The kids still weren't completely adapted to U.K. time and it was a mad rush to leave by check out time. By 11am we were on our way with the aspiration of exploring another beautiful village in the Cotswolds. Sadly, it was rainy and cool today and we could not find parking in the pretty village of, (I'm not making up this name), Woodstock. Paul offered to let me out to walk around, but my tolerance for rain is very low these days and my tolerance for damp and cool is even lower. I knew he would be tapping his foot in the car and my motivation wasn't high.
We abandoned our plans to explore Woodstock and headed for the village with the bath called, Cheltnham Spa. Supposedly there was a "bath" there with soothing water.
I don't know how I got this wrong! I guess I've read about these European "baths" where you lounge in them, even when it's cool and wet outside, and they have warm water that makes you feel better. I don't believe they really have "healing powers", but it would be a neat thing to see. Paul described this as one that you drink, that has special vitamins / minerals that are extra good for you.
I was excited when we reached our destination.
I have always loved the wide open spaces (beautifully groomed) for the kids to run in.
This one also had another British playground. I think this officially qualifies as the most unique swings we have ever seen!
Before going inside, we let the kids play on the play things and look at the animals. They had a peacock that would NOT open his feathers for ANYONE, but he was fun to watch.
We finally went inside and imagine my shock when all that was inside was an ordinary water cooler! Seriously! There were paper cups and an attendant.
I'm always bringing up the rear. Paul always charges ahead and usually 1-2 other kids can keep up with him. By the time John and I arrived, I was just in time to hear Andrew SPIT OUT his water with a "bwttt noise". Oh dear. It was followed closely by the girls (slightly more maturely) DISCUSSING the terrible tasting water, and John exclaiming in a loud and very disappointed voice, "YUCK"! Good heavens! This was NOT proper British behavior! I glanced at the attendant who was generally surprised that the kids didn't think the water cooler water tasted good.
I tried a cup and could see what they were thinking. It wasn't awful, but it had a very strong taste of sulfur...or baking powder, or something to that extent. Fortunately, Paul, who will eat and usually like almost anything was last in our family to do the "taste test". The poor guy had to drink his water with 4 kids staring at him, demanding (before he had even had a first swallow) to know what his opinion was of the flavor. What could he say? By this time, we were the main attraction and the attendant was fluttering around Paul, hoping, I think, to redeem his water!
Paul can always exit these things gracefully. I was never worried - just curious how he would do it yet again. Paul drank, swallowed, opened and closed his lips a few times and then said, (in an amused yet curious kind of voice), "Interesting". He took another swallow. The kids pinned him down and asked him if he liked it. He said it was "interesting", then he engaged the guy in a discussion about what was in it and what gave it the "interesting" flavor. Once Paul engages a guy, we're pretty much going to be in his good books. Whew.
When we left, I gave the kids a few pointers on manners and how to AVOID putting someone on the spot. Good Grief!
Our playtime in the Cotswolds was over. We set the sat nav (GPS) for Oxford.
Paul needed a new suit for the wedding. I would be completely PANICKED if we left something to this last minute (the wedding was the next day), but Paul never broke a sweat. He is the kind of person who does his best work in the last few stressful seconds.
Shopping with kids is never optimal, but Paul wanted my opinion on ties and suits, etc, so I tried to rally the troops. We found a suit and a couple of ties.
Oxford is bigger than Cambridge. We took a few pictures, but we didn't have enough time to look around. It is like a significantly smaller London.
We pressed on to Hampshire and checked into the wedding hotel. The venue was lovely. Hook Hotel was the name of the venue. They do not have connecting rooms, and Maria (Paul's sister and the bride) arranged for us to be in the "coach house". We had the run of the upstairs! There were 5 hotel rooms upstairs, and no one but us was staying in the coach house. It was GREAT!
They locked the other 3 rooms, but we still had the hall way and the small sitting area. The coach house door locked automatically when closed, so we could leave our hotel room doors open and hear each other in the 2 different rooms. It's always interesting to see how a place will accommodate the 6 of us.
I was TOTALLY SHOCKED when we returned to the U.S. and as a matter of minor interest, I looked into spending one night a few hours South of Livermore in Big Sur. They had family rooms that slept SIX! The conveniences in America are just amazing!
Anyway, Paul's family is so accommodating. 2 of his sisters had brought a spare camp bed so that each room could fit 3 people. We were all set. We called Paul's mom and dad, said our "hellos", and asked their advice for dinner. They suggested this wonderful kid friendly pub
where we had a great dinner (albeit a L O N G dinner)
and then we crashed for the big day tomorrow.
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