BRUSSELS, BRUGGE AND ON TO THE UK

We last left you in Maastrict, and after a great time there we travelled on to beautiful Belgium and Brussels to see cousin Alexander and Collette. Of course we had the new that our newest little cousin had arrived, Liam, son to Lexx and Christophe After speaking with Lexx she assures us that he is adorable and the perfect baby, so congratulations to you all.

Alexander and Collette welcomed us very graciously and we had a very full program with them so although our visit was short it was really entertaining and their hospitality again, is second to none. It was sad saying goodbye to them as that most likely will be the last time we will see them, unless they can travel to Australia ( I think Collette will work on Alexander).

Brugge is a city where one is easily lost but it is so beautiful you don't mind. Frank and I rode the pushbikes into town for the day, approx. 4 klm. The main square is like a mini version of The Grand Place in Brussels. Very picturesque with canals running through the town and the waffles are to die for, just as A & J found when they were here previously. We wandered aimlessly through the streets and thankfully found where we had parked our bikes.
We are becoming quite the critics when it comes to shower facilities in camp grounds. Maastrict won with the most comfortable and well equipped showers, but last night in a little town outside Oxford UK we had the strongest and hottest showers so far on the trip, we all blissed out with hot showers, there being so must steam in the room by the time I was finished I couldn’t see the wall in front of me.

After arriving late in the afternoon from France by ferry we drove looking for a camping ground down this lonely narrow tree lined road and came across the “Lidden Bell” a delightful little pub in the tiny town of Lidden. It looked so gorgeous we all decided to stop for a few beers. Being Saturday night it was quite lively with a dozen or so people there for dinner so the four of us sat around drinking beers and playing cards. The publican said we were welcome to park in the carpark for the night for 10 pound, so we did. The next day we moved on to Oxfordshire (The Cotswalds) and stayed in a lovely camping ground called Evergreen Hills. It was a farm with lots of animals, chooks wandering around the campsites, ducks and pigs (not wandering). The weather had a turn for the worst and it was bitterly cold and raining lightly, however on awaking today the sun was shining.

We called in to a little town called Swinbrook today to have a look at a church of interest to us both as we have a “brass rubbing” from there. It was delightful and very historic, we walked across green pastures to another little church and met a few other people who were tramping around the area. Lunch was at the Black Swan pub and then we made our way across Oxfordshire to a campground for the night. For a “first day” in charge we have had a good day and we look forward to a yummy curry for dinner (last nights leftovers).

Andrew and Jamie moved on to greener pastures today. It was very sad to say goodbye as we have had a lovely time with them and of course now we actually have to do some work, with Frank driving and Annette navigating with the aid of TomTom as we make our way to Glasgow.

Thank you to Andrew and Jamie for sharing their space with us for the last 4 weeks. They must have found it difficult having two extras in their little love nest, but they never complained and have been very generous.

Love to all
Frank and Annette
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