Aug 2019 Brisbane - United Kingdom

Holidays do not just happen, they involve lots of preparation and thought. 

House and gardens need to be assigned house-sitters, while animals and birds are appointed a carer.

And then there is the itinerary - Where to and for how long?

But, I do adore the planning stage. The investigating and arm chair sleuthing; sightseeing using the internet and YouTube.


Ferreting out interesting accommodation, tours, places of historical interest and gardens of note.

Cameron always says, no need to go now, you have seen everything already! But the internet does not offer atmosphere, smells and interesting conversations with locals.

Choices regarding destination made, planes and accommodation booked, the next all-important items are, the all important reading material - myself: Ghost written by David Mitchell, Sing to It by Amy Hempel and The Overstory by Richard Powers; all collections of short stories which will arm me for the airport stop-overs, late to bed and early rises, cafe rests, people watching. . .  while, Eleanor Oliphant is completely fine by Gail Honeyman is a novel for snuggling up with on colder nights. Cameron is armed with Boy swallows Universe by Trent Dalton and The accidental further Adventures of the hundred year old man by Jonas Jonasson and Wimmera by Mark Brandi..

Luckily, my very tolerant spouse has agreed to keep me company – just over four weeks traversing the English countryside in a hire car (which has to be far easier than the eight weeks in Italy behind the wheel.) A few days in Amsterdam. Two weeks touring with friends along the Danube from Amsterdam to Budapest on a luxury cruise vessel, and a week in Budapest in an indulgent apartment . . .  Then a week of Rest and Revitalization in Singapore. 

So, all preparation complete, bags packed -  off we go . . .  

What the?  I was traumatized by the first leg to Dubai. Small cramped seats with no leg room. Last time we did this trip we were in Business class. I decided the thousands we would save going economy, could be better used elsewhere . . .? Ahhh!)
Then luckily, from Dubai onto Gatwick, UK we were on a air-bus with extra leg space and no one next to us either side . . brilliant!!! I hardly slept. Watched seven movies in all, while Cameron the ever successful sleep-anywhere-man, only watched three, in 23 hours. . . between, about seven meals!
We picked up a new sim card for phone and our hire car - a  luxurious Mercedes with sumptuous leather seats and glass roof. . a LARGE coffee, but guess what we forgot? Yep! A MAP!  Luckily we ordered a GPS. Put in the Hampton Hog coordinates and it spoke, but showed us nuddah but a blank screen . . . (miss you kiddo's!  It means we will have to read some directions!! We hate reading directions.)

We had intended to stop off at Hampton Court, but it was drizzling and we were tired. And we had no map!!!! so  drove leisurely, avoiding the free-ways, through to our first destination, The Hampshire Hog. We stopped at parks to admire the greenery . . . so green! and a pub for refreshments. 

Arrived at accommodation in time for evening meal. Delightful place where we had a meal of black smoked Salmon, thrice cooked sweet potatoes chips and salad - followed by a white chocolate mousse with Bakewell tart and beer... yes! I had a beer! Mmmmm, maybe won't repeat. Samuel Smith's organic apple cider was nice. 
Very comfortable, Old World Pub.

We moved to our very comfortable accommodation. Showered and were in bed by 7pm. . . And asleep by 7.01  


Accommodation very clean, warm, delightful, with lots of little extras. A bit of Cole and Lewis never goes astray. King bed very comfortable
Cameron slept through till 5am . . . I kept waking, wondering where we were. . . ? 

Mist over the countryside. Partly sunny, 11 degrees - doesn't feel cold. Brief walk through countryside, along Thieves Lane and back in time for Breakfast . . .  a real treat.
  

Yesterday, the fear factor of driving a brand new Mercedes on foreign roads, was aggravated by tiredness..  This morning it is all so gorgeous . . . the roads are fine.

Views of the countryside . . . How can this not stimulate the imagination and satisfy the wanderlust? 

 My Mum, Tutu, would love the multitude of hanging baskets which halo the entire building. (Between the dry weather, Possums, wallabies and periods of neglect - mine do not look this good. Will never look this good.)

Let the magic continue !! 

Today, driving, through lesser country roads to get used to car. Glass roof and heated seats are a treat. Stopping in at Gardens and Pubs. Back to HOG by 5pm. Early evening meal, A bit of reading. Bath with Cole & Lewis and to Bed.  Lovely!

Woke to 16 degrees, sunshine and a tasty breakfast. Again, all the food was given its origin  and pedigree, in a very old Inn with walls a foot thick. Such a contrast to the Roo.

Took off thinking we would visit three heritage gardens, but managed one . . . EXBURY Gardens was a treat.

 Tree behind us was huge . . . so many of the plants are hundreds of years old.

 Owner had bridge built over public road so he could zoom along his private road without any obstacles . . . read - not have to share with the Plebs!

 Rhododendrons were beautiful. These where white blooms, but turned pink after rain, as the rain is affected with acid . . .  frightening thought.

Steam train with driver took us through the over 200 acres of gardens.

Then took the hour long private tour, by small open buggy, along the inner private roads, with a driver who stated he was an actor from Melbourne who came to UK for a gig and stayed three years. He has a fantastic sense of humour and great stories. Followed by a walk to Art gallery and lunch in Old tennis court Café. 

Drove bit over an hour, through Salisbury, to our accommodation for following evenings, The Mendip Inn.  Cameron Sat having a read while I did this blog entry.

 

Had a tasty evening meal. The Pubs certainly produced some delicious main meals, followed by hard to resist desserts. Local Apple Cider is nice! 

Walls are crafted from stone and here they are over two feet thick. Beams are huge and the floor panels are at least a foot wide.

Trying to stay awake until 9pm, but the long enjoyable day, Apple Cider and food is making me very sleepy . . . .

It is 8.15pm and I keep nodding off . . .missing my Nanny Naps. 

Night Night! x

Woke to a  lovely morning tending to a warm 18 degrees. Booked out of our accommodation after a leisurely breakfast and drove to Stourhead House and gardens.

 Bri, thought of you when I viewed the paintings of landscapes . . .and the library.

 House is very grand. The paintings and Chippendale furnishings are worth a look. The Gardens are extensive, very beautiful . .  very classical.

Swimming pool ? . . delightful shape, with steps.

Had an enjoyable lunch in the gardens and then drove through to Wells to view the Cathedral. It is an incredible structure . . .  very impressive. Parking is a pain.