Synopsis: Helen and Can arrived on Monday 12th August by car for a three week holiday in England. We had day-trips around Devon and beyond, barbecues, family visits, and sun and rain.
(selection of photos from Flickr photo set – use link above to view album)It was a bit of a surprise when Helen and Can popped up at my place as early as they did today. I had thought they would be taking a leisurely drive across England, possibly stopping off en route, but instead they had come straight to Devon. The fact that they were travelling very early in the morning and Stonehenge wasn’t open was a factor in this. But, needless to say, it was brilliant to see them again after all this time.
I stuck a couple of pizzas in the oven and we had a light lunch. But afterwards both Helen and Can were so very tired after their long drive from Uhingen that they chose to go to their bedroom and snooze for a bit. As it happens that left me time to prepare some fresh fruit for future breakfasts, so that worked well.
When Helen and Can reappeared after their brief snooze, I said I would drive us over to Mum’s. I then suggested we drive down to Exmouth and take a stroll along the sea front as it was a lovely summer evening and the fresh air and exercise would probably do Helen and Can the power of good, and Helen would probably be suffering from seaside-withdrawal symptoms.
On reaching Exmouth we strolled past our old rounders pitch on our way to the beach. We used to have large family gatherings here when Helen and Laura were young, playing rounders and then having a barbecue (rounders photos from that time 01 & 02). Helen and Can chose to walk along the seashore, whilst Mum and I walked the path towards the old lifeboat station. We then sat for a moment on the bench and simply absorbed the moment. I spoke of the fact that this place hadn’t changed from the days when Mum and Dad would take us to Exmouth as children, as can be seen in these old photographs: 01 & 02 & 03.
As we travelled home I stopped to pick up the curry I had simmering in my slow cooker, which we took over to Mum’s for our supper.
Can was busy this morning as he needed to file an accident insurance record with his car rental company. He had a minor accident en route to England when at Stonehenge he reversed into another car. The damage to both cars was only very slight but it was necessary to file the correct paper-work.
We then set off by car to Finch Foundry (NT), Can driving, stopping off at Tesco’s on the way to pick up sandwiches and yoghurts for a picnic lunch. As we approached Finch Foundry Can decided against using the car park as the entrance is particularly narrow, choosing instead to park his car in the road. I think Germans lack the ‘narrow’ skills we Devonians are well practised at.
In the gardens of Finch Foundry (NT)
We found a nice picnic bench within the grounds of Finch Foundry on which to eat our lunch. It was a bit of a dull day, but at least it wasn’t raining and we were comfortable. The National Trust operates a small café on site but we’d brought our lunch with us.
Finch Foundry (NT) - "Please do not allow your dogs to foul the picnic area"
Can was rather amused by a sign which read ‘Please do not allow your dogs to foul the picnic area’. Quite why this caused Can so much amusement I do not know. Anyway, because it amused him so much it was necessary to take his photo by the sign.
Finch Foundry (NT) - the trip hammers powered by a waterwheel
We then began a tour of the foundry. It’s impressive when they engage the waterwheel to the trip hammers and these start pounding away. A shudder seems to go through the building and the hammering makes a considerable noise. It’s perhaps surprising the speed and force of these trip hammers when one considers they’re merely powered by water.
As Helen had been saying how much she’d like to keep chickens, I bought for her a book in the National Trust shop on how to keep chickens entitled Henkeeping. I think Helen fell in love with hens on our holiday to Derbyshire in 2010 during which they would roam about the grounds of the cabin that we had hired for the week. Well, Helen would only be living up to her name.
St Michael’s Church, Brentor, Dartmoor
After Finch Foundry I thought it would be good for Can to see St Michael’s Church on Brentor for the first time, as a picture of it hangs on his lounge wall. Helen had seen the church before as I took her and Laura to see it the year that I gave the picture to Helen for Christmas. The church sits impressively on top a lone Dartmoor tor from which there views all around for miles and miles.
