Goodbye Yorkshire, hello Windsor!

A busy start, cleaning up, tidying, packing the cars, and I had 2 breakfasts to finish the food! Toast and tea; and poached eggs and wilted spinach, couldn't resist either.
Paul, Dave and Crys came straight back to London. Mel, Ali, Amelia and I headed to York. Parked near where we were before, and took a couple of hours to explore. It was great! We started with the Minster, but although we wandered through before Christmas, now it cost 10 quid each! We left and walked along Petergate, then across and down the Shambles, a tiny cobbled street with ancient crooked shops and tearooms on each side. Roamed around, went up onto the city wall and walked along for a while. The kids all loved it. Found a café for lunch, then back to the car and hit the road for Windsor, about 4 hours away.
We played games on the road - started with Friends - humming and naming Phoebe's songs; naming famous guests; extended family members; well known lines.... Then it was taking turns to say a word, and the rest of us had to sing a song with that word in it. Ali's first offering was 'Ferrari'. Thanks for that. All good fun.
We arrived at Windsor at about 5.30pm. Crys had prepared tea, lovely chicken, salad and French bread.
Mel and Dave's home is just wonderful. 2nd floor (top), so they have their own spacious entrance as they're the only apartment on the floor. White inside, very airy and roomy. Lovely large entrance, 2 bedrooms (1 ensuite), huge lounge, separate kitchen. We arrived after dark, can't wait to see the view tomorrow.   
After tea Dave and Paul took Crys home, the rest of us set up the airbed then put Anchorman DVD on and lazed around.
It was good to get to bed, another pretty big day!

Dalby, the Great Yorkshire Forest

A quiet day today. Dave left to drive to spend time with his grandparents and sister.
Paul dropped Mel and I off at 'Dalby the Great Yorkshire Forest'. There were a variety of walks and fitness levels - we chose a moderate one with a steep climb and timed for 3 hours. It was steep, there was an amazing view, and I'd just like to say we did it in an hour and a quarter. Rae would be so proud of me!
The English forest is very different - all the trees are deciduous where we are used to green natives. So the forest is very light and airy, very windy on exposed or high ground. It was well maintained, you could hire bikes for all the family for some of the trails. There was a café, shop, toilets..... not at all like the kiwi 'go for a tramp' we are familiar with!
Paul collected us at 12.30 and we headed home for lunch. Amelia and Crys had gone for their own walk. Paul headed off for a solitary stroll, and Mel, Amelia and I decided to explore the rear of the farm where we are staying. Another great thing - there are public walkways everywhere, even cutting through farmland as we found in Welford. 

Looong legs!

It means you can hike for miles and not be on the side of the road, just brilliant. We followed a stream for a while, then decided to leave the public path and head straight uphill for a better view. 

They're pointing to where we're staying, they're not making gestures!

Amazing vews

Good idea - but so muddy! Half way up our boots resembled spice girl chunky heels! We laughed so much!

 Took our photos, came back down and started for home. We stumbled across Crys and Ali feeding some horses so joined forces and all walked back together.

We found some horses

 Great afternoon! Took a while to clean the mud off the boots though. I was very grateful Crys had loaned me her hiking boots and I wasn't wearing my townies. That would've just been sad!
Home for some cards, then tea - the sausage meat we forgot to stuff the turkey with, made into delicious patties with roast veges, lots of herbs, the kitchen smells amazing!
Good times.

