Before we recount the doom and gloom portion of our travels, I thought a review of our “planned” vacation is in order.
After flying out on Wednesday the 7th, we arrived the next day at Heathrow. Unfortunately, all of the night flights arrive around the same time, so getting through customs and waiting for a rental car was a bit of a process. Adding me as a driver would set us back another £90, so Marnie bore the unpleasant burden of being the sole driver. We headed straight for our night’s accommodation at the Tilbury Inn in Oxford. Upon arrival, we discovered the place was owned by ex-pat South Africans. I know- small world and all that.
We set off for town on a rather longer walk than had been promised. Oxford is like any other small college town, with the caveat that everything is several hundred years older. It has that young student vibe, intertwined with a sense of history from the gorgeous old buildings. We found Marnie shoes for the wedding at Clarks, raided the bookstore, then tucked in to some fish and chips at the Lamb and Flag pub before a few pints at the Turf Tavern. I really enjoyed my time in Oxford, and wish I had a day or two more to check out the scene.
The next day we set off for Warrington, just southwest of Manchester and the general region of the wedding we came to attend. We stopped at Warwick Castle on the way, just northwest of Oxford. The staff done period costumes and do demonstrations (archery, swordplay, etc.), and though the threats of being thrown in the dungeon get a bit tedious, the grounds are beautifully kept and I’m happy we stopped. The walk along the castle ramparts provides a stunning view, but the peacocks in the garden were my personal fav.
After flying out on Wednesday the 7th, we arrived the next day at Heathrow. Unfortunately, all of the night flights arrive around the same time, so getting through customs and waiting for a rental car was a bit of a process. Adding me as a driver would set us back another £90, so Marnie bore the unpleasant burden of being the sole driver. We headed straight for our night’s accommodation at the Tilbury Inn in Oxford. Upon arrival, we discovered the place was owned by ex-pat South Africans. I know- small world and all that.
We set off for town on a rather longer walk than had been promised. Oxford is like any other small college town, with the caveat that everything is several hundred years older. It has that young student vibe, intertwined with a sense of history from the gorgeous old buildings. We found Marnie shoes for the wedding at Clarks, raided the bookstore, then tucked in to some fish and chips at the Lamb and Flag pub before a few pints at the Turf Tavern. I really enjoyed my time in Oxford, and wish I had a day or two more to check out the scene.
The next day we set off for Warrington, just southwest of Manchester and the general region of the wedding we came to attend. We stopped at Warwick Castle on the way, just northwest of Oxford. The staff done period costumes and do demonstrations (archery, swordplay, etc.), and though the threats of being thrown in the dungeon get a bit tedious, the grounds are beautifully kept and I’m happy we stopped. The walk along the castle ramparts provides a stunning view, but the peacocks in the garden were my personal fav.
No comments:
Post a Comment