To pass my time during this rainy day in 'winter season' while snuggling under the comfy of warm duvet, I watched a British movie based on Thomas Hardy's novel Tess of the D'Uberville which was published in 1891. It's about a beautiful young maiden named Tess who was born to a couple John and Joan Durbeyfield in Wessex. Her ambition to be a teacher vanished when her family persuaded her to work with a lady Mrs D'Uberville - so called 'noble' family whose husband Simon Stoke had purchased the baronial title and adopted the title although there's no relation whatsoever with the real but extinct D'Uberville! However, an innocent Tess who worked as the poultry keeper in the estate was raped by the baroness son Alec. With shamed she left the mansion and later gave birth to a son. But her happiness did not last when her sickly son Sorrow died. After that tragedy, Tess's already misery life turns from bad to worst ... :( However, she found solace with a minute glimpse of happiness with her husband Angel Clare just a day before her execution at Winchester Prison for murdering Alec.
What I liked most about the movie was the place - Wessex which is located in South England. While watching the movie, the place and its surroundings brought notable memories and nostalgic feelings to me to one autumn season two and half years ago. Mr Right and I drove down from London in our Black Cat and visited several counties in Wessex including Plymouth and Exeter before exploring the heart of Devon. Both places are known for their beauty and picturesque countryside. Plymouth is known as a city for family holidays and had the scene of Sir Francis Drake's lagendary game of bowls! Whereas Exeter is known for its exciting mix of culture, history and heritage especially "with its 2000 year history blends smoothly with the contemporary and modern sides of the city."
But I fell in love at first sight to Devon which is bounded by Cornwall to the west, Somerset to the northeast and Dorset to the east. The landscape in Devon consists of "rolling hills dotted with small towns" such as Dartmouth and Salcombe. Driving through this wilderness in a sporty and an opened roof top Blackie was truly an unforgettable experience. I was amazed with the stunning scenery and in particular the rugged beauty of Dartmouth which had inspired a British author Authur Conan Doyle to write the famous story The Hound of the Baskervilles. At the same time, I was mesmerized with her red sandstone cliffs, beautiful beaches and sea views which were all breathtaking! In fact, our memorable trip to Devon had open my eyes to a county of contrast. It offered the best of countryside, coastline, ancient ruins and the shopping centres of the new world. Also with its glorious grounds and the constrast beauty of Exmoor, it is not surprising to see Devon as homes to many stunning stately houses which I could only dream off :D
The movie adapted from Hardy's novel which brought nostalgic memories to me down memory lane around Wessex and the Heart of Devon. Picture Copyright of Google Image @fanpop.com
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