Friday 27th December - Whitby

Today we planned to drive to Pickering and take the steam train to Whitby, explore for a few hours and return.
We arrived in Pickering and found the train station - the steam train doesn't go to Whitby again until March!
Quick confab, decided to drive to Whitby, so set off, it took about 45 minutes. Whitby is a little fishing village north of Scarborough.
Dave was in charge - he had come here for family holidays as a child. When we arrived in the car park at the harbour it was windy, stormy, raining - I got out of the car and said "I love it!"
We all wrapped up and set off - first of all to the old abbey. It was so windy! We were blown all ways as we climbed the steps and became more exposed to the elements. There was a fabulous view from the top and an old church with graves that went back centuries.
We headed back down, over the harbour bridge and around to 'The Magpie' where we were lucky enough to walk in and find a table for 7 vacant! Great menu, great service,  great view, really good hour or so.
Off again, this time to the beach, where the wind could blow all it liked, never too much in my opinion! A good chance to stretch our legs, although quite wet as it rained off and on - even though we had some blue skies and rainbows!
When we had walked enough (and were cold enough!) we climbed up a step path to the road and headed along the promenade, then down and around the harbour again to the car. Such cute cobbled streets, I haven't become blasé about all the character yet. It's a constant joy to come across these villages and have the time to wander and absorb.
Home around 4 - we had been out about 6 hours and had a wonderful day.
Amelia's camera packed up, then when we got home her computer also packed a sad, so I can't put up any of the superb photos we all took.
Ali resurrected the fire, Crys mulled some wine, we all snuggled down with our books (kindles) and some of us fell asleep! Decided it wasn't good enough so Crys set up the home theatre and we watched Les Miserables, with tissues to hand, and a break for turkey wraps at half time.
Tonight it was Ali's turn to bring a game, he decided on 'Super-Charades' which was great fun. We divided into teams - Paul, Crys, Mel and Amelia on 1, Dave, Ali and me on the other. When we were at 1 game each we called it a night.
This is the most fantastic family holiday!

Christmas Eve in Yorkshire

We all arrived! Crys and Amelia got the last train out of London before they were cancelled. we all arrived at our cottage around 3pm yesterday. It is gorgeous - so full of character. Huge kitchen diner that will seat 10 easily. Lounge, plus another games room with pool table, darts, and lots of board games.
Upstairs (2 staircases) there are 4 bedrooms. Paul and I have a double + en suite, then through a tiny little door we enter Narnia and find Mel and Dave's room. Fortunately that's not their only access! Up the second staircase are 3 bedrooms - Mel and Dave's; Crys and Amelia's; and Ali's. Plus a family bathroom.
There are little stairs and nooks and crannies everywhere.  Crys (start effort) brought a projector so we have set that up in the lounge and last night watched Princess Bride after dinner and other games.
Today we all had a late start, Mel opened her birthday pressies and was suitably pleased. Her choice of activity was to go to Scarborough, so we headed off just before lunch.



Scarborough beach

What pretty villages we passed through! Parked and walked down to the beach - very windy, freezing cold, I was in heaven!

 Lots of fun. Then found a fish and chip shop with a fantastic view and had a light lunch. The toilets were so cute with what has to be the best view on the world!
Home for mulled wine. Played 'pass the parcel' which Mel had prepared. We each had a task when it was our turn. Paul had to make a Queen's speech, Ali had to dress us all and pose us as the nativity scene and then take a timed photo. So much fun. 

 Ali sang Mel a song he had written for her for her birthday.

I had put on a large pot of soup last night, Mel made bread, and we feasted on that. 
Then we headed out to attend the local Carol service in a little old church across the road. It was freezing and dark, but we found our way, to discover the church locked. So we walked up the village main street singing carols to anyone who could hear. It was such fun! After we had run out of all the carols we knew, we turned to come home and sang them again. Lots of harmonies, and the occasional percussion effects from Ali.
So good to get back to the central heating! We watched Pitch Perfect on our huge sheet/screen, then made up the stockings and played Trivial Pursuit till now - it's midnight, Happy Christmas all!

 

 

 

 

 

Sunday in York

Last night (this morning) the pub next door went till after 3. Am definitely not a city girl.
We roused ourselves to attend the 11.30am service at the Minster. Each service is so different. Evensong on Friday was all sung by the choir - we were really spectators. Yesterday's Holy Communion was all readings (no music at all), apart from the actual communion. This morning we went to what we thought was a traditional Sunday service - we were early enough to be shepherded in to seats in the traditional stalls, what a privilege. The service again was all choir and readings, apart from 1 hymn at the end. Very reverent, but by now I am wanting to sing my heart out!

