POST PANDEMIC DIARY
READY? YES, WE ARE.
October 15, 2023
The end of a vacation, whether off for a long weekend jaunt, a weekly, summer escape vacation or an extended journey to a new land have one thing in common, nearing the final days is a bit like mental and emotional gymnastics. As one is about to depart there is a feeling of excitement and anticipation. Then, at arrival the skin tingles with awe and amazement - the awe of new environments and, especially these days, the amazement of having arrived in one piece with all your luggage. Then, as one settles in to whatever the routine demands, you forget thought of work and responsibility giving way to mind and muscle relaxing. Off you go, to the beach, a hike, an ice cream shop, an attraction of historical significance, and while away the hours. As time clip-clops forward and the departure day nears, all of a sudden you, feel a bit of the exhaustion setting in. More of the time away is behind you and the mental “to do” lists begin to enter your consciousness. What in the outset was thrilling now might be boring and repetitive. Ancient stones mutate to less inspiring rocks. Walking paths that invited exploration become gravely over-trodden tracks too long to bother with. The decision at the near end of the day to make that last visit to another town is declined in favor of returning to the Bed & Breakfast grabbing an episode of Law & Order before dinner. Yes, Law & Order and NCIS are still big here.
Stratford Upon Avon - William Shakespeare’s birthplace.
Oddly, the long weekend, the summer escape and the journey all end with the feeling that you are away a little too long. Isn’t that strange. There was not so much as expected to do in this town; the natural wonders were not so wonderful; and “we don’t need to see another”…fill in the blank.
The graveyard at Chastleton House in Cotswold. The house is noted due the the growing poverty of the family inheritors who could not upgrade the facility and thus, left behind a perfect preservation of life over centuries without restoration’s mascara. A fascinating walk through time.
I kind of knew this, so planned for us to execute a deeper dive into the region called the Cotswold. That is somewhat of a strenuous depiction of planning to do a lot of nothing at the end of our vacation. In reality, it was motivated by all there was to do in greater proximity and less distance. With less movement and changing of hotels we have been able to relax and, when we move, travel no more than an hour.
A typical home made of Cotswold stone and slate roofs seen throughout the region.
The Cotswold is about an hour and a half train ride from London, making it the prime location for wealthy Londoners to own second homes. During Covid, the Cotswold experienced the same phenomenal growth that we here in the U.S. experienced - a migration from the city to more scenic, slower environments.
Another example of living in the Cotswold.
What was already the high-end of property went astronomical with the likes of the Bekhams and movie, TV, and rock stars taking up residence. It is easily understandable. The villages are perfect in authenticity, yet maintained at highest quality. And, the surrounding areas as well as the center villages are irresistibly inviting.
The peace and serenity of the Cotswold.
This morning we are off to Oxford for the last three days. It is pouring rain, and reports indicate storm warnings for Northern England and Scotland. The drive is about one hour. Whether it rains or not is inconsequential as we have learned from the Scots and Welsh. You simply get on with your plans. If you decided to allow yourselves to be guided by weather forecasts, the likelihood is that you would hardly ever go anyplace.
Originally a 2,000 acre estate, the family was forced to sell their land holdings keeping a mere 20 acres that is now under the control of The National Trust.
The forecasting engines simply appear to forecast rain in varying percentages and then on the day back off from the forecast to report that days. Even then, the accuracy is not much better. Conditions can vary from minute to minute. Literally. We have had days in which our layers had to be removed and zipped up or pulled over our heads multiple times.
As we ready to leave, the leaves are readying to reveal their autumnal display.
We arrive home on Tuesday in the early evening. We are very much looking forward to our return. This trip was a huge undertaking. One that we thoroughly enjoyed and, as well, one that has asked a great deal from us. It will be good to be home amongst family and friends. Thanks for keeping up with us.
Autumn bloomers in color.
A study in black and white.
