Monkey Business

I wasn't feeling all that great on Saturday, so wasn't able to open my shop.

The rest of the weekend was pretty good though!

My lovely hubby offered to take me away - Not needing to be asked twice, we quickly grabbed a few clothes, threw them into a suitcase and headed off to Dorset.

We went via a couple of flea markets, where I found a few treasures...

Which included this fabulously ruffled 50's bed jacket, made from finest bri-nylon! ;-))

We wound up in the centre of Dorchester, where we were lucky to be able to book a nights stay in the Kings Arms, after only trying one other place - Not bad seeing as its the height of the holiday season.

It was a lovely stay and just what I needed, as I won't be having a weeks holiday this year. (Hubby took our daughter away for a week earlier in July, but I couldn't justify going, as I haven't had the shop open for very long and still need to establish myself in the town...I have a very understanding family, bless 'em! I may close for a week next month though, just to have a break, as its been pretty full-on since January.)

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The next morning we headed off to Monkey World - Ape Rescue Centre, Nr. Wool, Dorset.

Monkey World assists governments around the world to stop the smuggling of primates from the wild.
At the Centre, refugees of this illegal trade, as well as those that have suffered abuse or neglect, are rehabilitated into natural living groups.

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There are some heartbreaking stories, but its wonderful to see the apes and monkeys now living a near normal life, albeit in captivity.

Vietta.

Some of my photos where taken through glass, so the reflections caused me a few problems, but hopefully it gives you an idea of some of the beautiful creatures that they have been able to offer refuge to at the center.

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Later, hubby and I came home via Shaftesbury.

I found a couple of pretty postcards in Leanings

(hey, big spender! ;-))

Then it was time to soak up the stunning view from the top of Gold Hill.

(I have written about this wonderful place in a previous post here and here - Sadly there wasn't time to pop in to see Sue at Dairy House this time, as it was past 5 o'clock when we left - but we did manage to pack in a lot on our mini-holiday!)

Whilst in Shaftesbury this time, we decided to visit the Abbey, which was built in 888AD as a nunnery. In 1539, on the orders of Henry VIII, the Abbey was dissolved and most of the Abbey precinct was destroyed.

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A modern statue of King Alfred in the herb garden.

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Then there was just time for a Dorset cream tea before King Alfred's Kitchen closed for the evening.

Delicious!

Hope you had a lovely weekend too,

Niki x