Rachel had her summer team meet-up, so we pointed the car south on Bank Holiday Monday for a late afternoon rendezvous over dinner with our youngest (and blondest), whom we hadn’t seen since his Athens visit in June. Needless to say, we had plenty to catch up on.
After traveling for four years, I’ve gotten pretty good at finding and negotiating accommodation deals, and had managed to secure us three nights at Easthampstead Park in Wokingham, Berkshire. The site dates back to 1350, when it was a hunting lodge and part of the Windsor estate. Around 500 years later, the beautiful stately home that stands there today was built.
Rachel needed to be in Crowthorne mid-morning the next day, so after dropping her off, I headed to the Wellington Farm Shop, a great spot for brunch. Whenever I’m back in the UK and in my old stomping ground, I meet up with Paul, a real wizard with anything mechanical and an adrenaline junkie, for a catch-up that, as always, is colourful and entertaining.
That afternoon, I stopped in on Colin and spent a few hours catching up with him as well.
With Rachel out each evening for dinner with her team, Christien had invited me over for an evening of good food and great company. He’s an excellent cook and always entertaining.
The following morning, after taking advantage of the hotel gym, I met up with Andy for a good walk around the scorched grounds and a proper catch-up on all things political and everything wrong with the UK—over coffee on the rather splendid terrace.
Next was a visit with Steve at the Aviator at Farnborough Airport. Even in his early sixties, he’s still a consummate sportsman. We hadn’t seen each other in quite some time, but as with all good friends, we picked up right where we left off.
Then it was off to my chiropractor for a quick adjustment, followed by another walk around the hotel grounds, this time with my brother, catching up on his life.
That evening was a repeat of the night before with Christien, who somehow managed to outdo his previous evening’s culinary delights. As ever, there were plenty of laughs.
After a late checkout and what had been a truly rewarding trip full of connection and conversation, we headed back to East Anglia. Rachel, though exhausted, was in good spirits after what had clearly been a productive three days with her team.
We’d arranged to spend Seb’s birthday weekend with him and Ally, so with Christien arriving Thursday evening (juggling work commitments), and Rachel and I arriving Friday afternoon, we were ready for what had been billed as a competitive family game of paddle tennis.
Unfortunately, Rachel, still recovering after being in hospital earlier in the week, was sidelined, but thankfully on the mend. The game ended up being less competitive and more just good fun with the Watsons.
Chris and Lesley, who were out of town, had kindly offered us their enchanting house a home full of great energy and entrusted us with the care of Floss, their very friendly border collie.
The next morning, we took Floss out for a walk, joined by Christien, who was staying with Seb and Ally, and brought along Arlo, their springer spaniel with boundless energy. After tiring out the dogs, we headed into York to meet up with Seb and Ally.
We arrived at Roots, the restaurant Ally had chosen for Seb’s birthday. It wasn’t really my thing, but what was, was the walk that followed through the city of York.
Founded in 71 AD, York boasts some of the most beautiful buildings in the country, with York Minster, one of the largest medieval cathedrals in Europe, at its heart.
We also passed through The Shambles, a famously narrow and winding street said to have inspired Diagon Alley in the Harry Potter books. Unsurprisingly, it was packed with tourists from around the world, all weaving their way through its magical shops and storybook atmosphere.
Dream Chasers 