After church we had a good walk around York - the last weekend before Christmas and it seems everyone is out on the streets looking for that bargain. There are many stressed people, especially parents. We loved walking arm in arm, just taking time to soak it all up. The medieval character of York is hard to describe.

Exploring York

Stopped at another old pub for lunch at about 3pm. Paul did the roast pork thing, I was content with salmon, and this time I made the right choice, it was delicious! We lingered over our food and the fire until 4.30.

On our way home we again passed the Minster (hard not to as we are staying next door!) and remembered that the Christmas Carol service was on. We were lucky enough to get a seat, and joined with 4500 others to share readings, sing carols at the top of our voices (at last!) and admire the combined choir. At the end the procession of archbishop, bishops, priests, choir and goodness knows who else came right past us, many carrying huge tapestry banners or candles. It overwhelmed me, I'm not sure why, but the tradition built and revered, whether rightly or wrongly, is just so amazing.

It was freezing outside! Even with all our layers the wind cut through, and although I relish getting out in the elements I was pleased we are only staying next door!
Tonight all the shops are shut, I sincerely hope the pub is too, and that we will be able to get to sleep tonight instead of early tomorrow!

 

It has been a day of full emotions. I have loved this time together with Paul. We never run out of things to talk about - and yes, he does his share! So good to be together like this. And 4 church services in 3 days - all so very different to our usual custom, but there to take what we like from it, and to be free to meditate on the season and what it means for us.
Feeling so grateful tonight.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Medieval York



Talbot Court - the entrance to where we are staying

A very disturbed sleep due to the pub next door which finally closed its doors around 2am - then some of the patrons were staying in the next apartment! However, we slept in till about 10am, so did wake feeling refreshed.

St John's Chapel in the Minster where we went for Holy Communion

We went to Holy Communion at the Minster at 12 noon. A lovely little service in a side chapel, about 12 of us there, but full regalia worn by the priest, assistant and verger. Interesting attending a service so full of tradition. Every part was read out, but even so there was room for personal meditation and private response.
After the service we wandered round the Minster again and marvelled at the history. The tomb of an archbishop of York from the 15th century was there!
Came back to the apartment for a cuppa and to change out of our good boots into some better suited to walking. Then off through the crowded cobbled lanes to the edge of the old town to walk the York wall. Fascinating! The wall is now in several different sections, we walked the longest, then headed home beside the river.

What a lovely afternoon!
We browsed the little shops, and the Christmas markets.
At about 4pm we stopped at a small hotel near home for 'lunch'. Roast lamb, Yorkshire pudding, steamed veges, mmmmm.

Then off to walk it off! It was getting very cold out, the wind was icy, and we were glad of warm clothes and lots of layers.
Home for a cuppa and to put our feet up while watching 'The Young Victoria' on TV, it seemed very fitting somehow.
It's been such a lovely relaxing time, just pleasing ourselves with no timetable. A hiatus before the wonderful busyness of Christmas! 

 

 

 

 

 

From Cotswolds to York, with disasters and blessings along the way!