Postbridge clapper bridge, Dartmoor
We finished our day out with a tour over Dartmoor stopping briefly at Postbridge to view the renowned clapper bridge. Just as we pulled into the car park a coach load of Austrian tourists pulled also pulled in. Not only did this completely overload the few toilets is also meant our photographs are littered with Austrians.
As we approached home we pulled into Tesco and purchased cottage pies, which along with peas, we heated for our supper.
The weather forecast for today wasn’t particularly promising, so I suggested we choose an activity offering a reasonable amount of indoor content. I recommended we consider going to Tyntesfield (NT), near Bristol, and all were in agreement. This would be a first chance for Helen to see Tyntesfield with the wrappers off, as on her last visit the exterior of the building was cloaked in scaffolding and tarpaulin.
See expanded view of Stables Restaurant in photo I took on a previous visit of 10/09/2011 from my photo set on Flickr.
This was obviously destined to prove a very popular choice today, as we noticed on arrival at the Tyntesfield car park, which was very full. After purchasing our house tour tickets (they operate on a timed intake basis) we sought out the restaurant which is in the converted stables. As is typical of the National Trust, they didn’t have a large menu, but what food they offered was well prepared, provided with efficiency and reasonably priced.
Tyntesfield (NT) - Orangery
Since we had time to spare after lunch before our tour of the house we walked through the garden down to the orangery. I was very pleasantly surprised to find the orangery has been completely restored. I had first seen it in a very rundown and dilapidated state, despite redolence of its days of grandeur. I was aware the National Trust had always hoped to restore it but I equally knew that a significant amount of money was required to do so, and the orangery’s fate at that time was by no means certain. How lovely it was to see it today restored to its former glory.
Tyntesfield (NT) - dining room
We steadily made our way back to the house as our scheduled entry to the house was nigh upon us. The rain was falling steadily by now, so the timing was perfect. Tyntesfield has for a number of years been a National Trust property that was evolving and on this visit there were rooms on view that on previous visits had been still work in progress or completely closed off. In particular I saw for the first time on this visit the splendid dining room. Now that’s eating in style.
Tyntesfield (NT) - Chapel
The house tour guides one around till one finally reaches the chapel. Never actually consecrated, this nevertheless impresses as a private chapel of some considerable splendour. Although there are memorial tablets on the wall none of the Gibbs family are actually buried in the chapel.
Our visit to Tyntesfield concluded we set off for home, picking up KFC for our evening meal. Ok, not quite as classy as our manor house visit today, but finger-licking good all the same. I showed a few old photos of Helen on Mum’s television in the evening.
Christine and Louise were joining us today for a day out. I suggested we might travel by train down to Torquay. This would kill two birds with one stone in that Can was keen to have a fish ‘n’ chip meal, and it would give Can the chance to experience the fantastic views from the train along the coastal route to Torquay. We met up at Digby & Sowton railway station from where we caught the train for Torquay.
It was a very busy train we boarded at Digby & Sowton being merely two carriages in length. It’s so annoying such small trains are used particularly during peak summer season along this route. I was however hopeful that many passengers would disembark at Central Station, and this they did, so we were able to seek out seats for the rest of our journey. Although Helen and Can were seated some distance from the rest of us, I could see Can snapping photos during the journey, so he was obviously appreciating the ride.
Fish 'n' chips in harbourside café, Torquay
It was a warm and sunny day which made for a pleasant stroll along Torquay sea front. We were headed in the direction of the harbour where we sought out the fish ‘n’ chip café that we always use. It’s become a bit of a tradition with us. We like our habits in this family. The day being so pleasant we chose to sit outside so that we might take in the view of the harbour (once delivery lorry had shifted) as we ate our lunch.
Torquay - ferris wheel
Mum, Louise, Helen and Can had a ride on the ferris wheel by the Pavilion as Christine and I looked on. I suggested they take a ride on the wheel as the views from the top are superb across the Torquay harbour and Tor Bay. I know this from the time Laura, Mum and I rode on the wheel during Laura’s visit to England in October of last year (view of Torquay harbour).
