Max and Paul's Excellent Adventure

Driving has made our lives infinitely easier.  In fact, there would be a lot we could not do given the limitations of public transport in these country areas. The surprising thing is that I find it more of a challenge to drive the country roads than through the streets of London, mainly because the narrowness of the streets in the villages makes passing another car quite daunting at times. I could feel myself breathe in and lean to the left every time a car approached us on one of these streets. Max pulls her shoulders in as roads become lanes and they're still two-way! Having said that, nothing will deter me from driving these areas as the beauty can only be fully appreciated by being right there. Wadhurst is a sleepy little village apart from the cars picking up and dropping off the kiddies at school times - and tradesmen.  Then there's the semi-trailer trying to make its way down the street.  Footpaths are not safe for pedestrians! England was commemorating Armistice D...

This is our first return sit. We looked after Crumble and Pippi many months ago in Tonbridge. Since then, the owners, Kate and Tim, have moved a bit further east to Wadhurst which is a beautiful little village in east Sussex rather than Kent.  It's also not far from Sevenoaks, where Daniel and Ellen now reside. Crumble. Pippi. The last time we were here, Pippi couldn't care less who we were as long as her food was prepared at her convenience. This time she has been a little more responsive, not so bitter hissy  and coming up for the odd pat. Crumble is the same loveable dog we remember. She loves a walk a cuddle and a play at all times of the day. She loves visitors too.  So sweet! We're here until the 26th November so there's plenty of time to drive around and take in the beauty of the absolutely stunning English autumn. Two charity shops in town. How does it get any better?

Stratford-upon-Avon. Shakespeare country. Sounds rather posh, doesn't it?  The countryside around the town was stunning as Autumn is well and truly here. Stratford-upon-Avon, home to Shakespeare and his wife, Anne Hathaway, is also home to many Tudor-style buildings. I'm sure this town has to have the largest collection of this style of architecture. The house Shakespeare was reportedly born in. The man himself. Again, we see so many wonderful stores with the best of gifts and here comes Christmas! Christmas would be wonderful here.  This the Peter Rabbit shop and is a delight for young and old. My playboy bunny! One of the many of pubs in the town. Halloween is imminent. Max's new friend. (Max:  I loved the gnomes and elves.) Another classic pub. "Parting is such sweet sorrow."   Romeo and Juliet, Act II, Scene II We will be back.  Too lovely to stay away. Found a fab Turkish restaurant, as you do in the middle of England. Off to see Daniel and Ellen in th...