Today I woke for the last time in my snug little cocoon at the top of my cottage. Looking out the window the lawn was white. Snow? No, frost, and a good one! Cars were iced, so it was out with the warm water.
We had carefully planned our route north, tossing up between the M1 (fast, but boring) and the smaller roads - slower but lots to see. The weather forecast of high winds and storms decided us to take the M1 and get to York as quickly as we could, leaving lots of time for breaks if necessary. Paul's brilliant Ipad that he swears by mapped a 4 1/2 hour journey, my effort was just over 2 hours - we took mine.
We set off in high spirits. I was happy to navigate using Paul's wonder toy on request. It really is helpful - although it's usefulness was called into question when in the middle of a HUGE roundabout it suddenly turned England upside down, we were heading down instead of up and seemed to be going to London followed by Brussels.
So the Ipad was thrown in the back (it was lucky the window was shut), and I reverted to my good old giant map.
All went well, we made excellent time, and decided about 20 minutes out of York to stop for a hearty lunch at the Coach and Horses Inn  in Tadcaster. I went for a salmon and warm salad and felt virtuous in my healthiness. Paul had a steak pie and chips. As is usual for  me, his looked fantastic, mine looked barely edible. I had brown/black diced bits - mushrooms? Croutons? I ate a few, they were tasty. when the waiter came back I asked what they were - to my horror he said 'black pudding'. I asked what was in black pudding, 'pig blood, and other pig bits left over after chopping it up.' Oh my goodness, I felt sick.
After lunch we went for a walk to explore (and walk off the effects of feeling revolted). It seems normal now to come across a most gorgeous church in the middle of every little village. I happily snapped away - what am I going to do with 1000's of photos of old English churches?
Back in the car and off on our final leg into York. Now, York is England oldest town, so has very narrow roads, cobbled lanes, stone arches going over them, just beautiful. Between 10am and 5.30pm they are mostly closed to traffic. Fortunately our kind host had emailed me detailed directions of how to get to our parking spot, about a kilometre from our apartment, which is right in the middle of York and next to the Minster.
No problems - we had packed for this last night, and were for once sharing a bag, while the remainder of our luggage would stay in the boot out of sight.
After trundling our bag to the apartment and feeling like orienteering experts winning a race, we arrived at our new temporary home, down a cobbled lane amid medieval shops and houses.
After 10 minutes of getting settled we realised Paul had left his Ipad on the car seat in full view - I'm not taking responsibility for this as it's a stupid invention anyway.
Well, it was coats, hats, gloves, scarves on again and back to the car where the Ipad was still resting smugly. Back to the apartment for a well deserved glass of wine. But - I suddenly couldn't find our stash of English cash. I had it in a ASB bag, and each day we topped up our wallets with the day's budget. So it held the next month's finances. I searched all through the clothes and bits and bobs in the apartment - no cash. I panicked, told Paul, apologised, and yet again we donned hats, gloves, scarves and coats and set off to the car. We systematically went through our other bags, no joy. I felt sick - worse even than the black pudding. I had visions of trying to organise funds for the next month and then paying it back over the next year. In desperation we rang the owner of the cottage we had left this morning to see if the cleaner had found it, she said she would check and get back to us. We walked back to the apartment, I was devastated. How do I not let this ruin our holiday? All the money for our Christmas week with the kids, I felt like such a failure. Paul was such a honey.
Back at the apartment I went to the bathroom and started to unpack my spongebag - and wouldn't you know it, guess what was in the bottom? I have no recollection of putting money under my deodorant, what's with that? I burst into tears, Paul gave me a big cuddle, and we set off to Evensong at the huge Minster next door (yes, donning hats, gloves, scarves etc etc....).
What an experience! It was all choir singing and responses, no organ. So contemplative, I loved it. Will definitely go again while we're here.
Home for a glass of wine and a light tea of grapes, cheese, carrot and celery sticks. Would have been more but we left the rest of our food in the fridge at the last cottage......
Just as we were sitting down for tea our landlord arrived to say hullo and welcome. Nice to hear some history of York and the Minster. He is a professor of French and German, so lots in common (I can swear in both those languages).
We are now sitting back with our last glass of wine for the night watching the British Proms.
Cheers!