Torquay - view from Rock Walk
I then asked if anyone was up to doing the Rock Walk. Mum and Louise weren’t too keen but Christine, Helen and Can were up for it. It requires a little stamina to climb to the top but the views along Torquay beach and Abbey Gardens make the effort worth it. We planned to meet up with Mum and Louise by the pedestrian bridge but the redevelopment of the old Palm Court hotel that burnt down a couple of years back meant that we had to detour up some very steep steps to get around it. Ah well, that was one way to work off some of those calories from lunch time.
Torre Abbey Café, Torquay
We then walked through Abbey Gardens which, as always, were a riot of colour. I suggested we see if the Torre Abbey Café was open, and it was. So, we had tea and cakes at a table outside the café. A very civilised way with which to conclude our little excursion to Torquay.
It was then necessary to make a quick dash to Torquay railway station to catch our train home to Exeter. I could have allowed an extra couple of minutes for the walk, since it literally was a bit of a dash. That is to say we only made it with two minutes to spare, as Mum is not as quick as she once was. Still, we were soon comfortably ensconced in a railway carriage and travelling on our way home.
We had a cheese and dips supper at Mum’s (another habit), purchasing supper from Tesco’s on our way back to Mum’s. During the evening we listened to background music from Helen’s YouTube Favourites as we had our supper.
The day started cool but dry, ideal cycling conditions. We cycled out the back way of Exeter, over the new Redhayes pedestrian/cyclist bridge. We passed Creally bringing back fond memories of earlier times spent there when Helen and Laura were young. We then had to cross a stream, with two options, a dilapidated foot bridge or simply fording the stream on our bikes. Needless to say Helen was across the other side having cycled through the stream before I had chance to say anymore. This left Can and I with little choice but to also brave it. Luckily we made the crossing without incident.
We were soon in Woodbury Salterton where we took a short break on a bench in the village. Then began the steady climb up to Woodbury Common. We followed a rough track that runs through Woodbury Golf Course, owned by Nigel Mansell. It wasn’t long before we were up on the common, whereupon, having completed the major climb of the day, we stopped for our picnic lunch.
By now the sun had come out and the day had begun to warm. We enjoyed the fine views across the common down to the sea which was the general direction in which we’d be cycling. As soon as we finished lunch we got back in the saddle. A quick descent and then into the trees for the rather testing single track section of the cycle route.
Although the distances weren’t great, once on this harder section of our ride we slowed quite a bit and it was physically and mentally quite demanding. We enjoyed it all the same, as the route was challenging enough to be fun, and yet not so daunting as to unnerve us novice mountain bikers.
Eventually we picked up the course of the dismantled railway that at one time ran between Exmouth and Budleigh Salterton, now used as a cycleway. I think Can was pleased to have the tough off-road section behind him. We were all feeling the effects of the rough ride over the common. The cycling into Exmouth along this route was light and easy going, and pleasantly free of traffic.
On having reached Exmouth we took a brief stroll along the promenade. I then treated us all to ice creams from the octagon, as I felt we were really deserving of a little treat. By now, despite being a little rested, we were quite tired. We began our journey back along the Exe Estuary trail at quite a leisurely pace. Luckily this is a fairly undemanding cycle route which nevertheless afforded us lovely sunny views over the estuary. The tide was in and it was looking at its best.
I proposed we stop for liquid refreshment at the Passage Inn in Topsham, a place that Helen and I have used before on cycle rides. There was no dissent. I ordered pints of beer all round (Helen: Otter Amber: 3.6%; Me: Otter Velvet: 4.0%% & Can: Jail Ale: 4.8%). We had grabbed the last available outdoor picnic table. On this warm summer’s Friday evening this was evidently a favoured place to be.
