The Cotswolds

What a relaxing weekend in the "real" England. Shaun and I, Brad and Jax all caught the train up to Moreton-on-Marsh last Friday (3 November). We arrived in the cold and dark and made a pit stop at a local pub as we waited for our personal chauffeur to collect us. Eugene arrived in no time and kindly escorted us back to our home for the weekend. The cottage was fab - a traditional buiding, possibly a converted barn with fantastic open plan lounge and dining room with a big fireplace and 4 bedrooms. Shaun and I got the kiddies room and Uncle Brad and Aunty Jax got the ajoining parents room. Our room came equipped with a baby camper bed, cuddly toys and Beatrix Potter bedspreads! That night, after Jen and Clint had arrived and after Heidi had opened her presents (30 today woohoo!) we went off in search of food. Chipping Campden was like a ghost town and the only place willing to serve us dinner after 10:00pm was a small Greek restaurant. The meal was great - possibly a little bit pricey but we certainly got our money's worth. We went back to the warmth of the cottage, full and tired.

Saturday we had perfect weather, chilly but sunny with clear skies. We awoke to find our neighbours roaming the fields in front of the cottage - the neighbours being cute, white cows and a couple of horses.

We then set off to Bourton-on-the-Water to hire some bikes and explore Lower Slaughter and Upper Slaughter from the reasonable discomfort of a cheap bicycle saddle - aside from the aching bum, and the replica of Polly Shorts, it was a great day and excellent way to see the countryside.

We then all went on a well orchestrated shopping spree to stock up for the evening's meal of roast pork, chicken and lamb along with all the trimmings and more. We made a roaring fire, drank wine, played trivial pursuit (the other team got the easy box of questions!) and then ate a phenomenal meal prepared by Heidi (with assistance from others). We got to bed late that night, relaxed and appropriately, well oiled.

Sunday we went off for a walk to Chipping Campden and back and almost got chased by the cute, white neighbours (let me tell you they don't look so cuddly when they're jogging toward you with a look of acute hostility in their beady eyes!). Not sure if cows jog, but anyway! After our safe traverse of the cow field and a pub lunch in Chipping Campden we made our way back. We then had a lazy afternoon of rugby, tea and biscuits then finally made our way back to London. Thanks everyone for a fantastic weekend!

Robyn