Last day in the Cotswolds

I woke around 6, in the dark, and snuggled into my feather duvet under the eaves, waiting for the central heating to come on. (Or, to be honest, for Paul to wake and go down to make a cuppa, whichever happened first). Funny, Paul woke fairly soon!
A swift rousing this morning as we had to have Amelia at Stratford Train Station to catch the 9.15 to London to meet Crys. We hadn't been to the station before, and the access road was closed, but we had plenty of time (early and well organised people proven right yet again: I can hear my kids groaning).
With Amelia gone, we looked at each other and said 'what shall we do?' Home for a cuppa and to consider the map. We discovered another quaint town, Tewkesbury, about half an hour away. Now, my brother Graeme lives in Tewksbury outside Boston MA, and it's his birthday tomorrow, so we decided to go and explore and send him some photos to show we were thinking of him. Off we set. Our first experience of navigating without the A grade student who is an expert in IT. Didn't do too badly, if I do say so myself.
Arrived in Tewkesbury, took the essential photo of me blowing Graeme a kiss beside the 'Welcome to Tewkesbury' sign, then, duty done, headed for ye olde inn for hot coffee to warm up. (1.5 degrees outside today - the doors were iced closed in the car).
Re-entering the frigid street, we saw in the distance what looked like an old church so headed up that way. What a bonus! A gorgeous old abbey, still operating as a church, and free entry if you pay 2 quid for a licence to take photos. Hehehe. Certainly got my money's worth! It was immaculately restored, so big it rivalled Notre Dame. Unfortunately my PA has deserted me for London and taken her laptop so I can't insert photos into my blog. The atmosphere was reverent, and I just love hanging round in places like this, it warms my heart.
Outside again, we wandered back to our car and headed home.
Rib eye steak, roast veges, real gravy, sautéed sparagus for a late lunch with a glass of Bordeaux red, mmmmm.
When Paul turned on the kitchen lights (at 2pm) there was a bang and we lost all lights to the downstairs of the cottage. This is a problem as the stairs are definitely too dangerous to climb in anything other than bright light. Guess who found the power cupboard, worked out the circuit problem, fixed it, and restored lighting to the house? Moi! Very proud of myself. Paul made noises about giving me a tool belt for Christmas. Pretty sure he has too much respect for his privileges to go down that road.
A few days ago on our ramble we had come across a lovely old church. Afterwards we researched it and found there were leper holes in the outside walls aimed directly at the altar so lepers could see the service without coming inside. Today we went back and found them! Very sobering, 2 vertical slits and a small hole in the stone. My imagination runs wild at the thought of the lifestyle the lepers were confined into.
There were many graves in the area surrounding the church, and on one stone was the following:
"Death is only a horizon
and a horizon is nothing
except the limit of our sight.
Lift us up, strong Son of God,
that we can see further."
I found this so full of hope for the future.
Home for a cuppa and then a last walk through this lovely village we have called home for the last week. By now it was 4pm and quite dark. At home we drive around at about 10pm to see the Christmas lights - here we can see them at about 3.30! The villagers really go to town on decorating - I guess it's worth it when there are so many hours of darkness!
I've loved being here. We've met heaps of people, and all so friendly. Now I have 4 days of alone time with Paul to look forward to. Feeling very blessed.

Rambling in Welford, and medieval pub.

Another freezing start to the day, with rain forecast later, so we decided to get out while we could and follow some of the myriad of public footpaths that crisscross the Cotswold villages.
We started up Chapel St where we're staying, along Pear Tree Close (yes, really!) on to a Bridle Path that runs beside the Avon. It got muddier and muddier and we resigned ourselves to cleaning our boots on return.
After about half an hour we came out in a tiny hamlet of about 6 houses with a church styled like a castle that still holds weekly services. We explored both the church and gravesites adjacent. Just amazing.

Little old church, still in use.

Then found an honesty-box farm-shop and pleasant locals who directed us to another public footpath that would take us home. It crossed paddocks which had been tilled (in otherwords mud), and another paddock that had been sown, we felt very guilty walking over it. 

Where are we again?!

Walked along a fence-line until we found an entry to another footpath, so took that, and eventually found ourselves by the Methodist church 2 doors away from our cottage! 