I sent Mum a text message to say we were nearly home and that we’d drop in with food. We popped into Tesco as we passed and picked up pasties and beans for supper, with a strawberry trifle pudding (Mum’s favourite). A brilliant day.
Cycle Statistics:
Total Distance: 36.3 miles
Moving Time: 6hrs 08min
Stopped Time: 3hrs 30min
Total Ascent: 770 metres
Maximum Elevation: 172 metres
Buses: (none)
Pick up piicnic table and chairs from Mum’s. Wash the picnic gear and check barbecue cooking stocks. Drive to town and spend time in RAMM. Big shop for all the food needed for tomorrow’s barbecue. Cantonese beef with green peppers and black bean sauce wok supper. Then watched the Constant Gardener video. Cantonese beef with green peppers and black bean sauce wok supper.
This was to be a quieter chill out day after our considerable exertions of the previous day. Helen and I walked across to Mum’s to ask her if we might borrow her picnic table and chairs. We dropped these back at my place and gave them a quick scrub down in preparation for tomorrow’s barbecue. I seemed to have enough barbecue coals and lighters in my garage so little else was needed but food.
The rain had come in during our snack lunch so I suggested we drive into town and visit the Royal Albert Memorial Museum (RAMM). Before setting off we selected a wok meal for tonight’s supper and added the ingredients to our barbecue shopping list. It was interesting and relaxing (and dry) to casually browse the RAMM’s collection of artefacts. Once we had finished at RAMM we shopped at Tesco before returning home to cook our wok meal (another habit of ours).
Our wok supper was Cantonese beef with green peppers and black bean sauce. It was a good recipe producing a tasty meal, although we should have taken a little more care in what beef we selected for the meal, as some of it was a bit tough. That evening we watched The Constant Gardner on DVD. I did warn Helen and Laura that this is rather a dark film, but she and Can were adamant they wished to watch it all the same. It’s an interesting film with a strong story line that’s very well acted, but it might not be everybody’s idea of holiday viewing.
Once again we needed to keep today light as we intended to lay on a barbecue at home in the evening. We opted to ride our bicycles down to Riverside where we went for a swim. I thought it might be busy being the holiday season, but with the weather being fine, I can only think that many had set off for the beach, since the pool was relaxingly quiet.
We then cycled up to town and purchased pasties and sausage rolls for our lunch, which we ate on the Cathedral Green in the shade of a tree. We then went shopping for sweets, since Helen and Can had promised to bring back a bit of England for Mushti, a friend of theirs. Sugar mice, humbugs, sherbet lemon, etc. were bought.
As soon as we arrived back home we started making final preparations for our barbecue. We assembled tables, gave furniture a last minute scrub, and set up the barbecue. I even set up a windbreak on my drive as there was a strong wind blowing its length during the early evening.
As it happened, it turned out to be a pleasantly warm and sunny evening, ideal for a barbecue. Can kindly helped out with the cooking, as I’m far from an expert at these things. We managed to feed everyone happily without poisoning anyone. As the evening chilled we simply withdrew to my lounge.
Exeter Ship Canal towpath
We met up as planned and set off straightway on our walk. The sun was shining and the day was warm. After following the River Exe till we got to the canal basin, there we picked up the tow path along the Exeter Ship Canal.
Exeter Ship Canal tow path - approaching Turf Hotel
We arrived at the Turf Hotel just before 13:00, perfect timing for a lunch snack. We’d completed 5.9 miles in 2hrs 20mins, just sufficient to give us a good appetite. We ordered toasties all round, each served with a small salad, and of course a beer or a cider. My brie and pesto toasty was absolutely delicious and just the ticket for the walking ahead of us.
From the Turf Hotel the estuary footpath follows the top parapet of a coastal defence wall and is rather narrow. As we approached Powderham Church I could hear the bells ringing and said I’d like to make a short detour to see if the church was open.
