Final day

On Our  final day in Bude, we drove into Exeter and left  the rented VW at their carpark with our luggage so we could take a taxi to the cathedral.  We thought it would be easier, a bus or walking would of taken too long. We had a great lunch across the way. Lots of young students University of Exeter with goat cheeses and a nice chutney.  Jerry had a rarebit with an egg on top. 
The cathedral has the longest vault in Europe (fact check please).  We managed to then get a taxi back to the station. 
Anne picked us up for a final pub meal at the Bull at Sonning.  That seems to be our favourite last night meal.  The pub is small, you can walk from Anne's cottage . A busy friday. It so quaint, so many people at the pub know of Anne. I had an honest to goodness steak and kidney pie, so daring. This pub shares a fence with Jimmy Page! (go ahead and ask) famous guitarist for Led Zepplin (go ahead and ask) famous band from the 80's (go ahead and ask) famous song 'stairway to heaven'

Tintagel

Weather was sunny clear, crisp, perfect for Tintagel. Easy drive along country B roads. Narrow and often tight for 2 cars, or one has to back up to a larger part on the road. Darling medieval post office, took pictures to inspire Nonno, his next water-colour . Had another incredibly tasty Cornish pasty. All theyears living in England, never found a pasty I could finish. This one Pengenna Pasties, was out of this world. lamb with minty peas. We could of split one as we did yesterday but they said they were not able to cut them in half due to health and safety rules. Really, health and safety, did you all see the stairs to the top of Tintagel? How about the low threshold in the old post office in town, Really health and safety, pleasssse!
We hiked all around the area and took tons of pictures, really beautiful scenery. Again, the quiet, the smell of the sea, very dream like. A bit exhausting our knees hurt.
BTW great TV, besides Hitler's body guards, one on the Victorians. A series of different aspects, tonight was family life. Interesting, Jerry and I were reminded of living in Reading in the late 90's on Holmes Road. Nicole loved Eastenders, Blue Peter and a morning show that I can't recall the name. there was a transvestite (or cross dresser ) that sat on a bed chatting between commercials .

Note to self: next visit worth the money for GPS. Signage remains confusing the UK

Broomhill Manor inspiration

Jerry and I more and  more are seeing this trend in the UK a large house either made half into a bed and breakfast or for tour with the owners living on the premise .  How about we live in the cottage and rent the house, we can have Tim put small baths in the small bedrooms.  We could  rent 3 rooms during different time of the years.  The Garden's are beautiful, the pool, the jacuzzi (the ducks!).  We could market Marlow Manor Holiday stays.  We would have to at least make the mortgage by adding up the  rates per night.  Not going to happen in California anytime soon. Maybe we just need to fool ourselves that we are on holiday on the weekends!

Pencarrow house and Fowey

We drove down the coast, originally thought to make our way Lanhydrocks but we decided not to exhaust ourselves by drive,. The rented VW was running rough all of sudden and check engine light came on. The rental agency gave us some advice so we decided to not venture as far.
Once again, not many tourist, the docents were eager to answer questions. I think is is how I have learned British history. Royalists, parliamentarians, Cromwell, Charles I (beheaded), Charles II (returned to reign from exile in France) . . .I am getting my entrance fee for sure!
Since the VW was behaving we decdpided to make our way to Fowey. I visited about 5 years ago with Anne ( a best friend from Reading). An only girls trip. Jerry never had the chance to see how magical it was. It was worth it.

The day in Bude

Just stayed around Bude. Had the best cornish pasty ever, lamb with peas. usually they are horrible but it smelled sooooo good. Jerry and I shared one, it was a huge and was plenty of lunch.

The weather of late in Cornwall is that mist  even with hat or umbrella, one would still get wet.  Oh well, we didn't visit England for the weather.  As we headed home, we stopped by the fishmonger to get some fish for dinner.  He recommended monkfish.  I told him  I had a half lemon, butter, olive oil, salt and pepper, he thought if he cubed the monkfish for me  and I sautéed it for 4-5 minutes, that would be simply enough to appreciate the fish. At the Market, we picked up some mini corns with snap peas.  They were packaged similar to TraderJoes however place of origin was marked Kenya.  Source or origin is always marked in the  UK.  it's that global economy reminder. Jerry has been enjoying television in the evening.  There has been a series on Hitler's bodyguards he has been watching, a perfect vacation by his standards absolutely!

arriving in BUDE

Arrived at the Reading station for the 11:30 train to Exeter. Note to self, get reserved seats from now on. The english country side is never boring. Still haven't 'touched' my New Yorkers, just looking out the window. Love my ducks but sheep would be nice although then my garden would be ruined.
Rented a darling grey VW bug. Just across the train station;very serendipitious! This is a time in our marriage where 'back street driver' is a positive thing.
Driving along the Dartmoor, the largest expanse of wilderness in southern England,was not nearly as scary looking during the day in a car as a Sherlock Holmes novel or even Jane Eyre.
We visited Castle Drogo Known as the last Castle in England. Designed in 1920 by Edwin Lutyen. The exterior is massive granite castle like whilst the interior is more Edwardian. These finds for us are enjoyable as we are often the only ones visiting. We have the docents to ourselves and ask hindreds of questions which I might add they enjoy. The docents often can't tell you enough
Carried on to Bude. As usual, it took ever to find. Signage in UK still hasn't recovered from WW2. The government removed most of the signs in case of Nazi invasion
The cottages are slightly modern, compact and pretty effcient in a british sensiblility way.
Made our way to a large Morrisons (grocery store) Fixed for dinner plaice,jersey potatoes, asparagus and salad. Dessert was egg custard tart that I added berries. The kitchen is set up rather decently. Will add pictures later. Wireless access is a bit sketchy here Californians are very spoiled

Grey's Court ,Royal Standard Pub

Today we began the day at this small National trust garden outside Henley. The house still has owners that live on rthe premise. By making it a National trust, the tax saving is well worth the intrusion (I guess something to consider for Marlow Manor, I never go into the front room anyways!)
Peonies in bloom, wisteria (120 years old) already bloomed out. I bet in 2 weeks the lavender and roses will be lovely. The house tour, Although not a great estate like e.g. Filoli, very liveable and elegant. Some part built 1500 with additions in 1700. Very sweet
Kitchen, I could make it work . I will have to insert pictures at a later date.
Dinner was enough pub meal, this time with Graham and Mary; another set of friends from Reading. We drove to Beaconsfield to The Royal Standard, claims to be the oldest free house in England .Pubs are either free houses or tied houses. Tied house have a contract with a specific brewery. Free house can choose anyone, anytime. They actually had Marlow Brewery, the same badge we have on our pub bar.

pub dinner henley the argyle

Great pub great ale (speckled hen and glory of london on tap) The Argyle no smoking!!
Had pork belly with mashed potatoes and mashed apple. Apple/blackberry crumble for "pudding"
Decent weather and stayed awake untl 11!

arrived in Reading yes this is still home

Virgin flight uneventful other a hot tea spill onto my lap. OUCH thank god for black clothes
Reading bus and into the station,some as10 years ago. We had a huge latte and waited for Anne to pick us up. We will stay 2 nights with her