Rested up and ready to see our new home away from home, it was time to get to Paddington to catch our train to Exeter. The station is open and bustling with folks traveling all over London and around the UK. It’s a major hub and, of course, quite famous for a little stuffed bear. Everyone gathers around the train monitors, waiting to see what platform to head to. And when it is announced—about 5 minutes before departure—it is a mad dash to the trains! Moving as a family with lots of luggage is an experience. We had two enormous suitcases and two small rollers and packed backpacks. Yup, we were that obnoxious American family trying to find a spot to sit, our luggage taking up empty spaces. Luckily, the train wasn’t as crowded and most people got off at Reading.
One of the things I will miss when we return is rail travel. I lose myself in a book. Ira sometimes writes or preps for class. This trip, we watch the landscape speed by—the rolling green, the sheep, the move from urban to rural. Bodhi got in a little reading on the two hour trip. His new glasses are so adorable on him.
Upon arrival, Deb greeted us. We are renting her cottage while we are here. She graciously picked us (and all our luggage) up from the station, got us settled and then took us on a little walking tour to help us get our bearings.
How great is this? We have the sweetest Landlady ever. She even had the fridge and the pantry stocked with goodies for us. Like, scones and clotted cream, cheese and crackers, gin and champagne.
First up, the narrowest street in the world, or so it is believed. A little creepy and something we will be happy to avoid after dark.
This is at the corner of our street. I love how they have turned all the no longer used phone booths into CPR stations.
The Clock Tower is one of our new nearest landmarks. It also guides Ira to his trek up the hill to the University.
After sitting for two hours, Bodhi was a little restless, so we picked up a few necessities and then headed out to find a park.
Now I just need to figure out how to use this stove and convert the temps to Celsius. Wish me luck.
Under the Bodhi Tree 