Blogs from England, United Kingdom, Europe

Gloucestershire. The Cotswolds. The area is very much on the tourist trail. Bus loads descend in the summer months on relatively tiny populations. Bourton on the Water. The Slaughters. Stow on the Wold. Similar column inches and visitor numbers are devoted to the Regency splendour of Cheltenham - home of grand Georgian buildings and of course, the famous racecourse. The county town of Gloucester is somehow overlooked by the hordes. Skirted by the M5 motorway by those on their way somewhere else and missed off the coach tour itineraries. It did not seem that way on this bright, sunny autumn morning. Traffic was busy. It showed congestion on the route towards the Quays. I cut off to head through the city centre. The major sporting stadium venue in these parts loomed. Kingsholm - home of Gloucester ... read more

This morning was my favorite moment of the trip. I woke up in Paris, the Eiffel Tower in view from the window. Showered, then before the crack of dawn, was on the cobble stone streets of Rue Cler, with the locals. Walking to the Boulangerie to get the best croissants in the world. The only other people were the staff of the hotels doing the same thing, getting the croissants and baguettes for the morning breakfast, including the staff of our hotel. “A quick on Jour Deux Croissants si vous plait.” Two fresh croissants handed to you for 2.80 Euros about $3 (would pay 8 in NY). “Merci, au voire.” Walking back in the crisp Paris fall air, I stopped, took a deep breath, and truly savored the moment, I am in Paris, I truly belong ... read more

We finally, finally left Xeraco Campers after 12 nights! The site was just that good: excellent company, great food, a short walk into town and more importantly for me - the sea and a beach that went on forever. I cannot say how good it felt to finally be swimming again and especially in slightly cold water, although it made me miss my M4E friends. It never ceases to amaze me that there is such a common bond between travellers from all over Europe, regardless of language, age or whatever - good conversations were always had. During one of these it did involve me having a slight internal panic attack as I felt my knickers slowly but surely slide off my backside, with my shorts the only thing keeping my modesty in tack. I had visions ... read more

The car with no name also known as Clint was parked up on a half full National Trust car park next to the Leeds to Liverpool Canal. It was midweek. The children are still at school and Clint had just been given a much needed run out of one and a half hours. When we started him up the voice control refused to work and the display told us the battery was getting flat. He needed a long drive to charge him up. Something he had not had for some weeks . Indifference has kept us in. What had discharged the battery was anyones guess. Not using the car. The alarm systems and dash cams running down the battery. We had no clues from the all singing and all dancing display. The drive took us out ... read more

Today we got up early, were among the first for breakfast, caught a cab, and were at Victoria Station to meet our tour group by 8 am! We were headed to The Cotswold with Evan Evan tours. Our first stop was Burton on the Water. It is a quaint little village on the River Windrich. It is known for its low bridges and stone houses. There are 5 bridges built between 1654 and 1911, each cut from Cotswold stone. They give Birto on the Water the nickname of Venice of the Cotswolds. During the Middle Agest, the Cotswolds became rich from all trade. Much of the money was dedicated to the building of churches, and many large “wool churches“ remain today. Once wool trade ceased the area attracted wealthy landowners and prominent figures to purchase second ... read more