Church of St Clement, Powderham
The Church of St Clement Powderham (Grade II* Listed) is an important church, but one that is rarely open. On reaching the entrance to the church it transpires that the reason for it being open today was because a party of visiting bell ringers attending a number of Devon churches had arrived and were trying their luck with the bells. As the bell pulls are in the entrance to the church we waited till they’d finished their current peel whereupon we were invited into the church by them. We overheard mention of a Royal connection to Margaret Beaufort which I subsequently investigated, details from my research I’ve given below.
With quite some walking yet to do we soon set off once again. Our walk skirted the grounds of Powderham Castle where many deer could be seen in the grounds, but none close to us on this occasion. We walked on through Starcross and picturesque Cockwood. By this time some tiredness was creeping upon us and it looked doubtful that we’d make Dawlish, so we settled upon Dawlish Warren as the conclusion to our walk.
Dawlish Warren
On reaching Dawlish Warren I checked the train timetable and discovered the next train to Exeter departing from Dawlish Warren would be at 16:54. We reached the sea front at Dawlish Warren at 16:40. With a train due very soon we had only minutes at the sea front before we dashed back to the station to catch a train home.
Flowerpot Lane car park, Exeter - 'Can recycling'
On the train home I sent a text to Mum to say that we’d completed our walk and that we’d pick up food on our way and then come around to cook supper at her place. We were feeling pretty pleased with ourselves as we had walked 13.7 miles in 5hrs 40mins which wasn’t bad going. A great day’s walking.
At the St Thomas Co-Op we bought risotto rice, mushrooms, mange tout and some extra cooked turkey for our meal tonight. The plan was to cook up leftovers from our barbecue of the previous day. It formed a very nice risotto evening meal which we all enjoyed with a glass of wine.
On entering the Flowerpot Lane car park Can noticed that we in this country provide can recycling facilities. Well, we just had to have a photo of that, didn’t we?
Re. Mention of Margaret Beaufort, Countess of Devon above: “Two of Margaret's nieces were also named Margaret Beaufort. [1] Margaret Beaufort, Countess of Stafford, was the mother of Henry Stafford, 2nd Duke of Buckingham, and [2] Margaret Beaufort, Countess of Richmond and Derby, was the mother of King Henry VII.” & “Through her father, Margaret [Countess of Devon] was a great-granddaughter of King Edward III.” — husband Thomas de Courtenay, 13th Earl of Devon.
Walk Statistics:
Total Distance: 13.7 miles
Moving Time: 4hrs 40min
Stopped Time: 1hrs 01min
Total Ascent: 219 metres
Maximum Elevation: 20 metres
Buses: (none)
Train: Dawlish Warren to St Thomas’s
We thought we’d drop the pace down a little after yesterday, and therefore we planned a trip to Bicton Park Botanical Gardens for today. We had some Tesco Clubcard vouchers which we could use for this visit, knocking the price down to a ¼ of what they’d otherwise be.
Budleigh Salterton
I thought it would be nice to have a picnic lunch first, so I loaded the car with my tea making gear, we stopped at Tesco for sandwiches, and set off for Budleigh Salterton. We parked up in the Lime Kiln car park which has a lovely situation on the shingle spit to the east of the town. We then took a quick stroll through Budleigh Salterton before returning to the car park to eat our lunch.
Budleigh Salterton
I got the kettle on and opened the table for our picnic. Sat in the sun admiring the gorgeous view out across the the River Otter estuary, it was the ideal venue for a picnic. And once we were sipping tea and giving Can a lesson in dunking biscuits, we were in paradise.
They make some strange looking cars in Germany!
1957 Messerschmitt KR 200 (Germany)
Once our lunch was over we packed our picnic gear away and set off on the short drive to Bicton Park Botanical Gardens.
There is a small museum at Bicton Park, ostensibly an agricultural museum, but it also houses an eclectic collection of motor cars and motor cycles. Long after Messerschmitts left our skies, these odd looking cars were to be found buzzing around our roads. But then, I guess we did have our three-wheeled Morgans, and, to reverse the theme, our Reliant Robins.
