This will be the day that everyone on the road trip remembers as "The day that nothing was opened"
Roman Baths were closed. We decided to drive down to Stonehenge - which was closed. To Cheddar Gorge - closed. Clifton Suspension bridge, open only because it's a public road. But it was a nice drive around the countryside, where there were surprisingly no cars. It was nice for a change to not have cars around you and another trail of cars behind you as you drive along those single carriage A-roads.
At Cheddar Gorge, we found a pub that was opened, and the lady boss offered some pity canapes to us, as it was Christmas. Gratefully, we ate the stuff, as we didn't stock up on proper food for Christmas.
Left to right: Me warming ass by fireplace, Bons posing by fireplace
That night, the gals came over to my hall, and thankfully I had enough ingredients to cook them a decent meal. I made them spicy pasta with sausages with Parmesan cheese. We had minced pies, pizza and for each person a chicken filet. I was going to dreg out the mulled wine, but the gals didn't want it. So now that bottle is still in my cupboard.
We left Bath the next day for Warwick. Which was a bit of a disappointment. What was scary was that they led us into the dungeons where people were imprisoned or hung and tortured. One of it was a metal body case that was hung from the ceiling, and very often, prisoners would be put in there till they die and rot. Was a creepy feeling being in that torture chamber. I am sure it must have been filled with spirits in there watching us as we watched at the torture devices.
Left to right: View of living quarters at Warwick, where Daisy Maynard entertained. Bons and Janet on the Mound
When we headed for our B&B in Warwick, which was at Emscote Road, we realised that the owner wasn't around. He had left a note on the door that said."Arrivals or enquiries call 07xxxxxxxx". To which we were frantically trying. But it was sent to a voice mail. That really made me upset cos I was looking forward to resting. So we decided to have dinner and had our traditional English dinner - at Taste of India (Warwick) It was fantastic, and was Bons' first taste of Indian food. The guy was so sweet and gave us a rose each after dinner. :)
It all turned out well as the guy Paul from the B&N called us back, plus he was cute so we were happy.
Janet's shocked face at Taste of India, when we heard no news from Warwick B&B and I suggested driving back to Bath.
Day Six - 27 December 2006
Stratford-upon-Avon - Always thought it was going to be some cheesy touristy town, and true enough it was! But still it is a nice town and I'll definitely go back again. We had a lovely time at the Crabtree & Evelyn restaurant at Stratford.
Clockwise: Yummy cream tea set; Tudor styled house at stratford; Scones; Scones set from Crabtree
By now our Fiat was chucking a bit jerkily, and we were wondering if it was just a FIAT. if you know wot I mean. But we made our way through rain up along the M6, and through to Windermere. Ashleigh, which was the accommodation we stayed at was lovely. I thought it was one of the best so far. But best was yet to come.
Day Seven - 28 December 2006
Doomsday.
With trips there is always one freaking big incident that screws it up or makes it memorable. I havent gone on a trip where everything was planned and had gone smoothly. We planned to go Burrow to look at the Furness Abbey but never got there. At Newby Bridge, right southern most point at Windermere, we realised that the Fiat takes diesel. Not petrol, which we had been pumping all the time. Hertz didn't even bother telling us that it runs on diesel!
I was horrified at the realisation, and just thinking how much it was going to cost me. I texted S to let him know what happened. He called back and assured me that it was okay, and should be fine. That diesel engines can take a huge beating and still be alright. By the time I was done talking to him, I was in tears. I guess the (irrational) thought that I probably have to trade in my MBA for a miserable rental car was just coming up in my head.
We waited 3 hours at the petrol station, and I got pricked by the holly left on the table as Christmas decor.
Waiting & waiting at the Texaco Bistro at Newby Bridge. Real holly on table as decor, warning its leaves are lethally hard and spikey
It was just waiting and waiting. First waiting for the tow man. Then second tow man, cos it's a 4 wheel drive and had to be lifted on the truck, then waiting at the garage.
Boy were we glad to get home. We went down to Windermere's city centre, which had a chinese food shop opened. Ordered take-aways and pigged out in the room.
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