Scraping off the mud

A good hour's ramble in the cold and wind, and exhilarating.
Home where Paul cooked a lovely chicken stirfry for a late lunch while I did a load of laundry - this time managed to wash it instead of drying it!!!!!
Around 3pm the weather was closing in but we couldn't face the thought of 7 hours inside before bed so after googling historic places we set off to the only inn owned by the National Trust, the Fleece, about a half hour drive away. Through some more gorgeous villages, we arrived at the Fleece to wonder again at the architecture and character. Popped in for a cuppa by the fire and to soak up the atmosphere of days past.

The Fleece Inn

Inside the Fleece

Home for cheese, crackers, sliced raw veges and a glass of wine. Loving the light teas.
Amelia packed to take the train to London tomorrow to have some sibling time. We'll catch up with her in York next week when we all meet up again for Christmas.
Another step of our journey is over. Storing up so many memories!

Lost in the Cotswolds

Trust me!!!!!

Yes, we did indeed get thoroughly lost today in the Cotswolds.
Woke to a gorgeous blue sky and frost - the car was iced up so the first job was to clear the windows. (The temperature didn't rise above 4.5 all day!)

We bought a giant size road map yesterday in Stratford so set off in great confidence for Chipping Campden, a village we had read about as being picture perfect.
Several detours and retracing later we arrived to find it everything we had hoped for. I'll let the pictures tell the story.

Chipping Campden

Baptist Church in Chipping Campden

Then it was off to Broadway, another village we had been told of. Road signs in England are sometimes non-existent, and often don't agree with the map, which is in numbers rather than names.

English Lane in Broadway

Broadway - what a tall guy!

 Eventually we came to Broadway, and first up was a little tearoom for lunch. Then we wrapped up warmly to explore. Again, the photos say it all.

Main street in Broadway

After heading back to the car to thaw out we decided to go across small country roads back home - we had no time schedule so some meandering was fine by us.

It was so good to arrive at our little cottage and be greeted by a warm lounge. Hot chocolate and milky coffees, yum!
The washing I had put over the radiators before we left this morning was dry. Amelia and I walked down to the post box at the village square for her to send a card, then it was time to relax with our feet up. While we were on the comfy couches with wine and cheese there was a rattle at the door, and the evening paper popped through the brass slot. Seriously!

A picturesque and enjoyable day!

Stratford-upon-Avon

Today we spent the day in Stratford-upon-Avon. What a gorgeous little town!

Shakespeare's birthplace

First up we visited Shakespeare's birthplace. So interesting and well done. Amazing how many people lived in 1 house - we are very spoilt these days. Shakespeare's father was a glove maker: in their house were the parents, 3 or 4 children (they died and were replaced regularly, very sobering), 2 trained journeymen (glovemakers), a few apprentices, a married sister, her husband and their 4 children, and at least 2 servants. Girls slept on the floor, boys had beds which were expensive. Huh!

Hot mulled wine, yum!

We walked down the High Street, and the character and attention to detail blew our minds. Had lunch in an old tea room, Paul and Amelia finished with scones, jam and cream. I thoroughly enjoyed my glass of hot mulled wine.

Shakespeare's 2nd best bed that he left to Anne in his will, generous guy!

Then on to Anne Hathaway's cottage. Her parents were farmers. She and Shakespeare had to marry when she was 27 and he was 18. 
Their first baby was born 6 months later. The old farmhouse was built in the 1500's. Wow! Very low doors, thick black oak beams, really fascinating. Loved it.

Anne Hathaway's Cottage

Shakespeare's grave site 

On to the Holy Trinity Church where Shakespeare and Anne were buried. Amelia and I went in, Paul (bless him) stayed in the car dodging parking officers. The church was beautiful, the grave area was just awe-inspiring. I love these old churches, they carry such an aura of reverence.

Home to our little cottage for a light tea.



