Did not have time for the largest surviving turf maze in Europe thought to be about 800 years old, nor St Mary’s Church also notable. On the comeback list.
An Afternoon in Cambridge (UK)
Wandered in the courts of Christ’s College, grounds of King’s College and peeked through gate at St John’s College. Buildings are of course very old and quite beautiful. Many of colleges have restricted access (except to members, Fellows and fee paying tourists in some parts) so just enjoyed what was open and available. Saw some staff wandering in their gowns and students looking both serious and relaxed!
A bit of ocean and a lot of owls
A Bit Chilly in Suffolk/Norfolk
Constable Country
Lovely autumn colours as we headed through parts of Essex aiming for the Stour River Valley and Dedham Vale area. Enjoyed the little villages of Stratford St. Mary, Dedham, East Bergholt and finally Flatford. Lots of little country lanes (Give Way), pastel coloured houses and picturesque countryside scenes. The views here inspired many of the paintings of John Constable nearly 200 years ago. Indeed very charming and nice to see identified spots at Flatford such as Bridge Cottage, The Bridge, The Lock, The Granary, Valley Farm, Flatford Mill, “The Hay Wain” view and Willy Lott’s House. Fortunately not crowded with visitors at all – maybe because it was a little hard to find!
Lunch at Sevenoaks, Kent.
Borough Market
Cake, Pies and Chips
Fun times and lots of walks with the family which seem to gravitate to the coffee shop en route or end up there for coffee, pretzels and a babychino. For Matt’s birthday (15th ) we also had a nice lunch at the marketplace. For some it was dumplings but others had the best-est pies ever! Scrummy light pastry and delicious fillings – nicest is chicken and fennel. Micah and I made a birthday cake for Matt. Lots of fun and it tasted yummy too.
Family outings
So good to be with our London family. Over the last three days we have:
revisited Kingston Village – checked out the revamped market, vege stall envy – such a fabulous selection and enjoyed a good flat white with fresh pretzels. Coffee loyalty card gives us a free coffee after 4 purchases – great deal. Nice walk along part of the Thames with lovely autumn colours just appearing.
walked north along the Thames to Teddington Lock. Lots of activity on the water but no boats through the lock while we were there. The houseboats on the Thames are certainly a very mixed bag! Some of the houses on the other hand are very nice indeed. The Thames is only tidal as far as Richmond before the lock. Interesting that 100 little craft were rallied from here at the end of WW2 to rescue soldiers from Dunkirk.
Back to London 2014
The Atlantic rocked us to sleep again last night! So pleased to have the magical Paihia Bombs – worked an absolute treat.
Disembarked in Lisbon quite early this morning and arrived safely back in London early afternoon – slightly wet day but not too cold on arrival. Lisbon airport now nearing the top of the list of not great airports after very very slow passport control, bus on tarmac and 40 minute wait in plane to take-off. To be fair though, the wait was so we could get into the queue at Heathrow. Nevertheless we have had a great cruise, met some interesting people, explored other cultures and seen a little bit more of our amazing world. We do have lots of photos to post which we will do now we have decent internet speed.