Contrary to popular belief, we don’t venture off travelling every weekend and we’ve had quite a few lovely autumn weekends in London over the past few months.
We always head out at some point over the weekend, whether that’s to a destination village pub for a hearty roast, or some neighbouring place for a day trip. It’s nice to get out off London and see the countryside – particularly because England in autumn is one of the prettiest sights we’ve seen, with all the red, brown and green it’s just like a scene out of a movie – bella bella bella! Brad travels all over the show (well South England anyway) every day with work so we often head back to the cream of the crop during the weekend.
This weekend was no exception as we headed to a tiny wee place called Ettington, 15 minutes drive from Stratford-Upon-Avon, for the weekend, where we stayed in a luxurious old English manor. We spent the weekend exploring this one-shop town, and even attended a local art fair as a relatively famous artist lives there. The rest of the weekend was spent stuffing our faces with the most delicious country pub food, including pigeon, black pudding, rack of lamb and enough apple crumble to sink a ship!
Sunday we headed into Stratford-Upon-Avon, which is the birthplace of William Shakespeare don’t you know! We had a lovely day strolling around the town and the river Avon, as well as taking the time to pick up a few bits and bobs. Shopping in London is a nightmare so we jump at the chance to be able to actually try things on in a shop, rather than wait for an hour in a queue.
Another highlight of autumn has been a casual stroll through Hyde Park with Shady, Emily and Philly which ended in a leaf throwing fight, as well as hand feeding squirrels. The confident wee beggars just come running up to you – especially if you have food in your hand, and even climb up you if you let them! I couldn’t believe my eyes – they are sooooo adorable! After watching Brad feed them like they’d just recovered from a famine, I decided that I wanted a piece of the pie. I stuck my hand out and just as a fat one scampered over to me, I was all of a sudden quite terrified! It’s one thing to watch others feed them, but an entirely different matter when you’re bombarded with hungry squirrels. Thankfully I got a grip after seeing a two year-old feeding them like nobody’s business.
We’ve also discovered the key to making it through the long, cold winter.... A mid-weeker trip to the pub! It’s amazing how this simple outing helps to keep the homesickness at bay. No longer do you sit and anxiously await the weekend, rather you have just three days to wait until the next reprieve! Last Wednesday saw us gather at the Chicago Rib House where we stuffed our faces with ribs and 2-for-1 cocktails. When we first arrived and started working we couldn’t understand this mid-week business, but it’s amazing how quickly you come around. After all, there’s only so much ‘I’m a celebrity, get me out of here’ that you can watch. My other personal favourite is ‘Dating in the Dark’ – a dating show where couples meet, as the name suggests, in the dark. One is always inevitably disappointed... I’m not sure whether you have seen an episode, but as I’m sure you can tell, you see our need for a good old-fashioned pub thrashing each Wednesday!
While I remember, does anyone need any Kate and Wills paraphernalia? It’s great being over here while this news is a hot topic, but really, enough is enough! Themed plates, cups, pencils, t-shirts... you name it. I’ve picked up a few things for your Christmas presents, so you can all look forward to a ‘Prince William and Kate Royal Engagement 2010’ mirror in your Santa sacks this year. I know what you’re thinking and don’t worry, it’s not at all tacky. It’ll fit right in there with the butterfly on the outside of your house or the gnomes in the garden! Not that I’m complaining as we have a an extra four day weekend next year to look forward to, which has already been accounted for – Turkey here we come!
Love to all and will update again soon with our Cardiff weekend adventures!
xx
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