Bicton Park Botanical Gardens - and yes, we have a duck so out comes the camera
So what is it with Can and his ducks? A duck comes into view and out comes the camera and he’s snapping away. With all there is to see one might think that something other than an image of a duck might get captured, but then, what do I know?
Bicton Park Botanical Gardens
The gardens were in fact looking gorgeous. Everything one might hope for at high summer. I think walking around a tranquil garden at its peak display is one of my favourite occupations.
Bicton Park Botanical Gardens - Nature Trail - concrete rabbit warren
Whilst on the Nature Trail one rather unusual and interesting sight that we came across was a concrete rabbit warren. Apparently, during winter, when the rabbit warren was empty, it was filled with concrete and then unearthed by a group of volunteers. What one can now see is the underground tunnelling that the rabbits have done. It’s quite extensive and intriguing to see for the first time just what a rabbit warren actually looks like. You’ll find a short video clip of this on the BBC 2 The Burrowers: Animals Underground web site.
I managed to get Helen a hen mug in the park shop to go with her book on Henkeeping (see our trip to Finch Foundry above). It was meant to have been a surprise purchase, but it wasn’t that surprising, as I was spied slipping it into the boot of the car.
Supper at the Swan Inn, Lympstone
I suggested that we have a meal out in the evening. Everyone seem to think that was a good idea. We said we’d pop home and clean up first then go out. I suggested the Swan Inn at Lympstone. I’d eaten there before and thought the food always well prepared. It’s fairly simple English fare, but tasty for all that.
Can ordered a double burger and was amazed at its size, and rather struggled eating it all. We had onion rings, and I suggested a bowl of cheesy chips. Perhaps, in hindsight, rather over ambitious. Helen and Can kindly treated us to the meal, which was very nice of them. It was a lovely evening.
I said to Helen and Can I really needed to make some preparations for my trip to Germany this coming weekend. Helen and Can had some things to do in town, Helen some banking, so I suggested they go and do that and leave me to my packing.
Once I’m done with all the packing I wanted to do, I walked over to Mum’s. Helen and Can met up with us there, with pizzas that they had picked up in town. These we had for our lunch.
In the afternoon we thought we’d drive down to Exmouth and possibly swim in the sea and fly a kite. As it happens we skipped the swim as the sun went in and the water wasn’t looking that inviting. A shame really, as we probably should have gone in. We did however fly our kite, although even that wasn’t easy. There was barely enough wind, and it was a real struggle for Helen and I to keep it airborne. Can obviously thought it wasn’t worth the effort, and fell asleep on the beach next to Mum, who sat watching us from her picnic chair.
We then returned to Mum’s for a light evening supper of cheese dips and eating up of various leftovers. That evening we watched Oz the Great and Powerful streamed to Mum’s TV. The film is a form of retelling of The Wizard of Oz story, this time from the Wizard’s perspective. It was pleasingly enjoyable and light escapism which kept us entertained.
A last minute switch of what we planned to do today with Christine, David and Louise. We had thought we’d drive down to Plymouth and catch the ferry to Cawsands and Kingsands, but today was the day that Louise was to get her exam results, so that wasn’t really possible in the time allowed us. Instead we switched to a day at Paignton Zoo.
Boy, was Paignton Zoo a very popular choice for today. I suppose it was the peak holiday season, so it should have been expected. On arriving at the zoo we were directed towards the overflow car park. Paignton Zoo operates a strange system whereby this constant flow of zoo traffic completely impedes shoppers attempting to exit from the nearby Morrison’s supermarket. I think someone somewhere needs to look at that; it just isn’t very clever.
On our arrival I bought tickets for us all, including David’s family, although they’d yet to arrive, as the queue for tickets was very long. If I’d known, I’d have bought our tickets online prior to our visit. We met up at the ticket entrance. It was good to hear that Louise had done well in her exams and was happy with her results. Today was now a chance for her to unwind and just enjoy our day at the zoo.
