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Published: November 17th 2015
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Lake District - 10th October - 13th October 2015
The Cotswolds - 17th - 19th October 2015
Arrived in Edinburgh 20th October 2015
A mid Autumn break from the norm of London, to spend a long weekend in the Lake District with family and friends was an absolute treat. The Varcoes and the Hansens + the daughters-in-law-to-be (Mairi and I) spent four marvellous days staying in a large, old house which was both beautiful and ominous. The house felt as though it was haunted as it was built in the 1890s and the interior and style of the house had been preserved so we really got a feel of the history.
The landscape of the Lake District is breathtaking - large, green rolling hills and the dark blue, reflective lakes which are scattered in between the hills - with the beautiful colours of autumn falling from the trees which outline the lakes and the roads. This area reminded me of New Zealand a lot, the greenery and the herds of sheep which were roaming around in big fields or the side of a mountain - a very nice and comforting change from the flatness and
harshness of the city of London.
Whilst in The Lake District, the troop went for a wee hike across the paddocks, passing by lakes and cows, and up a very mountainous hill (not quite a mountain I've been told). The ascent was exciting as we were all eager to see the views of the surrounding lakes and the brisk breeze on our faces was refreshing. The terrain was rather steep but we made it to the first peak without a sweat (it was too cold for that) and the views were incredible, with lakes visible in the far distance and we were able to see down the valley which led to a small village. Some of the eager trampers were not ready for these views to be cut short so we kept on tramping across the brow where we could see in the distance another taller peak. When we arrived at our next stop we could see across the other side of the hill to Lake Grassmere and the little village surrounding it which looked so peaceful and lovely. These impeccable views would not ease curious minds however, so we tramped across to the next peak, getting caught in
large muddy, grass areas and passing grazing sheep, to then be amazed once more by a new stunning lake and a different perspective of the surrounding terrain and landscape. Sitting on the top of this high peak, with a beautiful panoramic view and fresh breeze on our faces, was an amazing feeling and definite highlight of the weekend. Of course, the next mission was to get down to the pub at the bottom of the hill as quick as possible to have a well-deserved pint.
Over the weekend there were many highlights, sharing delicious homemade dinners - which turned into dancing dinner parties, watching the rugby with some wine by the fire and sitting by Lake Windermere watching the sunset.
The following weekend we were leaving London for good to spend a few days in The Cotswolds and then make our way up to Edinburgh to begin the next chapter of our journey. Matt and I stayed in The Cotswolds during our road trip through the UK which we really loved and we were lucky enough to return to spend a relaxing 4 days with Janine and Nigel in a cute, cosy cottage. While we were there we
visited a large arboretum (tree garden) which was so busy on the sunny but chilled autumn day. The park was massive with many trails to follow which lead through an array of vibrant autumn-coloured trees of all varieties.
We also made a very worthwhile trip out to Stonehenge in Wiltshire which was extremely fascinating and thought-provoking. It was a freezing, windy, gloomy day which made it all so much more mysterious! We listened to an audio tour while walking around the site which informed us of the interesting history. The stones were first constructed over 4000 years ago and are surrounded by hundreds of burial sites for ancestors. The site is thought to be a place of healing, or a ritual landscape as a passage from life to death to celebrate past ancestors. So intriguing! After being out in the cold wind for a couple of hours we all hopped back in the car to go find a warm, cozy pub to have a delicious pub lunch! And thats exactly what we found - you can always count on a hearty pub lunch here in winter to warm you up!
The following morning it was time for us
to say our last goodbyes to Janine and Nigel until August next year when we will all meet up again in Edinburgh for Lars and Mairi's wedding! We had the most amazing time in the Cotswolds with Janine and Nigel and were so lucky we got to see them a few times while they were over here travelling. Matt and I made our way up to Edinburgh, which was about a 7 hour journey, where we would be basing ourselves longer term.
We have been in Edinburgh 4 weeks now and we just adore the place. It is an amazing city with so much character and history, and so many welcoming, friendly people. The architecture is incredible, with most buildings built over 250 years ago - there is a part of town called Newtown which is 200 years old - Oldtown is ancient! The main feature of course is the Castle which sits on a steep hill in the middle of town which is luminous and majestic, especially at night time when its glowing under the moon. The buildings here are built from stone and the roads from cobblestone, and there are beautiful parks around town too with autumn
trees dropping all their leaves and markets on the weekends. At the moment we are staying in a little one bedroom place in Leith which is super cosy and cute and is right on the river which runs up through town. There's always swans and ducks cruising by, and we have a little squirrel in the tree outside the window! It has already snowed here, which is quite early for this time, so we are looking at a very cold Christmas. Edinburgh really lights up and starts buzzing around Christmas, with lights everywhere, Christmas markets, mulled wine, large ice skating rinks in the middle of town, and a large festival/ party in the street for New Year! A very exciting time of year.
We really love it here and are looking forward to basing ourselves here for a year or so. We've had an amazing last few weeks and so excited to start planning trips to Europe next year!
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