Hello England.
- At January 16, 2011
- By Molly Chester
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11
The cobblestone street in front of our place. Having the 1st, of many, teas!
Ten hours on a plane and two & a half on a train landed me in the quaint town of Norwich, England. A nice place to be, made nicer because my husband’s warm arms were awaiting my arrival.
Quickly after John learned he’d be spending a generous month here, I signed up for a visit. For one, John and I prefer togetherness, which requires travel for John’s career. For two, I’ve been oddly craving a trip to England. My first trip to this great country came young, over 10 years ago, a bit lost in the haze of my college nights. The second trip, also long ago, gave me a taste of the English countryside, which I find extraordinarily beautiful. The taste lingered, making me yearn to revisit the green fields, mossy roofs and cobblestone streets of my memories, finally ready to absorb the differences and similarities of the people and things with appreciation, acquired by a bit of age. Plus… I had a bunch of killer restaurants on my list.
The mossy roof out the window from where I'm writing.
Two weeks stretch in front of me. John will be working, and I intend to taste every tea this town has to offer, find and wander through second-hand shops seeking culinary treasures and the occasional cool vintage top. And, I might try to find a warm fireplace to curl up next to with a good book, hiding from the moody, yet cozy, English weather.
The view from our front porch.
We’ll be traveling next weekend, London for lunch before making our way to the County of Devon in South West England. As I mentioned a few weeks back, the destination is a farm called River Cottage, home of Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall, a chef & entertaining food campaigner who truly understands the value of the animals he eats. I’ve signed the petition for his latest campaign Fish Fight; you might find it interesting, too. Saturday, we’ll dine at the farm. John heads back for work, and I stay for a fish class that will most likely push my boundaries. Fish skin and I are cool with each other, but I still hesitate when working with the full fish, head, scales and all. Having been looking for an opportunity to get over this, I believe I’ve found my opportunity. I’ll have my camera in tow for you. Maybe we can get over it together.
Me writing to You, in our little rented flat.
Our last weekend will be spent in London. Ticking (as they say here) a few restaurants off the list, John and I will be having dinner at Jamie Oliver & Adam Perry Lang’s Barbecoa. A big JO fan, I’m really looking forward to eating a plate of this passion project. On to a Justin Townes Earle concert at The Union Chapel, an artist my brother swears we’re gonna like. The following breakfast at Ottolenghi before the marathon flight home, back to little Todd, who worries a bit when we leave.
I feel grateful and a bit lucky to be here. Therefore, I plan to soak it all in and share it here. A way to try and give back to the God who is blessing me so.
Cheers!
Sandra Gillanders
Oh Molly you make me want to hop and plane and go on tour of England. Going to go there someday and see my father's hometown in Scotland as well. Sounds like you have a lovely time planned and look forward to hearing all about it.
Theresa Loe/LivingHomegrown
Molly,
I can't wait to read about your adventures. I have had two wonderful trips to England and they were magical. I wish I could live there full time. (But my kids and husband would protest — LOL).
Have a wonderful time!
Sandra
Oh Molls,
Bee-u-tea-full post! Giving us permission to share your journey is a treat. And John's photographs are amazing. Both a treasure. Share as much as you're willing for those of us who may never see it with our own eyes. Todd's not the only one who misses you.
Your mom does too. :)
Maria
I've been to England twice and loved each visit. Thanks for sharing your trip with us!
Kristen
You look so happy! What fun. Enjoy the rest of your trip!
Thea & Tyler
YAY! you made it safe and sound! Some props to JC for the fantastic photos. Thanks for sharing a bit about your adventures Molly. Can't wait to hear more!!
marla
How cute are you & how happy do you look! Enjoy this trip to England & please have some sips of tea for me :)
Anonymous
condiHey Molls,
I just love reading your blogs. Do you need Rand to check in on Todd? Have a wonderful time and enjoy every minute. I can hardly wait to read your next adventure. Love ya, Jayno
Molly Chester
Sandra – I have been to Scotland once, a while back. I loved it and the thick accents. Couldn't understand a word, but loved to listen!
Theresa – Hi dear! Great to see you on here. Maybe you can set up a GREAT trip for them one day and see if you can't bend 'em your way. :)
Mom – I passed on your love to John. I miss you, too. You'd love the spot near me that we went for lunch on Saturday.
Maria & Kristen – Thanks girls!
Marla – I definitely will take a sip for you! :)
Thea & Tyler – Thanks friends! And I passed on your props to John! He smiled big. :)
Hi Jayno! Todd's OK. He's with a nice husband & wife with another dog & a yard. He's just a sensitive little doggie! Love you.
Gene
Having been stationed in Harrogate for three years in the seventies, I know how one can feel about England. I especially liked the stone fences, quaint villages, and old farm houses. I don't suppose you'll get up towards Robin Hood's bay, but that was one of my favorite places. Ammonite fossils in the seawalls were interessting, as was some of the seafood (pickled conch not being one of my favorites) available along the beach. Don't forget to try some Yorkshire pudding while you are in Englad. Best warm, directly from an old fashioned oven.
Gene Yockey
Molly
Hi Gene! Thanks for the reminder about the Yorkshire pudding! Yes, I do need to put that on my list! Warmly – Molly