Our cottage is just so tiny and cute. We have a very steep and narrow staircase - I can't fit my whole foot on each step. I have about 6 inches around my bed and keep hitting the stone walls! Only slim people allowed on the loo - not much legroom beside it! There are 2 comfy couches in the lounge - we can reach each other across the intervening space. However we are warm, dry, and happy, and loving the experience.   

Village life, and Sunday church

Today it's Sunday. The village wakes slowly.
It's been a treat to meet people - we've only been here 2 days!
First there was the butcher - he's nearing retirement. 45 years ago he was the butcher's delivery boy on a bicycle.
Then a lovely elderly gent out walking his dog. He bought a weekend cottage here 40 years ago, and when he retired, moved here with his wife, so is 'nearly a local'.
We met a charming younger couple out walking with their young children. They bought the rectory a couple of years back. She lives here full-time, he comes up from London in the weekends - she says it's like having a Christmas every week. They visited NZ in their OE days and loved it.

There are a few cottages for sale - 1 sign says 'only to locals'. Many have thatched rooves, a large number have crooked walls that seem to be held upright only by the roof. Most are immaculately cared for, as are the gardens, then suddenly we will come across a section of wilderness that takes me straight back to my childhood in Alton, and fields of flowers, nettles and wild strawberries.

I can see food will be more of a challenge here. £50 for a 1 course pub lunch yesterday - and the only thing on the menu that wasn't deep fried or swimming in oil was a huge steak. So that's twice the price of Paris, and a whole lot less healthy. I lost 3.5kg during the month in Paris, and really don't want to gain it back! Plus, in Paris tipping was included, here it is extra. Darn, more cooking for me.
Today we went to a tiny Methodist church, 2 doors along from our cottage. As we walked in a lady saw us and beamed, said 'how lovely, our congregation has just doubled!' Bit of an exaggeration but a lovely welcome. Amelia was the youngest there, I was next! The service was very traditional, 6 hymns, a lovely elderly organist. The sermon was brilliant. I was overcome with homesickness - for my old family at Papakura East Pressy, and for my new family at Palmy Life.  I missed Lynette terribly, and needed a hug - she was the queen of hugs.
Back to our little cottage for home-made soup for lunch and then off to explore a stately home - but that's another story.

Welford-on-Avon, a beautiful Cotswold Village

Lovely sleep! I woke eager to see where we were - it had been dark last night and we were too busy unpacking and doing dinner to have a good look around.
Our little cottage is a '2 up 2 down' 2 storied house, fully renovated and smaller than our Paris apartment! Beautifully decorated, double glazing, new kitchen. 
Across the road we can see a thatched cottage, Shakespeare's Inn, and the village butcher. We have a little back garden, but I don't know if we'll use it - it's cold!

After breakfast we wrapped up and went for a walk to explore and marvelled at the gorgeous village. Oh my goodness! 
Found a church to attend tomorrow and spoke to the ladies doing the flowers.
People were so friendly! We met quite a few locals out for a Saturday walk. We ended up at the Bell Inn for a late lunch, good to warm up by the fire.
Then off to find a supermarket in the next town, and to buy the things for a roast lunch tomorrow after church.

Home to put on a pot of soup, then Amelia and I went or a last walk before dark (4pm!). Getting colder, windy, we were glad of double layers of everything!

Last days in Paris

Paris, I love you.

Today was our last day in Paris. Mixed feelings - I'm so in love with Paris and sad to be leaving - I have such an exciting family Christmas to look forward to. I have achieved everything I dreamed of for the trip so far, I think if I was here for any longer I would need more defined goals for my time - maybe a job, some study etc.
Anyway, today was filled with a variety of things that were more poignant for being the last time. First up we posted another (yes, I know) box to NZ. Then we walked to all our favourite local places - Notre Dame, where there where no queues so we nipped inside and spent a wonderful spiritual hour contemplating and meditating; then along the Seine marvelling yet again that we were here. 

