One of our last days was in Winchester, where we were able to see another Jane Austen related house and the famous cathedral. And our last night we had a great party with Mark and Jan’s neighbors Tim, Samantha, and Teddie the wonder dog, and associates from work Kevin and Suzanne.
Looking back on the trip I had some interesting thoughts.
It was my first time spending more than a night in England, and I’m amazed how different things can be from one major nation to the next.
The UK really needs to discover GFI sockets. No bathrooms have electrical outlets in them, with the exception of a low voltage plug for an electric shaver. And in some places the light switch and the fan are in two separate spots outside the bath, with the fan above the door. My vertically challenged friends would be hard pressed to reach.
The windows were great, with interesting locking features, but none had screens. At Sioux and Claire’s I watched a snail crawl across the window as I brushed my teeth, and at Teresa and Pablo’s a magpie came very close to hopping in the kitchen window from the driveway. I kinda wish he had, I’ve never had the “Hello, Mr. Magpie!” conversation for good luck.
Duvets have replaced top sheets and blankets. Next time I’ll bring my own top sheet. It was too hot for the duvet and I don’t like sleeping without a cover. That’s how the monsters get you.
The Brits do flowers really, really well. I couldn’t help but take photos of them everywhere we went.
What we call a yard they call a garden. A rented garden space is called an allotment. Sioux and Claire have one. Blackberries will take over the entirety of England at some point. They have already taken over the perimeter of Sioux and Claire’s allotment, providing me with the makings of some yummy blackberry tarts for out last evening dinner party.
Jammie Dodgers are a cookie, not some 4-year-old trying to get out of bedtime.
We will definitely go back!
You are welcome anytime!