required to have a spare pair in Spain.
  

Ignorance of these laws is no excuse, and more than a few ordinary tourists have ended up in very uncomfortable situations. A violation could cost you upwards of $400 and/or loss of your driving license!

So, a word to the wise is that you need to check with your local automobile association (AAA, AA, RAC, etc.) before embarking upon your journey. One would hope that your rental car would be properly equipped, but it is up to you to know!

A Fairy Tale Castle in Wales

Driving the freeway in South Wales near Cardiff, you catch a glimpse of a most romantic castle perched on the hillside overlooking the Taff Valley. It is Castell Coch, a dazzling architectural masterpiece of the Victorian era. Leaving the freeway you drive up a winding richly forested hill to enter the castle grounds, a fitting entry to this magnificent indulgence of the the 3rd Marquess of Bute. A very wealthy man, he was able to hire the famed high Victorian architect, William Burges to create one of the finest examples of Victorian medievalism out of the ruins of the medieval fortress at Castell Coch.

The exterior of the castle faithfully recalls the look of a medieval castle complete with drawbridge and portcullis. However, the interior of the castle is pure Victorian fantasy. This was achieved by Burges talent not only as an architect but also as a manager able to build a team of craftsmen and skilled individuals to tend to every detail of interior design from the wall murals and decorative arts to the equally colorful detailed furniture.

The Banqueting Hall, the Drawing Room and all of the bedrooms walls and ceilings are covered from top to bottom with wonderfully painted scenes and designs that complement each other, and the furnishings. The Drawing room is breathtaking to behold, a vaulted room in Gothic style. With a golden sunburst as its apex, the stone vaulted ribs radiate from it and create a canvas for nature's most beautiful possessions, butterflies, birds and stars. Every balcony, beam and fireplace is a masterpiece in artistry.

The bedrooms are particularly interesting for the colorful furniture and the creative conveniences. For example, Lady Bute's washstand has two crenelated towers on either side that are lead lined to act as cisterns for hot and cold water.

Moving back to the outside the castle continues it's exterior medieval theme with a wall walk, courtyard and gatehouse. You can also view the vaulted basement level as well as the kitchens. The castle grounds have a tearoom where you can relax after your tour and reflect on the visual feast that had just been served to you.

If you are captivated by this era in architecture and in Mr. Burges work be sure to see his other two creations for the Marquess at Cardiff Castle down the road in Cardiff and at Mount Stuart on the Isle of Bute in Scotland near Glasgow. Castell Coch is in the care of the Heritage in Wales and can be viewed on their website http://www.cadw.wales.gov.uk.

Two Historic Stately Homes in Royal Berkshire

If you enjoy history, architecture and period movies, don't miss seeing Dorney Court and Basildon Park this month, August, in the English county of Berkshire. Both properties exhibit the distinct architectures of different periods of English history. And both properties have been the movie sets of popular period films. As Dorney Court is still privately owned, it is only open in August which makes this month special. The houses are within a 30-45 minute drive of each other and are an easy drive for anyone staying in the Windsor area.

Dorney Court is reputed to be the oldest preserved Tudor House in England. While others may be older, they have not been preserved as this one has in its original form. The house is a red brick Tudor house built in 1440. It has been continuously owned by the Palmer family through 13 generations for over 450 years. That in itself is incredible. The house has recently undergone extensive restoration that has taken 10 years to complete. It is surrounded by a lovely garden and an equally old church behind it. The house has always been the manor house of Dorney Village which was first recorded in the Doomesday Book.

The interior of the home reflects the lives of it's inhabitants over the centuries. Every generation has added interior furnishings, decorative arts and paintings and they are all still there. There is a guided tour of the house which adds to your understanding of the furnishing and the lives of the people who owned them. Dorney means Isle of Bees and true to its name you can buy honey from their bees on the premises. There is also a garden center and a tea room next door.

Basildon Park moves you to the 18th century and into Palladian architecture. Originally built in 1776 by John Carr for Francis Sykes, it reflects the taste of a wealthy man who made his fortune in India. The house fell into disrepair and was resurrected twice in its history. The most recent saviours were Lord and Lady Iliffe who saved the house from destruction and lovingly restored it back in 1952. Having then occupied it for some time, it was given over to the National Trust.

The house reflects the influence of Robert Adam, the famed interior architect. The Neo-classical plasterwork ornament of the ceilings are some of the best and most beautiful to behold. The delicately designed staircase and the unusual Octagon Drawing room are also notable. The Drawing Room will soon be seen in the new movie, Pride and Prejudice, due to be out this fall. The Iliffes furnished the house with antiques, decorative pieces and a fine art collection that can now be enjoyed by all. Behind the house is a lovely garden and spectacular views of the countryside.

The National Trust also has a shop on the premises as well as a lovely tea room. Check opening times as they vary throughout the year at http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk.