Cotswolds

Sunny Sunday: perfect for a jaunt into the English Countryside...off to the beautiful Cotswold Villages.

Bakerloo line to Paddington and see the bear waiting (reminded me of the pilgrimage last time to collect one for Tania! It had to be from the station otherwise it wasn't true!)

It's a big busy place so finding the tour guide (London Walking Tours, yes, again: the best!) was a small challenge. Once the £60 was paid he did the booking and organised the rest! Easy Peasy!

Another magical day, clear blue skies and a slightly slower spring in my step after a couple too many 'extra cold' ciders last night!

...if only I could get a decent strong coffee!

Extremely comfortable and clean train! And: another solo travelling bonus - 2 seats for me!

Oxford was first stop which is about an hour, followed by a coach. This is the best way to do the Cotswolds as there are no train stations in the little villages! LWT are much more interesting, intimate and relaxing than big companies' Tours. Only downfall are the loud obnoxious Americans! Why do they need to over emphasise everything!?

Tidbit: Oxford was established 400AD! There are 85 College's (lots of college lads!)

The coach trip to the first village was laborious as traffic was pretty thick! (Mainly due to a giant music festival in region this long weekend)

Pretty Chipping Campden was the first village. All I could think about was a traditional Village Sunday Roast! Found it! Yorkshire Pud to boot: Beef tough as leather, sadly...but mash, roast spuds, cauliflower cheese and carrots made it all the tastier!

Be great without cars parked all over these sweet little villages, but, you can't stop progress I suppose!

Aside, it was interesting to watch 2 young hotties slowly 'connecting' as the day progressed...sweet! Met a handsome big fella all the way from Florida as well: Wesley! and...ended up getting to know him better at coffee and Admiral Duncan's tonight! As they say on Sesame Street: it's amazing who u meet when you're walking down the street! Think we will keep in touch!

It was a very warm day today and from memory, the villages were not the best examples of the true picture-postcard style you are accustomed to. Lots of sitting in transportation and driving hither and tither! I'd suggest staying overnight, but it's just difficult to fit everything in!

We walked through fields between Upper and Lower Slaughter. There was a river here and an old fashioned country fair: reminiscent of an episode of Anne of Green Gables! Enjoyed this much more! It ended with fresh home made rum n raisin pure ice cream in crunchy cones by the duck pond! Bliss!

Added bonus was a gate commissioned by towns in 1981 to commemorate the Royal Wedding of Charles & Di!

...then, there was the gawdy, loud middle-aged American gal with red hair n platted pony tail...