Lunch drifted on to afternoon tea

We headed down to our most special place, Place des Vosges. Knew it was going to be expensive but it was our last day so we splurged on lunch and it was probably one of the nicest meals in my life! Oh la la! We sat outside under a brazier - by the time we ordered my toes were numb; when my meal arrived my feet were frozen, and on the arrival of my coffee I couldn't feel my legs at all - but it was worth it! Service was superb, food was to die for. Boeuf Bourguignon Traditional, oh my goodness. I held back on dessert but had a bite of Paul's apple pie and Amelia's lemon/lime tart and was tempted to fight them for the remainder.
After lunch (at 4pm I'm afraid to say) we took a last walk in Place des Vosges garden.
I love Paris. My goal was to dig deeper into food and culture, and live as typically French as I could, and I feel I've done this. My local butcher recognises me - as does the owner of the local wine shop (hmmm); the fruit and vege shop; and the small supermarket. I can hold conversation confidently, and find my way pretty much anywhere without a map; I feel at home on the Metro, but prefer to be above ground where I can see!
Paris, thank you for my month, je t'aime, je retournerai.

 

Amelia's 21st birthday and hanging out as family

Cheers!

Today is the actual day. Mel and Ali shot down to get croissants and fruit and we made a beautiful platter with all sorts of yummy treats. Bubbles, coffee and hot choc. Yum! Then it was present time, and some brilliant ideas - a lot of thought had gone into it.

It is Mel's last day, so wrapped up and headed out. 

Today we walked around Ile St Louis, the smallest, oldest, most expensive real estate island. Then over onto Ile de la Cite and a good look all round Note Dame. Home for Mel to grab a bite of lunch, some birthday cake for all, then Mel was off to catch her Eurostar.
Amelia expressed a preference for a boat trip on the Seine, so wrapped up again and walked to Pont Neuf, where we took a French style cruise rather than the huge tourist boats that do 8 languages. Left at 4.15 for about an hour, of course we were outside up front just by the 'beware of the waves' sign. 
Pretty darn cold! Beautiful sights though, and well worth the €14. I just adore Paris, and enjoyed seeing it again from this different perspective. We were freezing when we disembarked so went straight to a café for hot chocs while we watched the sun go down and all the Paris lights come up. Christmas is near, and street decorations are appearing.

Hot choc, wine, time to thaw out!

Home along rue de Rivoli, window shopping, stopping to buy little bits.
Choice of food tonight was pizza, so we ate at our little Italian restaurant next door, menu was in Italian with French subtitles, another challenge!
Home for some games, then Crys and Ali headed out to another jazz gig, Paul to bed, Amelia and I played internet puzzles.
Full day, birthday to remember. Amelia, just loved spending it with you, love you to bits.

Sacre Coeur, flea markets, catching up with friends

This morning Jess came for breakfast. Jess is a gorgeous girl, friend of  Mel's, I met her last year. English, went to drama school in Paris, works in France in theatre, so much fun. Then we have Stacey and her mum Ann, lovely new friends from Palmy who bumped into Crys on the Eurostar and after chatting, realised they were connected via Amelia! So after breakkie we all met up and headed to the northern flea and antique markets.
Interesting area, wouldn't come here as 2 girls alone, but there were 10 of us. Antique markets were just fascinating. Other markets full of typical hawkers, some rather pushy.

Since we were in the vicinity of Sacre Ceour we walked there, buying baguettes for lunch on the way. Sacre Ceour was crowded, but still one of Paris' beautiful sights. Christmas markets at the back - we bought mulled wine which went down nicely. Family photos, then Jess and Mel headed off, the rest of us came back to the apartment in dribs and drabs - Paul & me first to get dinner in the oven, then the others. Lovely to see Stacey and Ann, they made today more fun.

Mulled wine outside Sacre Coeur

They left, Mel arrived, Ali and I went for a long walk, special times. 
Home for dinner, the  new game Crys taught us - video on FB - hilarious, thought we would go through the floor at times.



So, another full, fantastic, family day is over. Loving this. 

Heads up!