Right, only my second entry (sorry bout that Mum, but now at least you’ll never be able to give me a hard time about my LJ addiction ever again!). Belt up people – and pour yourselves a stiff drink – for this is an entry to be reckoned with! Sorry I don’t know how to make an LJ cut on the English keyboards and until I work it out I’ll just have to kill your friends-pages!
Out near Henley-on-Thames at the moment, staying with a delightful couple – absolutely sweet and so very generous (the guy is a cousin of my grandfather). I’ve felt quite at ome hear, and they’ve made a wonderful effort considering they’ve had a run of guests staying and must be longing for some alone-time. Also met two of their daughteras and associated grandchildren – both delightful families.
They have a wonderfully endearing home, I love it! It’s a converted farmhouse with all the sort of sloping roves and walls that go with it, one of the old style ovens and such. They also have a lovely dog and cat . Danica, you would love the dog, Charlie. I can see why it must’ve been an absolute haven for my uncle when he would come for a break having been studying in student accom in London. The countryside is just to die for – better than the photos and the postcards – although the descriptions of little lanes and buildings and everything is right – the villages are actually very reminiscent of
Postman pat! The hillsides are green and the trees are at the end of autumn and a lot are still coloured. My father and sister would enjoy the many kites that are around, as well as the occasional owl!
Anyway they had an itinery well-planned. The day of transport was a bit of a nightmare because the rail pass I had must’ve been a bit obscure, or that staff a bit hopeless because they led me on a bit of a wild goose chase to get it validated. It was all good though, because when I arrived back, Roger created the best risotto I’ve ever tasted with mushrooms and home-grown rocket and roasted pancetta. I’ve had brilliant meals here: just finished a venison stir fry (oh, that’s good meat!) and other meals were pork roast and curry with a green salsa that I HAVE to take the recipe of. Lots of little sweets from Sheila as well to supplement!
Anyway, the next day we all went off to Blemheim Palace, which was great fun. Sounds very pretentious and I suppose it was but it was a good history lesson, good opportunity to admire sculpture, art and tapestry, and nice and festive considering they had the dining table decorated for a Christmas feast, a band playing Christmas carols and a display representing one of the ‘12 days of Christmas’ in each room! Dad, you would have salivated over the huge pipe organ, even I could appreciate it was something special. Danica and Sheeba, you would have salivated over the library, which was about twice the size of the St Georges dining hall (the length of it was also used for the ladies to ‘take a turn’ when it was too damp outside for them to drag their gowns around the gardens! Went for a nice turn around the graounds actually and I have to say it was very, very nice, even if I did disturb the peace somewhat be shouting down the phone to Australia. We then went out to have a pub lunch which was , far from traditional on a Sunday, was a good Thai meal.
The next day I went to a trip to Oxford. Toured Christchurch college, which was very grand and everything, but I have to say the location has nothing on St Georges! Still it was fascinating, especially in the Cathedral – so steeped in history. Like, ahem … scenes filmed in HP2 which I had watched with Shiela (a fan! WHOOO!) just the night before. Had an interesting stained glass window which was like an early comic book featuring their saint as the main character of interest! Then climbed a tower (the most narrow spiral staircase I’ve ever seen, totally inappropriate for anything Sheeba would like to get up to!) to see the view from above, which was indeed very impressive. What’s it called, the dreaming spires or something (as tourists go I’m pretty hopeless hey!)? Then went on the Oxford Experience which sounds kitch, but was actually quite fun and an interesting way to learn a bit – where you go on a little train up and down a tower passing exhibitions and scenes from oxford life from its foundation to the present. Had lunch in a lovely little place that Sheila used to take her kids (3 salads of choice for £3.50).
Then came the fun bit. Oh yes. *pointed look at Danica and Sheeba*
The library. 3 buildings. 5 floors. Choca-block full of books. All sorts of brand new book-smelling books. It was so impressive, I had to force myself not to say ‘oh my gosh’ or worse every time I discovered a new title that I would have gladly added to my collection. I am very glad I couldn’t afford the weight. SO GOOOOOD! Really.
Today was a more relaxed day. Sheila was looking after grandkids so I went with Roger to the rowing museum in Henley-on-tames, which was interesting. Lots of interesting thing in there – it was a brilliant display but the number one highlight was a lovely old wooden steam boat in SUCH good condition. It was actually a shame to see it up on blocks indoors. Actually Dad, you would have enjoyed that museum very much.
Unashamedly, the other MAJOR highlight for me was
The Wind in the Willows exhibition. It was really superb. You walked along a passage and pressed numbers to here a narration of parts of the book and wither side of you are wonderful displays of the scenes, detailed to the last texture and pattern and rock and ripple of water. It was like entering a different world – despite having a good view of the carkapark! The animals were wonderful in their characterisation – and if it were such an experience for me I can only imagine how enthralled children would be! I would recommend it to anyone! Then took a walk along the river, which was just sooo pretty, with the trees and everything reflected in the water. Lisa, I took photos of ducks you are interested! Crossing the river had to barge past a Bollywood filming which was going on. Considered giving them a lesson based on our first year attempts and my brilliant skills learnt at Anu’s party, but reconsidered because I didn’t want to show them up! Took some photos just in case some of you recognised the actor/ress. Must say it was an extremely chilly day to be dancing around with very little on!
Dad, have decided that we have to come over to the UK, hire one of the little boats, potter up the river, then have a fishing holiday up the country and up through Scotland. Would be brilliant!
Had lunch.at the local pub, within walking distance of the farm, just taken over by some Perthinians actually! Is a beautiful little place – quaint but with a splendid view over the hillside – one in a million. Also checked out some of the local churches – on being over 1000 years old – a Norman one – pretty nice!
Anyway, heading off back to London tomorrow morning. Actually I would have liked to stay here longer – but I suppose will be good to get back into the hub of things. Very keen to go and do the museums and gallery’s and of course, the pubs! Want to catch HP with K and N as well, go up the London eye (big ferris-wheel thingy), and am hoping to see a *pauses for effect*
Phantom of the Opera show. Should actually book tomorrow, that reminds me!
Anyway, I think that’s enough for now, don’t you! Just want to add that one thing I will gain out of this trip is a whole new appreciation for 1) English literature and 2) Monopoly. Also not too cold when wearing ski jacket, jumper, jeans and HP scarf!
Love to everyone
Hope you are all having fun!
Chesna :D
PS I hope LJ changes the festive season bar! Its horrible
