Back to the Cotswolds, back to the USA

With only a couple days left in Englad, I suddenly wanted to see the countryside. Billy wasn't so sure. After all, he was the one who'd have to drive a rented car through London while remembering which side of the street to stay on. But we both knew I had my mind made up. The next morning, Father's Day no less, Bill reminded me what an awesome dad and husband he is as he climbed into the right side of the car and immediately had to maneuver us through crowded roundabouts with no clear markings, all while having no idea who had the right of way, and no idea where we were going. It was pretty crazy.

But we made it to the Cotswolds just in time for the sun to break through the clouds. Once again, heaven.

We started our day at Bourton on the Water. Bill and I spent a night in this village when we hiked in the Cotswolds 6 years ago, and it was just as pretty as I remembered.  Limestone cottages line the Windrush River and smaller footpaths wind their way between gardens and shops. On the wet November day we spent here last time, the village had a sleepy, cozy feeling. But on this bright summer day, the river was flanked with picnickers and children played in the shallow water.

Typical river-side cottage.

Fish n' chips and Donnington Ale in a 300 year old pub made the perfect Cotswold lunch.

The Model Village is an exact replica of Bourton, and was made in the 1930's. My dad saw it when he visited Bourton more than 30 years ago.

By the time we left Bourton on the Water, the boys were sleepy, so Bill drove us through village after perfect village, and between them the gentle sheep-dotted hills, lush valleys with tall blowing grasses and wild poppies, patches of ancient forest with rushing streams, and stately country homes. 

When Charlie spotted the Broadway Tower, he suddenly was desperate to climb it. Luckily for all of us, this turned out to be possible 

View from the top

Another view from the tower

We spent the afternoon stretching our legs and breathing the noticeably fresher air, and then eating at a rural pub with a play area for the kids. It was my favorite day of the trip.

Cheers to a wonderful dad on Father's Day!

 Two days later (on our 8 year anniversary) we said a sad goodbye to our lovely neighborhood and a happy goodbye to our tiny flat, and we started our long journey home. Yes the flight was long, and yes we're all jet lagged, but like the trip to England, the trip home went surprisingly well. It feels wonderful to be back. I love our little home, which feels like a palace after all those weeks in a 400 square foot flat.