David very guarded as he comes under threat from one of the wild animals at the zoo
It was by now just a little after midday so we decided to find ourselves some grass on which to eat our picnic lunches that we’d brought with us. We headed away from the restaurant and slightly back up the hill where we found a nice spot that wasn’t so crowded. We had a peacock come and watch over us as we ate, putting on a fine display with his feathers.
Paignton Zoo - pair of meerkats on sentry duty
One of the earliest animals we came upon today were the meerkats. We arrived just as their keeper was about to give a talk about them. They’re amusing animals to watch as they dart about, and then climb a rock, sit on their hind legs and peer all around.
Paignton Zoo - silver back gorilla loses his patience with gawking visitors
The rest of the afternoon was spent wandering about the zoo here and there looking at all the various animals, as might be expected in a zoo. Some young people got a bit of a shock in the gorilla house when the large silver back came up to the glass and gave it a loud thud with his fist. A mother orang utan was carrying her baby, who has since been given a name.
Paignton Zoo - baby giraffe born just a few days prior to our visit
I’d heard on the radio that a 2 metre baby had just been born in Devon, and we got a chance to catch a glimpse of it today. As you might have guessed, I’m talking about a baby giraffe born only a few days before our visit. Sadly I got to read that he did not live long. What a shame. We were privileged to see him during his short life.
At the end of our day at the zoo Helen and Can became lost in a sea of furry animals to be found in the zoo shop. Can was tempted, and came away with a couple of tigers. Some people have a penchant for cute things I guess.
In the evening we ordered a Chinese take-away meal which we ate at Mum’s (I was out voted). We then watched ‘Women Parking’, Big Bang Theory, It’ll Be Alright on the Night, Fawlty Towers, and various other videos on YouTube. A lovely day.
Lots of packing for me to do today. Plus Helen and Can making final arrangements for their evening on-the-town with Sarah and Matt, and Becky and Matt. Jacket potatoes and lager shandy lunch at Mill on the Exe. Then a quick stroll around town, including a look at the catacombs. Pizza supper back home then final packing before bath and early (short) night.
I set about doing my final packing for tomorrow’s journey to Germany. Feels a little strange making preparations to leave Helen and Can at home whilst I travel to Germany. Helen and Can made some final arrangements regarding their night out this evening with Sarah and Matt, and Becky and Matt.
Mill on the Exe, Exeter
As a gently relaxing trip out I suggest lunch at Mill on the Exe. The day was pleasantly warm and sunny so we sat out to eat our order of jacket potatoes and lager shandies all round.
After lunch we took a short stroll past the catacombs up to town. I explained that the catacombs were built as a response to a cholera epidemic in the city, but that they were not popular, and very few people were ever buried in them.
Whilst in WH Smith I gave some thought to taking something to Germany as a gift for Hendrik’s parents Helga and Konrad. I noticed a humorous book on ‘F’ grade science answers that I buy simply to give Laura a shock. I also notice a book Exeter Through Time, the theme of which is photos old-and-new of various locations about the city. I chose this as something that Helga and Konrad might like, as it gives a flavour of what our hometown was like in the past and is like today.
Back home we grabbed a light pizza supper. I finished packing my bags whilst Helen and Can headed off for their night out. I took a quick bath and a very short night’s sleep (21:30 to midnight). When I got up I was surprised to find Helen and Can sitting on my sofa looking at video clips on their iPad. They’d kindly bought me a sandwich at Tesco for my breakfast at Heathrow later that morning and said they’d drive me to the coach pick-up point on Honiton Road, despite my protestations that I could walk it. And so I set off on my journey to to Germany.
Rather a long haul to get to Germany, but I knew it would be worth it. Quite strange saying goodbye to Helen and Can as I departed for Germany, as rather a reversal of roles. Nice of them to see me off. Still, I knew I could trust my house in their hands (I think?). To read more of this day, and the holiday Mum and I had in Germany, please see my next blog post.
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