Now in Jolly Old England

For the last two weeks of my vacation (which are fast flying by) I will be in England.  Thursday, I took the Eurostar to London which will be my base for my time in this country.  After so many weeks having foreign languages spoken all around me, it is a bit strange to be hearing primarily English!

My first "engagement" was to have lunch with a friend whom I first met at Venice Carnivale last year.  It seemed fitting that we met for lunch in "Little Venice" near Maida Vale where I am staying.  We had a leisurely 3 hour lunch before she had to take her train back to Stratford.  One thing we did discuss was meeting up in Venice again next year for Carnivale.  That would be fun!

With Bev at the Summer House in Little Venice

One of the Canal Boats on Regents Canal

Then, after some time resting after my hectic schedule the last few weeks, I took the train to Derbyshire on Sunday.  I met my third cousin and his wife and we had lunch at a 16th century coaching inn linked to Hardwick Hall.
  

Pamela, Alan (my cousin) with me having lunch

After lunch and a visit to their home to see their amazing garden, they dropped me at my friends' Jackie and Gary was until Tuesday morning.  Monday, we did a little tour around Derbyshire which included a visit to Bakewell.  This is one of the prettiest villages (towns) in this area and, because Monday was market day, it was busy.  There is a livestock market as well as the usual market so there was lots to see and the parking lot was filled with trucks and trailers used to haul the sheep and cows.  It was a real "picture" of English country life.  We spent some time looking through the market and then visited this lovely little cheese shop.  I couldn't resist buying some cheddar called "Sticky Toffee".   I couldn't wait to try that!  There was also an interesting lemon Wensleydale that I bought was well.  After that, we headed for a pub called The Angel in Holmesfield where we had a lovely lunch.  The weather wasn't that great - very cloudy and the low clouds obscured some of the amazing country scenery so I didn't take any photos.  

Above and Below:  Bakewell

Pie Shop in Bakewell

Lunch with Jackie and Gary at The Eagle

It's Tuesday and I have moved on.  Some friends I met on my cruise last October also live in Derbyshire.  So, they picked me up this morning and I will stay with them this evening before heading back to London tomorrow.  I cannot believe in about a week, this amazing vacation will be done and I will be heading back home.