London

We returned the car and caught the train to our apartment in Clerkenwell. 

St James' Gate

We then found the local Natwest branch to get our money transferred. 

Walked to St Pauls, ate some sushi by The Thames, 

walked past the growing queue at The Globe before returning home to have some pho at a local restaurant.

It's Roger and Esther!

Eva and I journeyed around to Roger's (on foot!) for dinner. A balloon passed over whilst Roger was preparing the meal.  

A very nice meal of salmon, potatoes and salad, washed down with a frisky Pinot Grigio. 

We watched France end Iceland's dream of Euro success. And then Esther and the children arrived!

Leo, nearly 11, was a baby when Eva last visited. They both commented on how much each other had changed. 

Hedy made sure that she was noticed by reciting stories, displaying her artwork and singing a song about winning at all costs. (Something the English football team could have taken onboard.)

Apart from letting her hair grow, Esther hadn't changed a bit (and I had to stop Eva from scratching her eyes out as a consequence.)

Despite having not seen them for over ten years, it was like it was only yesterday.

Duck Races on the River Yare

Roger returned on Sunday to take us to watch the duck race that was to be held as part of the festivities.

Unfortunately, Roger wasn't sure of the location; some punter in a pub said it started at the Ribs of Beef, so we traipsed upstream a bit, only to find that the duck race to be held here was a month away. Obviously, duck races are a popular event. 

We had to settle for a drink at the pub. 

Not ducks and not racing

A golden jackal, consolation drink.

Fireworks

Roger arrived and we went around the corner to The Bengal Clipper for a feast of Indian. It was then on to the fireworks, part of the Lord Mayors Festival that had been arranged to coincide with our visit.

Seven minutes of sound and light. Great fun.

Norwich Castle

There's a dual carriageway to Norwich. Previously (until 18 months ago) it was single lane only and you and others had the joy of sitting behind a tractor while it journeyed from field to field.

Things haven't changed much in the 15 years since I was last here. The laundromat on Earlham Road has gone and the shop on St Giles that used to sell onion bahjis and Mars bubble bars has ceased to do so.

There are a number of new eating places, which would have raised the standard of food on offer. But the shops and market are still the same. 

The Forum (library, BBC studios and cafes) has been completed and Norwich Castle is open to the public. These previous two buildings were incomplete/closed in 2000.

The presentation in the castle was underwhelming, with several display cases empty due to storm damage.

The highlight of the visit to the castle was being able to catch glimpses of The Rattler, a play in story and song that was being performed for and with the assistance of some young children. What they made of the creature God only knows. Nightmare material for sure.

Castle Muxloe

This ruined castle on the outskirts of Leicester is where the Ducks of England fly home to roost. There was duck poo everywhere. Which might explain why Eva and I were the only ones at the place.

One of the hidden gems of our trip; which should have remained so.

The highlight of our stay at the Castle Hotel was watching Wales beat Belgium.

Chatsworth House

Well, Eva reckons that that is the third time we've been through the place. I can't recall either visit nor will I remember this one. Lots of dark paintings, marble sculptures and some large pieces of crystal au natural. 

There were several references to The Grand Tour that the young aristocracy made and this explains why these places are full of the crap they have. 

Fortunately, we have only succumbed to the purchase of a tea towel. Although Eva has ducked back into the shop up here at The Stables, which has been converted into a restaurant, cafeteria and shop.

Ashford in the Water

Despite being nestled cosily against The River Wye, adjacent to the bridge that begins The Dukes Drive (which is otherwise known by lorry drivers as the A6), our delightful upstairs room affords us views over the lawn and gardens to the said river. The triple glazing and foot-thick stone walls make it a peaceful place.

Eva fed the duck whilst I prepared an early supper of cheese, Apple and bread which we so did enjoy riverside with the red.

Looking downstream

Looking upstream

Looking at you

We were entertained by Gilly who was training Gonzo, their six month old Cockerpoo. 

Gilly on the right

Gonzo, a day before getting 'the snip'.

Chatsworth House Gardens

Whenever I'm in Old Blighty, I always try to get back to "T'Old House", as Eva and I call it.

Just spent two hours walking around the gardens. As big as Euro Disney and not quite as crowded.

Buxton: the frumpy end

Do you turn right or do you turn left upon entering a T-intersection in the middle of a new town? Upon entering Buxton, we chose right and as the knight charged with protecting the holy grail said, "They chose poorly."

We did get to see how the other half live (the poor folk) and partake of a coffee at a Costa (Lotta).

Had our preferred pies at the New Inn which is so dog friendly that one (a boxer) lies on the floor behind the bar. 

Shepherds pie for Eva

Beef and ale for Glenn

So when we get to our next destination, Gilly lets us know about the Opera House and other architectural delights that we would have seen if we had turned left.

Isn't life a funny old thing?

Ironbridge and Calcutts House

So we finally arrived at our destination after taking a farm road over the hills for several kilometres. Dorothy, our GPS guide, likes to test us sometimes.

After lugging the bags upstairs, we went into village, crossing the famous bridge that set this place on the map. 

The lack of many of the buildings from those bygone days is a testament to the forces of nature; namely gravity and slippage.

Many areas are now vegetated in an attempt to prevent further land slips.

Welsh weather and the Wye Valley

When did it begin raining? Before we crossed over the Severn or shortly after?

But everything is so beautiful and green.

We had a coffee at Tintern. Too wet to admire the abbey ruins. We ventured forth to Ludlow, a pretty market town whose parking meter man has a daughter who is a dentist at Ocean Grove! You could have hit me with a wet fish.

We had an excellent meal in a quaint French restaurant. 

We made a mess of the snails.

And Eva polished off her seafood pie.

And I devoured the duck confit with gusto. Travelling builds up an appetite.

Breakfast on the road

So that we could get an early start, I decided to get breakfast on the way. 

We took one last look at this fine city from Alexandra Park before heading for the Co-op store.

The Velo Lounge is a family-friendly eatery that does a fine breakfast. Eva couldn't deny herself the fruit pancakes whilst I opted for the far more healthier avocado, tomato mash with a poached egg and a side of hash browns. Oh. And some crispy bacon. 

The place was a true culinary beacon amidst the beauty salons and betting shops on the high street.

Across the road, the Polish Shop sat defiantly against the Leave lobby.

Hope and Anchor, Midford

Just a short drive away, the Hope and Anchor in Midford was a real find. After sharing an entree of pierogi, Eva wrestled with a lamb shank while I took on a slab of pork belly.

Pierogi

Pork belly

Lamb shank

Best meal to date. 

Hop on hop off around Bath

Back into the city we went. Grabbed a coffee before jumping on board the skyline tour bus. 

Alighted at Prior Park to take in the mansion that Ralph Allen had constructed to show off the Bath stone that his quarries mined.

Now a private school, the mansion has a view over landscaped parkland towards the city.

A little tipple

Quite a nice drop partaken whilst England were undone by Iceland. 

England lost the Cod Wars and now this!

Burritos at the Lion and The Lamb

And where would they be, culinary wise, if it wasn't for the Mexicans coming over and introducing the humble burrito to the English? 

It makes a perfect partner to the Amber Ale that I had for lunch.

Roman Baths

The Romans come in and put up a thermal bath that is the biggest money spinner of all time and the Poms want to kick them and all of the other Continentals out of the country. Such gratitude. Mind you, if they did the same with Wimbledon, Murray might get a look in.